By achieving a mark of 98 per cent in the British Safety Council (BSC) five star Health and Safety Audit, the National Construction College Scotland has gained one of the highest ever scores for this internationally recognised award.

The BSC has recognised the achievement by awarding NCC Scotland its prestigious Sword of Honour.

The first initiatives will be a BIM course offering an industry-recognised qualification, and a construction-biased course from the Institute of Leadership and Management.

Grants from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills will also part-fund a system to accredit work experience to help young people applying for their first construction job, and new specialist apprenticeships in areas such as facade preservation.

Under the Employer Ownership of Funding pilot, a consortium of contractors will arrange training courses with colleges and training providers, with their investment match-funded by the BIS. Firms that bid successfully to join the scheme, worth £67m in the first year, were announced last month.

NEWCASTLE based Northern Construction Training Group has signed a new contract with Tyne Metropolitan College, which follows a successful partnership in 2011-12.

The one-year contract will give up to 40 students aged 16-18 the opportunity to complete the Level 2 Diploma in bricklaying or joinery from September 2012.

Northern Construction Training Group will deliver the Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying or Joinery to help students achieve a useful, practical, stand-alone qualification, with on-site work experience making them more attractive to potential employers in the construction industry.

CONSTRUCTION students in County Durham are being given the chance to put theory into practice after housing developer Keepmoat offered experience placements.

The company has invited students from East Durham College’s Technical Academy for Construction to spend time working alongside its own experienced staff.

And with Doncaster-based Keepmoat, which has around 100 staff in its North East offices, carrying out improvements to local properties on behalf of East Durham Homes, there have been plenty of opportunities for the youngsters to put their skills to the test.

COLLEGE bosses are celebrating after cementing a new partnership deal with a training company.

TyneMet College has signed a contract with Newcastle-based Northern Construction Training Group following a successful partnership in 2011-12.

The one-year contract will give up to 40 students aged 16 to 18 the chance to complete the Level 2 diploma in bricklaying or joinery.

“How do your training methods differ from competitors?”

In times of economic difficulties, many construction companies have reduced their investment in training and development. This is understandable as government funding schemes and grants have not been readily available, but as a forward thinking company, Baris Group is committed to training and is passionate about offering the most skilled employees. In order to achieve this, continuous investment is imperative.

Working Well Together provides free event in Dumfries and Galloway

Contractors can secure ”potentially lifesaving advice” at a free half-day event aimed at preventing injury and ill health on site. HSE Construction Inspectors and leading members of the construction industry are teaming up to offer practical tips and guidance on how to manage key risks.

HYDERABAD: With a view to impart training to unskilled construction workers, the labour department is mulling to open centres to upgrade their skills in the city.

Labour department officials are scouring for locations to open the centres as Union labour minister Mallikarjun Kharge recently promised of such facilities at a two-day national seminar on 'The Building and Other Construction Workers Act 1996 and the Cess Act 1996' which was held here.

Construction students at Huntingdonshire Regional College have been helping out the local community by providing outdoor seating for the pupils of Bury CE Primary School.

Designed and built by the students, it provides Bury CE’s pupils with additional outside seating and picnic benches to use during their break times.

It’s worth reading these comments from some of the learners who have already taken one of the OLCI electrician courses.  They can help you gain a useful insight into the training involved and what the learners think of it.  If you are considering training for a career in the trades then this could help you decide too.

Ben Smith wanted to get qualified in the trades so that he can ‘eventually start my own business and be my own boss.  I believe this would be a career best suited to me.’  He decided to enrol with OLCI as ‘there was no pressure in signing up as other companies seemed like they were trying to sell me the course.  Also OLCI have many more workshops around the UK.’  Before enrolling on the course, Ben was ‘out of work for 6 months.  I served in the army for 5 years before.’  The best part of the training was ‘getting a hands-on approach to the work’ because ‘I understand things better when doing things hands-on’.  Ben highlighted that the tutors were ‘very friendly and they are great when you need help’.  Ben finds the practical training ‘very good’ because ‘you have your own work bay and are able to carry out tasks in your own time’.  Overall, Ben says that the training is ‘very helpful.  All around, really glad I chose OLCI and the course.’  Ben agrees that ‘the support I receive from OLCI is helpful’ and that ‘I will use the OLCI Career Support for job or business support’.