Trade body’s new specialist construction programme apprentices pass with flying colours
The first trainees undertaking a new apprenticeship in a specialist area of construction are all geared up for a bright future after successfully completing the trade body run programme.
Eight apprentices have received their NVQ Level 2 diplomas in Insulation and Building Treatments (Wood Preserving and Damp Proofing) from national trade body the Property Care Association, with support and funding from CITB.
The first cohort of trainees were inducted in December 2015 and given two years to complete their apprenticeship, with a programme including 21 days of offsite training held at the PCA’s dedicated educational facility in Huntingdon.
Since then, the PCA Specialist Apprenticeship Programme has gone from strength-to-strength, with two further groups on track to achieve their diplomas next year and an industry-high retention rate of 91 per cent.
The apprenticeship, draws in trainees from companies based across the UK, in both PCA member and non-member companies.
It has been created to develop a new generation of professionals with the important skills necessary to preserve and protect properties across the UK.
Those completing the programme have undertaken a comprehensive programme which will give them an insight into subjects including wet and dry rot, wood boring insects, rising damp and timber treatments.
Lisa Holdich, PCA Apprenticeship Scheme Manager, said: “We are extremely proud of the achievements of our trainees and delighted to see them awarded their first NVQ’s through the programme.
“We have worked closely with CITB to give those taking part a foothold into a property care sector that can offer a lifetime of learning and a varied, interesting and rewarding career.
“The programme addresses a skills gap within the property care sector and since December 2015 we have inducted 33 apprentices to date across five cohorts, so the wheels are in motion in terms of tackling that trend.
“Ultimately it is our hope that, as well as addressing the immediate need for a new generation of professionals in the preservation industry, the apprenticeship will raise awareness of a rewarding, skilled career in the construction-related sector which is not always on the radar like other trades.”
The PCA is now taking bookings for its next intake in October 2018. Grant funding of £5,230 is available from CITB, subject to eligibility.
More details can be found at http://www.property-care.org/training-qualifications/specialist-apprenticeship-programme/
(Photos: top right – Adam Orton & Bryan Hindle of Brick-Tie Ltd; middle left: Jack Bennetto of Newseal Ltd; middle right: Toni Knight & Jack Madden of Proten Environmental Ltd; bottom left: Martin Fosbrook & Kristopher Marriott of Biocraft Ltd)
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Notes To Editors
Noted for its training and technical expertise, the PCA incorporates the British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association (BWPDA), which has been in formation for more than 85 years.
The trade body represents the UK’s flood protection sector as well as the structural repair, structural waterproofing, wood preservation, damp-proofing and invasive weed control industries.
Press release written by Jane Shepherd, Shepherd PR Limited, 01538 308685/07985 129315 or [email protected]