On Site Assessment Training for Roofing Contractors

We all know that the UK construction industry, and the roofing industry in particular, is facing a skills shortage that will be far more difficult to address after Brexit.  The construction industry as a whole has been launching initiatives to try to attract more school leavers and young people, pointing out that recent developments in techniques, materials and technology make construction an enticing career choice. 

According to National Construction Training Services (NCTS), one of the UK’s leading training providers for the roofing industry in the UK, on-site training opportunities is a key component for roofing career success.  The NCTS is dedicated to helping train a whole new generation of roofers through industry recognised, CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) funded assessments.

NCTS has recruited a team of assessors who will receive NSAC (National Specialist Accredited Centre) training to become qualified assessors.  Once they have qualified, they will begin visiting construction sites to analyse the workforce in order to help workers gain a Level 2 NVQ qualification.  This On Site Assessment Training (OSAT) will focus primarily on the following roofing applications:

• Roof slate and tiling
• Roof sheet cladding and rainscreens
• Lead and hard metal
• Waterproofing
• Built up felt
• Single ply

Any roofing contractors with experience in the above applications are invited to apply for an OSAT placement, with 100 OSAT funded places available via NCTS.

OSAT involves one to one assessments (usually no more than two are necessary) which are carried out in the workplace and candidates have up to a year to complete the assessment, though candidates are usually expected to complete within three to six months from the first assessment.  OSAT is an ideal option for:

• Anybody working in the industry who needs to obtain a relevant skills card
• Workers who want to avoid downtime and do not want to be away from the job
• Workers who have years’ of experience but do not hold any formal qualifications.

Assessments will take into account candidates’ on site performance, their skills and their adherence to health and safety legislation and best practice.  Trainees and their employers will be given a detailed report on their performance which highlights any areas for improvement, if necessary.  All candidates who wish to enrol for the Level 2 NVQ should apply for a trainee card which will allow them entry to and the right to work at CSCS cardholder only sites.  Once they have achieved the Level 2 NVQ, they will be able to apply for a Skilled Worker CSCS (blue) card.

OSAT offers employers the following benefits:

• The process is carried out on site which reduces both time away from the workplace and travel costs
• It will help you or your employees to achieve CSCS cards in a quick and convenient manner
• OSAT takes into account pre-existing skills meaning that workers only need to train in areas where they have insufficient knowledge or experience