Training and Qualifications in Concrete Industrial Flooring · Association of Concrete Industrial Flooring Contractors Training and Qualifications in Concrete Industrial Flooring

Association of Concrete Industrial Flooring Contractors

Training and Qualifications in Concrete Industrial Flooring

Supported by

¼ Introduction 3 The need for Training and Qualifications

¼ Checklist for Qualifying your Workforce 4 ¼ Choosing the Right Training 6-8

Obtaining an S/NVQ The OSAT process

¼ Concrete Industrial Flooring Training Routes 9

¼ Additional Training and Development 10 ¼ Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Cards 11-13

Identifying the right card CSCS Cards for Concrete Industrial Flooring Occupations The Health, Safety and Environment Test How to obtain a card

¼ CITB Grants 14-16 How to Claim Grants 2014/15

¼ Useful Contacts 18 ¼ ACIFC Membership 19

This guide is issued by the Association of Concrete Industrial Flooring Contractors (ACIFC) to provide general information on best practice and is not a substitute for obtaining independent professional advice. Every effort has been made to see that the information is correct at the time of publication and ACIFC and the organisations responsible for its content cannot accept any liability arising in any way from relying on this guide.

© Association of Concrete Industrial Flooring Contractors 2014

All rights reserved.

Requests to use any part of this guide should be made in writing to:

Association of Concrete Industrial Flooring Contractors (ACIFC) 6-8 Bonhill Street, London EC2A 4BX

Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0844 249 9176

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Contents

This guide has been produced by the Association of Concrete Industrial Flooring Contractors (ACIFC) in partnership with the National Specialist Contractors’ Council (NSCC) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to help you identify the appropriate training to qualify your workforce. Ensuring that all your employees have achieved the relevant qualifications and hold the right CSCS cards can assist you in generating business as well as gaining access to sites.

The need for Training and QualificationsA key objective of ACIFC is to raise standards in flooring technology. By bringing together leading contractors, material suppliers and service providers within the industry, ACIFC is unrivalled when it comes to providing concrete flooring experience.

High performance concrete industrial floors are a crucial element in the construction of modern industrial and commercial buildings where they need to withstand the wear and tear of industrial traffic. Clients can be confident that by specifying an ACIFC member they will be working with a competent and qualified Specialist Contractor who has the support of an established trade association.

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Introduction

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1. Develop a Training and Development Plan to identify and map out the training needs of all your employees. This may include vocational training and short courses. Your CITB Company Development Advisor can assist you with this

2. For Employees that require an S/NVQ for their job role, find a training provider that delivers the appropriate training and register them for the S/NVQ

3. For Employees that need to attend short duration courses for their job role, find a training provider that delivers the appropriate training, and obtain course outlines, course costs and course dates

4. Support your Employees to carry out the training identified in your Training & Development plan ensuring you claim all relevant CITB Grants

5. Ensure each employee holds the correct card for his or her job role using the flowchart, ‘A Guide to CSCS Cards’ (www.nscc.org.uk/support/documents/AGuidetoCSCSCards-Flowchart.pdf)

6. If any employees do not hold the correct card, ensure they obtain one. Experienced operatives in the concrete flooring industry should hold a blue Skilled Worker card in the occupation In Situ Flooring – Concrete

7. Identify and plan additional or refresher training as required

8. As your Employees progress through their career, review their training and qualification requirements and ensure they have the right CSCS card to reflect their role and level of qualification

Checklist for Qualifying your Workforce

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Operatives qualified in Concrete Industrial Flooring should hold the Level 2 S/NVQ Diploma in Specialist Concrete Occupations - In Situ Flooring and obtain the blue CSCS Skilled Worker card in the occupation In Situ Flooring – Concrete.

There are four different S/NVQs available:

¼ Level 2 S/NVQ Diploma in Specialist Concrete Occupations - In Situ Flooring (Concrete Plant Operator)

¼ Level 2 S/NVQ Diploma in Specialist Concrete Occupations - In Situ Flooring (Concrete Finisher)

¼ Level 2 S/NVQ Diploma in Specialist Concrete Occupations - In Situ Flooring (Concrete Layer)

¼ Level 2 S/NVQ Diploma in Specialist Concrete Occupations - In Situ Flooring (Screed)

These qualifications assess the knowledge, skills and competence demonstrated by an individual in the concrete flooring industry. The units which make up these qualifications are derived from National Occupational Standards developed by Industry.

Choosing the Right Training

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Obtaining an S/NVQDepending on the level of experience and competence of the operative, there are different training routes available to obtain the S/NVQ:

¼ There are no formal apprenticeship routes for the Concrete Industrial Flooring sector. Currently there is only one Specialist Apprenticeship Programme (SAP) for In Situ Flooring, Screeding Operative available through CITB.

¼ Experienced Concrete Industrial Flooring operatives Operatives normally work with a Specialist Contractor and gain a minimum of two years on site work experience prior to registering for and achieving a Vocational Qualification (VQ) in their chosen trade through a process known as On Site Assessment and Training (OSAT). Existing skills count towards the S/NVQ and, unless further specific training is required, the entire S/NVQ process is carried out on site which minimises downtime.


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The OSAT process 1. Induction and profiling with VQ assessor

The VQ assessor will introduce the candidate to the OSAT process and make an initial assessment of their skills. The assessor will explain what needs to be done to prove that the candidate has the required skills and set up a folder, in which to keep the evidence gathered by the candidate. If any skills gaps are identified, the assessor will offer advice on training.

2. Gathering of evidence The following will be collected as evidence to prove that the candidate has the necessary skills for the S/NVQ:

¼ Answering questions from the assessor ¼ Evidence of qualifications such as certificates ¼ Documents including plans, letters to customers and risk assessments ¼ Photos of the operative carrying out work ¼ Timesheets ¼ Employer or supervisor witness testimonials.

3. Further assessment The assessor will review the candidate on a regular basis to check their progress. The candidate will be observed by the assessor whilst they work, and an assessment made as to any areas for further development.

4. On-going gathering of evidence and assessment The assessor will advise the candidate about the evidence requirement for the completion of the S/NVQ. Once the assessor has evidence for all the units, they will submit this to the awarding body. There is CITB funding to support the process of obtaining an S/NVQ.

5. Gaining the S/NVQ The S/NVQ will be awarded and the operative will receive an S/NVQ certificate. On receipt of the certificate, the operative can apply to CSCS for the relevant CSCS card.


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Course Type of candidate

Duration Delivery Training and Assessment

Cost CITB Grant

Specialist Apprenticeship Programme (SAP)

New entrants with no previous construction experience

Aged 16+

24 months 21 days off site training

On Site training

On Site assessment

The employer must allow for off-site training and on-site assessment and provide a mentor for the apprentice

The apprentice must complete a portfolio of evidence

Depends on numbers and location but should not exceed the CITB grant available

£7,650 + 22% supplementary payment (if eligible)

TOTAL GRANT £9,333

On Site Assessment and Training (OSAT)

Experienced Concrete Industrial Flooring operatives

Must be working in the Concrete Industrial Flooring sector

Typically 4-5 assessors visits over 6 months

Up to 4 days off site training (if required)

On Site assessment

The employer must allow for off-site training and on-site assessment and provide a mentor for the operative

The operative must complete a portfolio of evidence

Depends on numbers and location

S/NVQ achievement grant=£400 +22% supplementary payment (if eligible)

TOTAL GRANT £488

Concrete Industrial Flooring Training Routes

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There are a number of general courses in health and safety, leadership and management which are available to operatives and managers.

Health and Safety courses including the CITB Site Safety Plus (SSP) suite and National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) can help businesses to create a safer, more efficient working environment which could help them to mitigate risks and stay compliant.

Leadership and management courses, including S/NVQ Level 3 in Construction Site Supervision and S/NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management (England and Wales), have a number of benefits such as increasing motivation and productivity which can have a positive effect on business.

For more information on the range of courses available visit: www.citb.co.uk/training-courses

ACIFC is also developing a series of training courses on the safe operation of items of plant specific to the Concrete Industrial Flooring sector for those who are keen to develop and progress in the industry.

If you are interested in any of these courses, please contact ACIFC on 0844 249 9176.

Machine NVQ module

Laser Screed Plant operator – Operate plant/machinery to lay and distribute

Topping Spreader Plant operator – Operate plant/machinery to lay and distribute

Power Trowel – Ride On Finisher – Apply surface finish to concrete flooring

Power Trowel – Walk Behind Finisher – Apply surface finish to concrete flooring

Fibre Integration Machine – Blower Layer – Manual placement of in situ concrete flooring

Fibre Integration Machine – Conveyor Layer – Manual placement of in situ concrete flooring

Additional Training and Development

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CSCS cards provide the construction industry with a means of identification and proof of competence for individuals working on site. There are nearly 1.8 million card holders in the UK and most major contractors and local authorities require employees and sub-contractors to hold a valid CSCS card before allowing them access to site. There are a range of CSCS cards available which reflect the variety of occupations in the industry.

Identifying the right card NSCC has published an easy to follow flowchart which provides a unique one-page guide to the CSCS card scheme enabling Specialist Contractors to quickly and easily identify the right cards for their workforce. The flowchart can be found on the NSCC website at: www.nscc.org.uk/support/documents/AGuidetoCSCSCards-Flowchart.pdf

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Cards

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Occupation CSCS Card Qualification (S/NVQ)

Health, Safety & Environment Test

Card Validity

New entrants, potential apprentices and work experience candidates

Provisional Card – Red

Working towards Level 1 or 2

Operatives 6 months (Non-renewable)Must register for or achieve an industry recognised qualification prior to the card expiring

Labourer Labourer – Green

Level 1 Operatives 5 Years (Renewable)

Apprentice - Registered on an industry recognised apprenticeship scheme

Apprentice - Red

Working towards Level 2

Part of an apprenticeship framework

4 Years (Non-renewable)Must complete apprenticeship before expiry

Trainee - New to construction but not on an industry recognised apprenticeship scheme

Trainee – Red


Operatives 3 Years (Non-renewable) Must achieve the relevant S/NVQ prior to the card expiring

Experienced Craft Operative (No qualification)

Experienced Worker – Red


Operatives 1 Year (Non-renewable) - Operatives then apply for a Skilled Worker card

Experienced Operative with an industry relevant qualification

Skilled Worker – In Situ Flooring - Concrete – Blue

Level 2 Operatives 5 Years (Renewable)

Site Supervisor / Foreman with an industry relevant qualification

Advanced Craft / Supervisory – Gold

Level 3 Supervisor 5 Years (Renewable)

Site Manager / Contracts Manager with an industry relevant qualification

Manager – Black

Level 4 Managers and Professionals

5 Years (Renewable)

Senior Manager / Director with an industry relevant qualification

Academically or Professionally Qualified – White

Academic qualification or Member of approved professional body

Managers and Professionals

5 Years (Renewable)

CSCS Cards for Concrete Industrial Flooring Occupations


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The Health, Safety and Environment Test ¼ To obtain a CSCS card, an individual must pass the Health, Safety and Environment

Test relevant to the CSCS occupation – see table on page 12

¼ When preparing for the test, the individual should ensure they are using the range of revision materials available including the latest edition of the Question and Answer book and practice DVD

¼ To book a test, which costs £17.50, and order revision materials, call 0344 994 4488 or visit www.citb.co.uk/cards-testing/health-safety-environment-test/booking-the-test

How to Obtain a Card ¼ Use the ‘A Guide to CSCS Cards’ flowchart to identify the correct card for

your occupation which can be found on the NSCC website at: www.nscc.org.uk/support/documents/AGuidetoCSCSCards-Flowchart.pdf

¼ Download and complete the relevant CSCS application form from www.cscs.uk.com/Downloads, and submit it to CSCS along with a passport photo and payment of £30

¼ Pass the relevant Health, Safety and Environment Test

¼ Await the issue of the CSCS card, which should take between 10-20 days depending on the payment method used.


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Companies registered with CITB can claim grant for carrying out training and obtaining qualifications for their employees and labour only sub-contractors, even if they don’t pay levy due to the Small Business Levy Exemption.

If you are carrying out training for any of your workforce, you should be claiming CITB grants for attendance and achievement on a wide range of courses including:

¼ Apprenticeships ¼ S/NVQ achievements ¼ Site Safety Plus ¼ Technical and professional courses ¼ Short duration off-the-job training.

Details of the grants available from 1 August 2014 – 31 July 2015 can be found on page 16.

CITB Grants

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How to Claim You can claim for planned attendance on training courses that meet all your business needs through a Training and Development Plan. The grant is £50 per person for each full day (6 hours of more) and £25 per person for each half day (3 hours or more) of training completed and you will receive payments in instalments throughout the year. This is available for a maximum number of days, based on the number of PAYE staff and labour-only sub-contractors you have declared on your CITB Levy Return. Grant is also available for training of 30 minutes or more which forms part of a CITB approved Modular Training Programme (MTP).

If you do not have a Training and Development Plan, you can claim grant for Short Duration off-the-job training. The grant is £50 per person for each full day of training and £25 per person for each half day of training and you will need to complete and submit a claim form after each training course or qualification. This is also available for a maximum number of days, based on the number of PAYE staff and labour-only sub-contractors you have declared on your CITB Levy Return up to a maximum of £5,000 per employer per Grant Scheme year.

A claim form can be downloaded at www.citb.co.uk/documents/ levy-grant/20142015%20grant%20scheme%20pdfs/csk-r211124-claim_lo.pdf

Please note you cannot claim grant for both a Training and Development Plan and Short Duration off-the-job training in the same CITB Grant Scheme year.

For advice and assistance in claiming grant, you should contact your local CITB Company Development Advisor on 0344 994 4101 if you are in England or 0344 994 8800 if you are in Scotland. The CITB Grant Scheme is reviewed annually and further information can be found at www.citb.co.uk/levy-grant/claiming-grants-available/

CITB Grants

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Grants 2014/2015 CITB-registered companies that pay the levy and submit their levy return on time may be eligible for a supplementary payment of 22% on the grant rates below.

Training or Qualification

Grant Code

Amount of Grant How to Claim

S/NVQ Level 2• Achievement –

via OSAT

A31 £400 A claim form will automatically be sent by CITB

Claim form should be submitted within 3 months of attendance

Short Duration off-the-job training • Attendance – 1 day

or more courses (Minimum of 6 hours per day)

• Attendance – ½ day courses (minimum of 3 hours per day)

B201

£50 per day

£25 for ½ day

Submit claim form on completion of training.

www.citb.co.uk/documents/levy-grant/20142015%20grant%20scheme%20pdfs/csk-r211124-claim_lo.pdf

Site Safety Plus • Directors Role for

Health & Safety • SMSTS• SSSTS• Health and Safety

Awareness

A29 £50 for each day attended A claim form will automatically be sent by CITB

Claim form should be submitted within 3 months of attendance

Training and Development Plan • Attendance on any

appropriate training course – minimum of 3 hours duration (Shorter training sessions can be applied for)

B102 £50 for each day attended Contact CITB Company Development Advisor.

For England – Tel: 0344 994 4010

For Scotland – Tel: 0344 994 8800

CITB Grants

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ACIFCOffers a dedicated training adviser to assist with all your training queries

0844 249 [email protected]

CITB Company Development Adviser A local point of contact to advise employers on training and grants

England:0344 994 [email protected]

Scotland:0344 994 [email protected] www.citb.co.uk/employer-support/company-development-advisor/

CITB Levy and Grant Team For all CITB levy and grant enquiries

0344 994 [email protected]/levy-grant/

CSCS helpline For all CSCS card enquiries

0344 994 4777www.cscs.uk.com

CSCS Health, Safety and Environment Test Booking centre for the Health, Safety and Environment Test

0300 994 4488www.citb.co.uk/cards-testing/health-safety-environment-test/booking-the-test/

National Specialist Accredited CentreFor VQ assessment

England: 0300 456 5561 [email protected]

Scotland: 0300 456 8728 www.citb.co.uk/training-courses/national-specialist-team-and-national-specialist-accredited-centre/

Useful Contacts

The Association of Concrete Industrial Flooring Contractors (ACIFC) is the recognised trade association for the concrete industrial flooring industry, representing contractors, material suppliers and service providers.

Why Choose ACIFC? ¼High level representation and first point of contact for industry

¼Members with a proven track record of financial and technical delivery

¼ Commitment to health and safety and a qualified workforce

¼ Collaboration across the supply chain to raise standards in floor technology

¼Wide-ranging business support including discounted products and services

¼ Up to date guidance and information

¼Networking

For further information, call: 0844 2479 9176 Email: [email protected] visit: www.acifc.org

Representing theConcrete Industrial Flooring Industry

Association of Concrete Industrial Flooring Contractors

6-8 Bonhill Street

London

EC2 4BX

T: 0844 2479 9176

E: [email protected]

W: www.acifc.org

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