SSA
Sector Skills Agreement
Sector Skills Agreements fundamentally alter the way skills are demanded, delivered and developed throughout the UK. SSAs will enable government, employers, employee representatives and organisations who plan, fund and support education and training to work together to tackle the provision of skills around a common set of objectives. By mapping out exactly what skills employers need their workforce to have, and how these skills will be supplied, SSAs will ensure that the UK has the skilled workforce it needs to increase productivity and profitability, now and in the future.
The Sector Skills Agreement for the construction industry in Northern Ireland looks at various aspects of the Northern Ireland construction industry’s current and future performance and how this affects the skills and qualifications profile of the workforce. It also analyses areas where action needs to be taken to address skills gaps and shortages, and makes broad recommendations as to how these issues might be addressed. Consultation with industry and key stakeholders on the recommendations has led to the development of action plans to form the full Sector Skills Agreement. The SSA is effectively the means through which employers can make their views on skills and training heard. It is the channel through which employers can articulate which skills are required for the construction industry in NI to be effective, efficient and productive over the coming years.
Click here for the full SSA document
SSA for the Construction Industry in NI – Priorities
1. Attracting and Retaining Talent
1.1. Increase knowledge of and promote the construction industry to a diverse range of potential new entrants and their influencers
1.2. Work with stakeholders to influence school curriculum to meet the needs of employers, especially with regards to Essential Skills
1.3. Increase the value of new entrant qualifications amongst employers.
2. Developing Talent
2.1. Address skills gaps and shortages within the workforce, in particular, technical, practical and job specific skills
2.2. Encourage appropriate health and safety training, beyond the minimum required by legislation
2.3. Improve the literacy and numeracy levels of those in the industry
2.4. Increase skills in the area of sustainable construction and modern methods of construction
2.5. Increase the number of employees undertaking training and encourage individuals to train beyond the minimum level and that required by legislation, and to achieve the appropriate qualification.
3. Improving Business Performance
3.1. Increase employer and employee awareness of the economic benefits of training to encourage participation
3.2. Promote the need for suitably skilled staff for the upturn and skills for future growth
3.3. Improve management and leadership skills across the industry
4. Strengthening the Skills Infrastructure across Nations
4.1. Investigate ways to reduce the barriers to training experienced by employers.
4.2. Work with training providers to provide an appropriate range of relevant education and training which meets the needs of all employers, in particular specialist sectors
4.3. Continue to review qualifications, standards and training delivery for appropriateness.