The Sector Skills Council for the places where we live and work
Careers Advice Line 0800 056 7160
Asset Skills
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48 New North Road
Exeter
EX4 4EP
info@assetskills.org
Message from the Chief Executive
The emergency budget has come and gone, the new ministers are settling into their roles, and we are beginning to see more of the future for skills development within an increasingly austere and deregulated climate.
What is clear is that the Government sees skills as a vital part of ensuring the success of industry across the UK, and wishes to work through industry sectors primarily to ensure relevance and value for money. The largest single focus for England, at least, is on apprenticeships but Skills Minister John Hayes has also stressed the importance of a broad range of qualifications and training.
When there is less public money available for training, the focus must be on relevance. And in this context, we are delighted that the Secretary of State for Business has recognised the importance of employer owned apprenticeship programmes. Employers will be greatly encouraged by the fact the new government is expanding apprenticeships so rapidly and recognising them as being good for the productivity of the economy.
The pledge to increase the number of apprenticeship places, especially for small businesses, sits well with the new apprenticeships we are trialling in facilities management as part of our new Virtual Academy for Business Services. And in the latter context John Hayes has already acknowledged the potential of the new Academy.
You can read more about the Academy below, as well as about our work on apprenticeships and on low carbon. We also provide information on work to improve skills and career prospects right across the UK.
While we take nothing for granted with the Comprehensive Spending Review scheduled for the autumn, we continue to listen to you, the employer, and to look for better ways to ensure you get the standards, courses and qualifications you need for success. And we're always ready to listen and to act to find skills solutions for you.
Government commitment to "employer owned" apprenticeships
Asset Skills hopes the new government's commitment to apprenticeships will boost efforts to improve skills through its new employer funded Virtual Academy for Business Services.
It follows the announcement by the new Secretary of State for Business Vince Cable that he is committed to "high quality, employer owned apprenticeships" and will refocus £150 million into an extra 50,000 apprenticeship places in 2010/11.
The Virtual Academy pilot was launched by Asset Skills in May. The model is innovative in the world of skills training in that it is funded through its employer membership and does not form part of the National Skills Academy network which draws on the public purse.
Business Services has been identified as a future growth industry in the government's National Strategic Skills Audit 2010, which claimed raising skills in this area should be a priority.
Facilities management plays a major role in this sector with a diverse workforce and an important part in helping the UK meet its environmental targets through the efficient energy management of buildings.
The apprenticeship in facilities management is the industry's first apprenticeship programme. To kick off the Virtual Academy, the scheme is being trialled in six regions of England.
A series of early employer events are taking place to promote the apprenticeship - two in June for employers in the South East and South West. More are expected to take place in the East of England, West of England, North East and Yorkshire & the Humber.
Asset Skills wants to hear from FM employers interested in participating in these pilots or receiving Academy updates. Please contact Tom Orton on torton@assetskills.org or call the Virtual Academy for Business Services on 0844 822 2525.
Strong turnout at event to register FM Apprenticeship candidates
Asset Skills was greatly encouraged by the employer response to the first of six regional events to register candidates onto the new Facilities Management (FM) Apprenticeship.
More than 40 turned up to the early evening network seminar held for London businesses despite the glorious sunshine, the emergency budget and the World Cup.
The FM apprenticeship is a new level 3 programme being piloted across England as part of the Virtual Academy for Business Services, run by the Sector Skills Council for FM, Asset Skills.
"We were delighted with the numbers who attended our event to recruit to the new apprenticeship," said Steven Proudfoot, Director of UK Operations at Asset Skills. "We will now be following up on each employer to assist them with the registration process."
The Virtual Academy for Business Services is funded by employers and seeks to help the facilities management industry in the training of the workforce by simplifying the process for employers and achieving economies of scale. One of its first projects has been to kick start FM apprenticeship schemes in London, the South West, the East of England, North West, North East and Yorkshire & the Humber.
The event in London included speakers from Asset Skills, the British Institute of Facilities Management and the National Apprenticeship Service. They outlined how the new training framework will benefit the diverse range of staff found in facilities management who include building managers, energy managers, buildings maintenance teams, cleaners, security guards, receptionists, caterers, gardeners and hospital porters. The new apprenticeship will also help the sector in tackling environmental targets through raising the skills needed to achieve low carbon working practices.
Dates are now confirmed for Leeds on 20 July and Manchester on 21 September. For more information, email virtualacademy@assetskills.org or call Tom Orton on 0844 822 2525. Alternatively, visit www.assetskills.org/virtualacademy. To hear employer views about the Academy see www.youtube.com/assetskills.
New apprenticeships and training for Welsh built environment
A new programme is set to transform the training landscape for industries in the Welsh built environment by delivering apprenticeships and qualifications where none currently exist.
The Sector Priorities Fund (SPF) Pilot Project will greatly benefit the workforce in facilities management, cleaning, property, planning and housing.
It is being run by Asset Skills, the Sector Skills Council representing these industries. Training providers, employers and industry partners are welcome to attend the event.
Briefing workshop
• 30 June 2010 - Maesmawr Hall Hotel, Caersws, Powys, SY17 5SF
The workshop for training providers, tenderers and employers will be held at 11am - 1pm followed by lunch.
What is the SPF?
The SPF training is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government as part of its European Funded Sector Priorities Pilot Project. Asset Skills is establishing a network of training providers to ensure effective qualifications delivery.
The new apprenticeships (fully funded) and vocational qualifications (part funded) are not currently available in Wales. They include:
• Apprenticeships in Facilities Management, Housing and Surveying (Level 3)
• Foundation Apprenticeships in Cleaning and Housing (Level 2)
• Skills for Supporting Public Services (SSPS - Level 2)
• Local Environmental Services (LES - Level 2)
• National Federation of Property Professionals Technical Awards (NFOPP Level 3) in Sale of Residential Property and in Residential Lettings and Property Management
The network of providers will offer the highest quality training to meet the skills needs of employers and their staff.
The funding is only available in Wales and places for the programme are limited so early registration is essential.
If you are an employer looking to invest in the skills of your workforce or a training provider wishing to participate in this scheme, please contact Allen Williams, SPF Project Manager at Asset Skills Cymru, at awilliams@assetskills.org or 07736 438 047.
To register for the training provider workshop contact Tina Pickles at tpickles@assetskills.org or 01604 824 115.
Prentisiaethau a hyfforddiant newydd ar gyfer amgylchedd adeiledig Cymru
Mae rhaglen newydd yn mynd i weddnewid holl faes hyfforddiant ar gyfer diwydiannau yn amgylchedd adeiledig Cymru trwy ddarparu prentisiaethau a chymwysterau lle nad oes dim ar hyn o bryd.
Bydd y gweithlu ym maes rheoli cyfleusterau, glanhau, eiddo, cynllunio a thai yn elwa'n fawr ar Brosiect Peilot y Gronfa Blaenoriaethau Sector (CBS).
Mae'n cael ei redeg gan Sgiliau Asedau, y Cyngor Sector Sgiliau syn cynrychioli'r diwydiannau hyn. Mae croeso i ddarparwyr hyfforddiant, cyflogwyr a phartneriaid y diwydiant ddod i'r digwyddiadau hyn.
Gweithdai Briffio
• 28 Mehefin 2010 - Future Inns, Heol Hemingway, Bae Caerdydd, Caerdydd, CF10 4AU
• 30 Mehefin 2010 - Gwesty Plas Maesmawr, Caersws, Powys, SY17 5SF
Cynhelir y gweithdai ar gyfer darparwyr hyfforddiant, tendrwyr a chyflogwyr o 11am tan 1pm a bydd cinio wedyn.
Beth yw'r CBS?
Mae hyfforddiant y CBS wedi ei ariannu gan Lywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru yn rhan o'i Phrosiect Peilot Blaenoriaethau Sector a Ariennir gan Ewrop. Mae Sgiliau Asedau yn sefydlu rhwydwaith o ddarparwyr hyfforddiant er mwyn sicrhau y cyflenwir cymwysterau yn effeithiol.
Nid yw'r prentisiaethau newydd (wedi eu cyllido'n llawn) a chymwysterau galwedigaethol (wedi eu cyllido'n rhannol) ar gael ar hyn o bryd yng Nghymru. Maent yn cynnwys:
• Prentisiaethau mewn Rheoli Cyfleusterau, Tai a Thirfesur (Lefel 3)
• Prentisiaeth Sylfaen mewn Glanhau a Thai (Lefel 2)
• Sgiliau ar gyfer Cynnal Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus (SSPS - Lefel 2)
• Gwasanaethau Amgylcheddol Lleol (LES - Lefel 2)
• Dyfarniadau Technegol Ffederasiwn Cenedlaethol y Gweithwyr Proffesiynol Eiddo (NFOPP Lefel 3) mewn Gwerthu Eiddo Preswyl ac mewn Gosodiadau Gweddilliol a Rheoli Eiddo
Bydd rhwydwaith y darparwyr yn cynnig hyfforddiant o'r radd flaenaf i ddiwallu angen cyflogwyr a'u gweithwyr am sgiliau.
Yng Nghymru yn unig y mae'r cyllid i'w gael a nifer gyfyngedig o leoedd sydd ar gyfer y rhaglen, felly mae cofrestru'n gynnar yn angenrheidiol.
Os ydych yn gyflogwr sy'n dymuno buddsoddi yn sgiliau eich gweithlu neu'n ddarparydd hyfforddiant sy'n dymuno cymryd rhan yn y cynllun hwn, mae croeso i chi gysylltu ag Allen Williams, Rheolwr Prosiect CBS yn Sgiliau Asedau Cymru ar awilliams@assetskills.org neu 07736 438 047.
I gofrestru ar gyfer gweithdai'r darparwyr hyfforddiant, cysylltwch â Tina Pickles ar tpickles@assetskills.org neu 01604 824 115.
A new course is available for people who need an understanding of low carbon methods in the workplace.
The Understanding Energy and Carbon Auditing Explored is primarily aimed at those in the facilities management, energy management and property sectors.
It is being promoted through the Virtual Academy for Business Services pilot being run by Asset Skills, the Sector Skills Council for facilities management and property.
The course is delivered by the Carbon Free Group at a reduced rate. It covers energy and carbon auditing in buildings and gives candidates an understanding of the different methods used to reliably measure energy use and carbon emissions, and the cost implications involved in carbon cutting measures.
It also covers areas such as how to respond to legislative and policy measure such as the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme or the NHS Carbon Reduction Strategy.
For more, see www.assetskills.org/Academy/TrainingQualifications/Lowcarbon.aspx
Places are limited and on a first come, first served basis. To register contact Tom Orton at torton@assetskills.org or call the Virtual Academy on 0844 822 2525.
Your feedback needed for new functional map
Are you involved in the built environment? From town planning, building design, construction and engineering to housing and sustainable community development - people in these industries form part of what the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) terms 'the place making sector'.
Asset Skills is working in conjunction with the HCA and other organisations to create a functional map, a list of work functions involved in this area. It is the starting point for the development of occupational standards, which explain what someone needs to know and be able to do to be competent in their job. Standards can also be used to develop vocational qualifications, job descriptions, internal appraisal systems, person specifications and company training programmes.
There are a number of occupations that sit under the umbrella of the 'place-making sector'. New requirements are demanding different skills within individual professions and increasingly the lines between them are blurring and overlapping as people take a more holistic approach to the development of communities.
We are looking for feedback from organisations and individuals working in this area to help shape the map to ensure we capture the key functions.
Details of the consultation and focus groups are available here: http://skills.homesandcommunities.co.uk/node/849
Asset Skills research update
Latest Barometer results published
Launched in June 2008, the Asset Skills Barometer periodically samples employers' responses to skills and productivity issues. The survey focuses on investment in skills and training, current and future challenges, business growth objectives and company performance.
The analysis provided by this survey gives valuable intelligence on each industry within the Asset Skills footprint and influences the development of activity to drive up industry specific skills and productivity.
The latest results are now available and can be found on our website www.assetskills.org
New intelligence paper
Issue 4 in the series of intelligence papers from the research team is now available. This paper looks at Employability & Ex-offenders in Asset Skills industries, with particular focus given to areas such as the barriers offenders have to overcome to find work in Asset Skills industries and the potential benefits that they can bring to employers. The next intelligence paper will focus on low carbon and sustainability in the housing sector and will be available at the end of July.
For more information contact Michelle Jay at mjay@assetskills.org or call 0845 678 2888 (Local rate call)
Housing - Career of Choice in Northern Ireland
A new website has been launched to promote careers in housing in Northern Ireland.
The website - www.assetskills.org/nihousingcareers - aims to help raise awareness of the opportunities a job in housing can offer, such as learning and developing new skills and making people feel that they are doing something that makes a difference.
Run by Asset Skills, the website provides information about the types of jobs available and the qualifications needed. The information focuses on four core groups: school leavers; students and graduates; people returning to work; and people looking for a career change. It pulls together career profiles, career routes and case studies.
For more, contact Tara Angell at northernireland@assetskills.org or call 0845 678 2 888 (local rate call).
Team Clean Challenge Scotland
The winners of the Team Clean Challenge Scotland have been announced.
Participants included Tayside Contracts and Fife Council, who entered highly skilled cleaning teams.
Rentokil emerged on top after a close fought competition to claim first place.
The judges were impressed by the skill and dedication shown by all three teams and offer their congratulations to the managers, supervisors and operatives who took part.
Asset Skills thanks everyone who took part in the competition and those who pledged their support.
Free training for estate agents in Essex
An Essex college has some Train to Gain funding left for estate agents for the NVQ qualifications in the Sale of Residential Property at level 2 or 3.
This funding is available up until the end of July for agents to begin their training programme. Once achieved, the Sale of Residential Property NVQ level 3 will entitle the agent to apply for membership of the National Association of Estate Agents.
For further details contact Karen Sallows at Crown College on 01702 341 169 or email ksallows@crowncollege.co.uk
CIH Conference 2010
The annual Chartered Institute of Housing conference was held in Harrogate last week.
Asset Skills met employers and collated data for the Barometer survey and a research project which aims to identify the main drivers of skills demand that are anticipated to impact on the housing sector in the next five years. The results of this work will be included within the Housing Sector Skills Assessment 2010.
Call for help from Edexcel
Awarding body Edexcel is calling for people with experience of the cleaning industry to work with them on the development of a new technical certificate.
It is developing a BTEC Certificate and Diploma in Cleaning Principles (the certificate being the Technical Certificate for the apprenticeship).
Part of this work requires them to put together delivery and assessment guidance. Edexcel is looking for people with cleaning industry experience who would be interested in working with them to develop:
• Unit content
• Guidance on delivery and assessment
• Essential resources
• Indicative resource materials
The work will take place in July and August and participants will receive training and support, including a workshop and payment for their time.
If you are interested contact Natalie Muller at Edexcel at natalie.muller@edexcel.com by 9th July.