The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has backed the UK Timber Frame Association’s (UKTFA’s) training programmes, making it part of the Construction Related Opportunities route to obtaining a CSCS card.
CSCS has recognised the UKTFA’s erector training and accreditation scheme as a bespoke qualification rather than insisting on a full vocational qualification to enable successful students to apply for a CSCS card.
Both the Home Builders Federation and Major Contractors Group have publicly declared that all site workers will need to have a CSCS card by 2010 in order to gain access to sites, with the UKTFA adding that gaining approval by the scheme is “a significant vote of confidence” for the timber frame industry.
“Although the UKTFA’s timber frame qualifications are designed to become vocational qualifications in due course, this interim approval by the CSCS board is a significant vote of confidence in what the timber frame industry is doing to move towards a fully qualified workforce,” said UKTFA education and training manager Ray Curran.
“Many people have asked me why they should take part in the erector training programme. The answer is quite simple: if you want to continue working within the industry this is the only recognised route to prove your competence.”
UKTFA added that it is currently recruiting assessors to extend its training initiatives to include timber frame designers and manufacturers.