News
Construction training a high priority for local workers
Half of firms in NI (49%)who were surveyed in the Employer Attitudes and Motivations to Learning and Training Survey (wave 15) have a written training or development plan in place which in most cases covered all employees (39%). Well-trained construction workers are safer, better skilled, work faster and make fewer mistakes, they are better motivated, efficient and effective too. Effective training plans can help increase productivity and also increase business growth. If you do not have a training plan and are unsure how to develop one, use our template, training directory and health and safety matrix to help you on your way. These resources can be found on the CITB NI website www.citbni.org.uk
The survey also highlights that respondents offer their staff induction training (91%), a formal review after they have been with the company for a few weeks or months (91%), informal mentoring (83%) and toolbox talks (74%). Did you know that CITB NI has a selection of fifteen pocket-sized health and safety booklets in a range of trades (e.g. carpentry & joinery, plant, bricklaying, etc.) to help you with induction training and toolbox talks? Check out the publications section of our website www.citbni.org.uk to find out more.
The survey results also brought to light that the training offered to new entrants is generally influenced by legislation (80%) or by the company’s main clients (64%). However more than half of companies (56%) went beyond the training required by legislation or by clients.
Training for existing staff is more often based on the immediate needs of the business (67%) or in areas where the business was likely to grow in the future (36%). The results of this research clearly show that NI construction employers are aware of the challenges currently facing them and the wider industry and whilst the sector is experiencing some elements of growth, improving skills will be crucial to help businesses during these times and beyond.
CITB NI’s grants scheme provides assistance with the cost of training and our Mobile Training Unit is available at a low cost to bring training directly to your site. Our brand new innovative virtual training facility VET360 provides the perfect bridge between theoretical classroom training and the reality of a busy construction site. Book a demonstration slot today to see how it can make a difference to your training programme.
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