Ash & Lacy is delighted to have supplied cladding materials for the pilot phase of a proposed new third-party certification scheme for cladding installation operatives.
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) is working on a CITB-funded project to define competency for rainscreen cladding installation.
The new scheme is based on the NFRC’s existing RoofCERT model. Successful candidates have to demonstrate knowledge (via a test), competency (through an NVQ or by demonstrating their experience) and take mandatory health and safety courses. Each candidate is reviewed by an independent auditor and certification must be renewed after three years.
The first pilot took place in June, testing the theory that a trained supervisor model could lead to an improvement in the quality and safety of rainscreen cladding installation.
A new rainscreen cladding training course was developed as part of the pilot. It produced an 11% improvement in the knowledge and understanding of the participating operatives.
Work continues on the project to create a proof of concept for a formal accreditation scheme.
Ash & Lacy firmly believes this is a very important step in the right direction for our industry. Competency at all levels of the supply chain will continue to be a critical factor in improving the quality and safety of our built environment now and in the future. Practical training of this nature, overseen by industry governing bodies, can contribute significantly to building confidence in our sector and will help to ensure that good practice on site is more widely adopted. With the ‘skills gap’ becoming more prevalent in post-Brexit Britain, this pilot scheme also offers opportunities for training and skills development that is sorely needed and very timely.
