FeRFA provides full support and advice to its members on all aspects of training:

• NVQs
• Grant Funding
• Apprenticeships
• CSCS cards
• FeRFA Upskilling courses
• Site Safety Courses
• Related courses and other items
• Training Bulletins
  

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ)

Level 2
FeRFA is committed to the qualification of the specialist workforce through the National Vocational Qualification in Insitu Resin Flooring, and Advanced Sub Floor Preparation.  Both qualifications involve on site assessment and lead to a Level 2 qualification.

• NVQ Structure (pdf)
• How to obtain an NVQ 
• Key Contacts - including Assessors
• Work Based Recorder - what is it?

Level 3
The NVQ in Occupational Work Supervision provides an opportunity for candidates who currently are working in a relevant Construction discipline to obtain an industry-recognised qualification that demonstrates their achieved levels of competence. Candidates will be assessed on-site. Click here for structure flow chart.

(Information for NVQ L2 skills card holders upgrading to NVQ L3:
Candidates who achieve the NVQ L3 Occupational Works Supervisor qualification can apply for the Supervisor card and do not have to take the CSCS Supervisor test as long as the level 3 NVQ was achieved within the last two years. This is because the attainment of the NVQ proves evidence that the candidate is working correctly to the latest Health & Safety requirements. They will then be issued with a CSCS Gold Supervisor card which will run for 5 years, and will be renewable by the successful passing of the CSCS Supervisor H&S test before its expiry. Please note, that the candidate will need to keep his CSCS Skilled Worker card with him as well if he is going to work on site as a skilled person, or in a dual role of Supervisor/operative as the Gold Supervisor card only allows him to carry out supervision roles on site, not those of a skilled operative. This card will be renewable by taking the correct CSCS Test before it reaches its expiry date.)

Level 4
The NVQ Level 4 Construction Site Management is the principal qualification for Managers in the Construction industry. It enables Managers to gain an appropriate qualification reflecting the skills and knowledge required for their particular area of industry and also provides a career route for existing construction supervisors. Click here for a copy of the Recommended Qualification Structure.

Grant Funding

• Click here for further information about Grant Funding

Training Grants & IIP (Investors in People)

For more information on Training Grants and Investors in People, please use the following links:

• ConstructionSkills local area offices
• ConstructionSkills Training Grants
• Investors in People
• Train to Gain (a government initiative run in conjunction with Learning Skills Council)
• 2010 Levy completion guidelines

Apprenticeship schemes

FeRFA offers two apprenticeship scheme for all newcomers to the industry, both of which run for two years and lead to an NVQ level 2.
Both scheme are supported by ConstructionSkills and are fully grant-funded.
The schemes involve classroom and practical sessions plus employer-supported on-site experience.

Click on the links below to download the full scheme booklets:

• Details of Schemes, Grants and Costs
• Candidate Enrolment Form
• In Situ Resin Flooring Full Booklet
• Prepare and Profile Substrates Full Booklet
• Training Timetable 2010

CSCS Cards

Before allowing workers onto their sites, most contractors and clients now demand proof of competence – and this can be provided by a CSCS card.  The card lists the holder’s qualifications and are valid for either three or five years. It also shows they have health and safety awareness.

The cost of a CSCS card is £30.

CSCS will be launching its SmartCard at the end of 2009 which will supersede the existing CSCS cards. SmartCards include a chip which stores the printed information and can be read electronically.  This will help prevent forgeries, make cards easier to check and cut down on the number of cards that need to be carried.  Full details of the scheme can be downloaded below.

• CSCS Smart Card Introduction (pdf)
• CSCS card application form (pdf)
• Scheme Booklet (interactive webbook)
• 8 steps to obtaining a CSCS card (pdf)
• Quick Guide to CSCS (pdf)
• For further information and to download information booklets visit the CSCS web site

FeRFA Upskilling Courses

The next one-day upskilling course is:

• Self smoothing, static dissipative and slip resistant systems - on 6 October at Resin Surfaces Ltd in Stockport.
  BOOKING FORM

Dates for the following courses will be announced as they become available:

• Decorative Stone & Quartz systems (to include coving, transition and gulley details)
• Finishing skills (grinding & polishing) (Jan and Feb 2011)
• Flowable/Pumpable Screeds

Courses cost £175 for FeRFA members (a discount of 50%). This includes all tuition, training materials, course papers, certificate, lunch and refreshments. You may also be eligible for grant funding of £17.50 per person.

As course dates are announced a booking form will be available but if you wish to register an interest in any of the courses, please contact FeRFA on 01252 714250.

Site Safety Courses

From 2010 the UK Contractor Group (UKCG) requires all site supervisors to have attended a 2 day Site Safety Plus course or equivalent (IOSH, NEBOSH, SSSTS). Click here for a copy of UKCG's Supervisor Training Standard.

FeRFA members can obtain a £50 discount on the 2-day Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) courses and the 5-day Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) from the following four training providers:

National Construction College (NCC)..... 0844 8440466
Safety Services (UK) Ltd (SSUK)....... 0845 402 5050
SSG Training & Consultancy (SSG)..... 0870 043 4743
Training & Assessment Consultants (TAC)...... 0115 985 2455

Courses take place at venues around the country throughout the year (click on this link for dates).

Employers in scope of CITB-ConstructionSkills can claim grant A29 which includes a £26 per day attendance grant plus £76 achievement grant on passing the 2-day course or £190 on passing the 5-day.

Training Courses

Aston University runs courses from time to time, for course availability call: 0121 204 3593 or go to www.seas.aston.ac.uk/cpd

The National Construction College runs courses on relevant topics at venues around the country. Click on this link for a prospectus.