Newsletter December 2010

Huge employer demand for new apprenticeships in Wales

An Asset Skills project delivering apprenticeships and vocational qualifications in Wales has been overwhelmed by employer demand.

The Sector Priorities Fund Pilot (SPFP) programme has already registered 118 candidates from more than 25 companies since its September launch. The overall target is to train 230 people by the end of next year.

The programme has been so well received that some of the qualifications are now fully allocated. In particular, the FM apprenticeships have generated demand of four times the original allocation. Asset Skills is now working with contracted training providers to source other funding to meet the demand.

The pilot programme, funded by the EU and the Welsh Assembly Government, under their Sector Priorities Fund, is designed to bring new qualifications to the built environment.

The qualifications covered include:

- Apprenticeships in Facilities Management, Housing and Surveying

- Foundation Apprenticeships in Cleaning and Housing

- Skills for Supporting Public Services

- Local Environmental Services

- National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP) Technical Awards in 1) the Sale of Residential Property and 2) Residential Lettings and Property Management

There are still a limited number of places available on some of the courses listed above. For more information contact Allen Williams at awilliams@assetskills.org or call 07736 438 047.

 

Galw enfawr gan gyflogwyr am brentisiaethau newydd yng Nghymru

Mae prosiect gan Asset Skills sy'n cyflenwi prentisiaethau a chymwysterau galwedigaethol yng Nghymru wedi profi galw llethol gan gyflogwyr.

Ers ei lansio fis Medi, mae'r rhaglen Cynllun Peilot y Gronfa Blaenoriaethau Sector (SPFP) eisoes wedi cofrestru 118 ymgeisydd o fwy na 25 o gwmnïau. Y targed yw hyfforddi 230 o bobl erbyn diwedd y flwyddyn nesaf.

Mae'r rhaglen wedi derbyn cymaint o groeso nes bod rhai o'r cymwysterau wedi'u clustnodi'n llwyr. Yn enwedig, gwelwyd galw am bedair gwaith y cyflenwad gwreiddiol o'r prentisiaethau Rheoli Cyfleusterau. Mae Asset Skills bellach yn gweithio gyda'r darparwyr hyfforddiant a gontractiwyd i chwilio am arian o rywle arall i gwrdd â'r galw.

Dyluniwyd y rhaglen beilot, a ariannwyd gan yr UE a Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru, dan y Gronfa Blaenoriaethau Sector, i ddod â chymwysterau newydd i'r amgylchedd adeiledig.

Mae'r cymwysterau'n cynnwys:

- Prentisiaethau mewn Rheoli Cyfleusterau, Tai a Thirfesur

- Prentisiaethau Sylfaenol mewn Glanhau a Thai

- Sgiliau Cefnogi i Wasanaethau Cyhoeddus

- Gwasanaethau Amgylcheddol Lleol

- Dyfarniadau Technegol NFOPP (Ffederasiwn Cenedlaethol Gweithwyr ym maes Eiddo) mewn 1) Gwerthu Eiddo Preswyl a 2) Gosod Tai Preswyl a Rheoli Eiddo

Mae nifer cyfyngedig o lefydd ar gael ar rai o'r cyrsiau a restrir uchod. Am wybodaeth bellach cysylltwch ag Allen Williams ar awilliams@assetskills.org.uk neu ffoniwch 07736 438 047.

 

New Green Deal to improve energy efficiency in properties

Up to a quarter of a million jobs could be supported over the next 20 years through the government's new Green Deal to overhaul the energy efficiency of homes and small businesses.

The initiative will be a new and radical way of ensuring energy efficiency in property, which accounts for 47% of the UK's carbon emissions. The government is committed to reducing these levels by 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.

Staff with the right technical know-how will be essential to ensure the Green Deal's success. Asset Skills has been working with the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Communities and Local Government to ensure the right training is in place for the new role of Energy Adviser, who will assess and advise householders and business owners on the energy efficiency of a property.

"New skills, knowledge and understanding of green technologies and long term sustainability issues are increasingly in demand," said Richard Beamish, Chief Executive of Asset Skills.

"All properties, domestic and commercial, new and existing, will have to be made more energy efficient. Expertise and knowledge of low carbon technologies are crucial components in helping the built environment industry meet the carbon cutting challenge."

The government predicts that, were all 26 million households to take up the Green Deal over the next 20 years, employment in the sector would rise from its current level of 27,000 to something approaching 250,000, working all around the country to make the housing stock fit for a low carbon world.

The new plans will mean that after 2012, people will be able to approach their energy supplier for a loan to cover the cost of insulation, instead of paying in advance. The charge for the energy efficiency measures would be attached to the property - not the owner - so that if somebody sold their home, the buyer would take on the responsibility for the repayments.

The Asset Skills low carbon skills training programme seeks to prepare employers in the built environment for the challenge ahead. Read more here.

 

Energy advice training launched in Northern Ireland

A programme to train people in energy advice has been launched in Northern Ireland. It is part of a campaign to prepare employers in facilities management (FM), housing and property for a low carbon future.

Asset Skills developed the training in response to a growing demand for qualified energy advisers. The programme has been driven by the commitment to reduce total carbon emissions in the UK by 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.

The Energy Adviser Learning and Qualifications Programme was produced by Asset Skills in partnership with Northern Ireland's Department for Employment and Learning, the North West Regional College, and Belfast Metropolitan College.

There are 30 free places available on the pilot programme which starts in January 2011. The learning involves one-to-one teaching and assessment, practical experience and online study. Candidates will be able to gain two nationally recognised qualifications offered by the Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE). They include the:

- Level 3 Certificate in Energy Advice (Home) - 16 credits

- Level 4 Award in Renewable Technologies - 8 credits

For more information please email Phil Stott at pstott@assetskills.org or call 01392 456 825. 

 

Energy Advice programme - South West England

Asset Skills is piloting the energy advice learning programme in south west England, in partnership with Somerset and Cornwall Colleges.

The course will be launched in January 2011 with 30 learners (who will need to have Domestic Energy Assessor qualifications or equivalent). The launch seminar spans two days at the Genesis Centre in Taunton, the sustainable construction resource and learning centre for the South West.

It will then continue through a mix of online resources, telephone support and continuing face-to-face work over a period of five or six months. Candidates will develop the skills to provide comprehensive energy advice. They will gain a Level 3 Award in Home Energy Advice and new modules on renewable technologies and the Carbon Reduction Commitment at Level 4.

The course content is fully funded. A small charge could apply for college administration fees and learners will have to pay for their own overnight accommodation.

Employers in FM, housing or property who would like to express an interest in either of the above energy advice pilots should contact Philip Stott by email at pstott@assetskills.org or call 01392 456 825.

 

Consultation on commercial energy advice standards

As part of the government's efforts in carbon reduction and energy efficiency Asset Skills has developed National Occupational Standards (NOS) for those giving advice on energy use in both the home and in all types of commercial buildings.

Occupational standards are used as the basis for the development of new vocational qualifications. Standards in home energy advice have already been used to create a new qualification on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). Asset Skills is now starting development of NOS for commercial energy advice.

We are seeking your feedback on the draft standards, which deal with the generic skills required by all commercial energy advisers. Responses can be made via an electronic questionnaire which can be found at: http://questionnaire.stratagia.co.uk/asset-skills-ceanos

A further set of standards will be developed for highly specialist technical areas of advice such as heating, lighting and air conditioning etc.

We are seeking contact with organisations which provide 'whole-system' and major refit consultancy. If you can help us please contact Phil Stott at pstott@assetskills.org

 

Research update - Sector Skills Assessments and LMI

Sector Skills Assessments

Sector Skills Assessments present the results of a comprehensive research programme, providing an authoritative, strategic and forward thinking analysis of the industries in the Asset Skills footprint.

In December 2010, nine reports were submitted to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) for inclusion in the National Skills Strategy.

Industry specific research and a UK-wide report have also been produced, along with an executive summary outlining skills priorities. The Scotland research will be available from 14 January.

These reports are now available to download on the Asset Skills website at the following link: http://www.assetskills.org/Research/SectorSkillsAssessment2010.aspx

Asset Skills LMI Assessment

A core remit of a Sector Skills Council is to identify and make available the current and future skills needs of employers across the sector. To deliver this, the research team produces a range of products such as: State of the Sector and Nation Reports; Intelligence Papers; Sector and Nation Factsheets.

During 2010, an independent assessment was carried out on behalf of the UKCES by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES). IES awarded one of the highest grades of any SSC to the Asset Skills research team who were rated as good or outstanding in a number of areas.

We are continuously looking for ways in which to improve the labour market information offer and would appreciate any ideas. Please contact Shabana Parkes sparkes@assetskills.org.

The studies can be accessed at the following link or by contacting the research team on 01604 233336 http://www.assetskills.org/Research/Research.aspx

 

Wanted: trainers/qualifications assessors in housing

Housing professionals are being sought to work as qualifications assessors for a training provider in north west England.

The posts are for part-time experienced or potential trainers and assessors, and will involve working across the region delivering the Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeships in Housing.

Initial teaching/assessor training will be given to the right person. Rates of pay negotiable depending on experience and qualifications.

Please contact Esu Hill at The Training Brokers by email at esu@thetrainingbrokers.co.uk or call 07776 464 599.

 

Team Clean Challenge winners honoured at WorldSkills UK 2010 Awards

Winners of this year's Team Clean Challenge skills contest have been recognised at the WorldSkills UK 2010 Competition Awards.

More than 100 people who had taken part in several vocational skills competitions were handed Gold Awards by celebrity chef Brian Turner.

The 2011 WorldSkills UK competition is now open for entries. Please visit www.worldskillsuk.org.uk for more information.

 

Business case for work experience

Asset Skills is encouraging employers in surveying to consider offering more student work placements. The lack of work experience in surveying was a concern raised at the Asset Skills higher education/employer forum.

A new 'business case for work experience in surveying' has been produced and is available to view here.

Asset Skills is interested to hear from any employer who might not have considered the benefits of offering work placements but is now interested in doing so. Please contact Liz Black by email at lblack@assetskills.org or call 07921 976 815.