In working closely with its members to understand changes in working practices on their sites, and thus changes in their training and industrial relations requirements, the Building and Engineering Services Association (B&ES) has identified a “new” job role on many sites which has developed from the need to address a new trend in fast track projects which has appeared over the last few years.

Contractors are addressing this issue in a variety of different ways including pre fabrication which sees a majority of the framework of mechanical and electrical services being built off site and then delivered and built in situ giving huge benefits to both the contractor and the Client.

Currently many contractors use “unskilled labour” to carry out the majority of the containment work freeing their fully skilled craftsmen to focus their skills on more specialist issues such as commissioning, testing, fault finding and correction, building management and system integration However the HVCA feel that this containment role is key and thus the operatives carrying out this role should be assessed as competent to the correct level and recognised for that achievement.

Current Position

Working alongside its training company, Building Engineering Services Training (BEST), B&ES, working with industry partners has developed a multi-skilled operative qualification and apprenticeship framework.

This new qualification and framework is not intended to replace the existing traditional routes but run alongside as robust alternative which then gives new entrants and existing operatives and craftsmen options to progress through to higher levels / management or to specialise in specific technologies. It also gives industry the ability to “ensure the competency” of current operatives working as mates and to recognise the role they actually play on most sites which is skilled to an industry recognised level.  In doing so the HVCA believe this will provide operatives with improved career prospects, as well as improving our industry’s image and profile.

Next Steps

B&ES have undertaken an initial, low level Industry consultation to ensure the level and content of the proposed qualification suits industry needs  It is now the intention to engage with a wider audience to fully evaluate the qualification is fit for purpose before launching it in September 2012.

Contact

For more details e-mail Sarah Wicks