Unemployed training with the Fencing Work Based Academy is Launched

FaCT are pleased to announce it has secured a contract with the Job Centre Plus and the Skills Funding Agency to delivery fencing and construction training to the long term unemployed. The first pilot programme is now recruiting in Chelmsford and will be delivered at the end of June and into July. The plan is then to roll these programmes out across England The Offer To have an opportunity to work within the fencing industry (or even the wider construction sector employees need to hold a Construction Skills Certification (CSCS) Card. This programme will enable successful learners to gain this card, along with a portfolio of certificates and a qualification in The Principles of Fencing. These certificates and the CSCS card will give the learners a real helping hand into employment within the fencing industry. Following the training, learners will have the opportunity to work with fencers for a couple of days, enabling them to gain a better understanding of whether a career in fencing is for them. This will hopefully be followed by the opportunity to have an interview with an employer, who would in partnership with FaCT be able to offer them a fencing apprenticeship. Even if the fencing industry is not for them, the training, certificates and CSCS card would help equip them to enter the wider construction industry. Presentation of Certificates FaCT has the option to deliver the programme either in the local area using hired training rooms and linking in with local fencing businesses, or by delivering the training at its residential training centre in the midlands where it can also provide overnight accommodation. The Outcome Learners who attend and complete this training package will gain the following: Good understanding of the fencing industry and the career opportunities Some work experience in the fencing industry Opportunity to meet employer(s) in the industry, with the possibility of an interview An introduction to the fencing apprenticeship programme A CSCS card (subject to passing the Health & Safety test) They will also gain the following certificates: Level 2 certificate in The Principles of Fencing Health, safety and environmental awareness for fencers Safe use of power tools Abrasive wheels Cable location and avoidance Emergency first aid Understanding boundary fence Timescales and delivery numbers FaCT plan to deliver the first pilot programme in Chelmsford, Essex, at the end of June 2013. This would then be followed by rolling out the programme across England, with courses offered in the West Midlands, North East, North West, Yorkshire and the South West. Each course would be able to facilitate 10 to 12 learners. The Fencing Industry The UK fencing industry is a small but vital part of the construction and land-based sector. Employing approximately 27,000 people across the UK; the demand for a skilled workforce continues to grow with the growth in the construction and security industry. In partnership with Job Centre Plus, local employers and with funding secured from the Skills Funding Agency, FaCT aims to develop a fencing work-based academy. This will be piloted with Chelmsford JCP in Essex before launching the programme throughout England. Fencing and Construction Training (FaCT) Ltd. FaCT is the largest training provider in the UK for the fencing industry, offering a full range of training and qualifications to fully equip the workforce and to help ensure training is refreshed and up to date. Approved by Lantra Awards, FaCT can deliver the full range of qualifications, including Level 2, 3 & 4 fencing diplomas (NVQs), technical certificates and the apprenticeship and advanced apprenticeship. FaCT has a network of trainers, assessors and training locations across the UK to ensure training is accessible and delivered in a way to meet learner and employer’s needs. With access to government funding and in partnership with two prime contract holders, FaCT can provide cost effective delivery for learners. FaCT works closely with both the Sector Skills Council – Lantra and the awarding body – Lantra Awards, to ensure the training and qualifications are up to date and meet industry’s needs. FaCT is now developing its portfolio to deliver effective pre-employment training, to ensure that potential recruits have the basic knowledge and training to enable them to meet the demands of prospective employers. FaCT has strong links with the fencing businesses which will help facilitate work experience and identify potential vacancies. The Fencing Industry The fencing industry covers a wide range of work from residential fencing around gardens; agricultural stock fencing; high security fencing for prisons; utility and commercial sites to vehicle restrain systems and noise barriers on the highways, automated gates and access barriers. There are approximately 3,150 fencing businesses in the UK, employing 27,000 people. 85% of businesses have fewer than ten members of staff, with only 1% employing over one hundred staff. Businesses state that the most common reason they found it hard to fill vacancies is either a “lack of interest in this type of work” or the “lack of basic construction skills”. 58% of employers reported when looking for new recruits they encountered problems finding people with the skills and basic knowledge and training required. The industry typically employ younger people due to the nature of the work; requiring people to be physically fit and being able to travel and stay away in lodgings to undertake larger contract work in different parts of the country. (Source Lantra Sector Skills Council) The fencing industry hopes to see growth over the coming years, with the increase in general construction work, including: large numbers of houses being built; the new “London Gateway” deep sea port; “High Speed 2” and “Cross rail”. These projects will require large amounts of fencing work to be undertaken. With this in mind fencing businesses will look to recruit more staff as well as the on-going replacements required. Contact information For more information please contact Timothy Drew Managing Director FaCT 85 Bunbury Road, Northfield, BIRMINGHAM B31 2ET Tel 0121 243 5038 Mobile 07977 912264 e-mail tim@fctrain.co.uk web www.fctrain.co.uk