A Quick Guide on How to Select an Accredited Construction Training Provider

CDC Group – Accredited Construction Training Provider

Have you ever wondered what’s the accreditation process/procedure to become an Awarding Body Approved Training & Assessment Centre for the Construction Industry? Well, it differs.

When looking for an organisation to provide reliable and affordable training for yourself and/or your workforce, are you carrying out any due diligence checks?

There’s a growing concern of some organisations claiming to be ‘genuine‘ and ‘accredited’ training & NVQ assessment providers. With some basic due-diligence, you could save some valuable time and money and avoid obtaining a fraudulent certificate or even a fake CSCS Card.

Here’s our Guide on how to select a Genuine Construction Training & NVQ Assessments Provider:

1. Always make sure that their website is current and represents indeed the organisation’s legal entity. Are they only using dummy content?

2. When has the company been incorporated? Check whether the company is registered with the Companies House and whether its directors are involved.

3. Does the organisation have any uploaded accreditation certificates or simply displays logos from several Awarding Organisations or major construction firms? Call the Awarding Body to check whether is approved or not.

4. Is the organisation VAT-registered? Check after their GB VAT Reg No.

5. Does the organisation have any relevant and real reviews, or are just simply listing some random, self-fabricated reviews on their own website? Check whether you can find any real information from past delegates.

6. If you’re calling the organisation, are they providing expert advice and information with regards to the NVQ you’re about to undertake with them? Ask about your allocated Assessor/Tutor expertise and experience.

7. In this digital age, do they have a real Social Media Accounts (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google) or is there actually a member of their staff to be found, anywhere? Try and find any staff at least online.

8. Does the organisation seriously take into consideration your own Personal Data under the GDPR? Are they ICO registered? Ask why if they aren’t.

9. Have you ever wondered why these organisations have such low course fees? Always find out what’s included in the fee you’re about to pay.

10. Are there risks for your NVQ certificate/diploma & CSCS Card to be cancelled in the near future? Always find out what’s the exact procedure of obtaining your qualification or course certificate.

11. Are they advertising “100%, guaranteed pass, no exam”, if so – ever wondered why?

We have been approached by construction workers and professionals outlining these issues and we are trying to inform members of the public and potential applicants on how to save time and money when choosing a construction training provider in the UK.

Our organisation has been working tirelessly in order to ensure we maintain our high standards and robust quality assurance processes here at CDC Group – Accredited Construction Training Provider.

We’ll regularly post updates on our website as we move forward and will always report any fraudulent activities to authorities, Ofqual and Awarding Organisation’s representatives.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at 020 8349 8002 or info@cdc.college and we’ll be more than happy to assist!

Accredited Construction Training Provider in Hemel Hempstead.

Check out our Construction Training Calendar for more courses and dates.

CDC will deliver Construction Apprenticeship Training Programmes from 2020

Due to continued expansion and growth within Construction Development Centre Ltd (CDC), we are expanding our specialist training activities from 2020.

We have structured plans to become approved on the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP) and start to deliver government-funded construction apprenticeship training programmes from 2020 at our new workshops.

Our organisation also have plans to adding much more value to all our candidates’ experience with us by having advanced IT platforms, Apps and ePortfolio available. Within these plans are included the start of delivery of Plumbing & Electrical NVQs and Apprenticeship Programmes from 2020.

The benefits of undertaking an Construction Apprenticeship Training Programmes

The main benefit of an construction apprenticeship training pprogramme is that it is a real job combined with training. As an apprentice, you’ll earn while you learn and pick up new skills and also a nationally-recognised qualification and a CSCS Card as you progress forward with your programme.

While apprentices can complete some study at our College, the majority of your time will be spent in the workplace. You’ll be employed in your chosen role and industry on the job for a minimum of 30 hours a week. You can also choose to join an apprenticeship programme straight from school, as a new venture or simply by having completed a vocational programme in your trade.

We’ll regularly post updates on our website as we move forward on the programmes available as soon as we’ll become approved on the RoATP.

Check out our Construction Training Calendar for more courses and dates.

We are a recognised CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO)

In February 2018 we have become a CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO)

The status that is awarded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to training providers in the industry. This comes as recognition of our high working standards and confirms that we have successfully passed the CITB’s approval process.

The benefits of being a CITB Approved Training Organisation provider:

CITB ATO training providers are recognised for delivering good quality training that meets the industry approved standards.

CITB ATO training providers are part of the CITB’s automated grant payments system, making it easier for employers to book courses with us for their workers and be reimbursed for it.

Currently, employers can claim a £600 achievement grant per learner, upon completion of the construction-specific short period vocational qualifications (NVQs). Full details of the available grants can be found on CITB’s website.

Check out our Construction Training Calendar for more courses and dates.

The power of an NVQ Diploma in Construction

NVQ Diploma in Construction, it has never been a more important time to upskill yourself and your workforce.

With the CLC (Construction Leadership Council) decision firmly establishing NVQ standards across all UK. Construction trades and with the uncertain times after Brexit, all the contractors will have to focus on obtaining a formal qualification for their already-skilled staff involved in the Construction Industry.

CLC’s decision: The minimum standard for skilled occupations is an NVQ Level 2 qualification relevant to the occupation plus a separate health and safety element.

What is an NVQ diploma in construction and how can I get it?

A National Vocational Qualification – NVQ in construction is a qualification designed for existing skilled trades in construction industry, which requires a formal qualification to attest their skills and expertise, accredited by Ofqual.

You can simply apply for any of our approved NVQ training & assessment programmes at https://cdc.org.uk/apply

What’s the benefit?

The benefit of achieving an NVQ diploma in construction qualification in your specific trade/occupation in construction, is that demonstrates your competency and expertise across your role and it can also take you places. For example, the NVQ Level 7 Diploma in Construction Senior Management leads to MCIOB (Membership of the Chartered Institute of Building).

All of these NVQs provides access to the CSCS Cards Scheme.

What’s the process?

You’ll be professionally assessed by one of our assessors which will, anytime convenient to you, come and see you at work, on your construction site, how you ‘outperform’ – you are not required to sit any formal exams.

We’ll tailor and agree on your assessment plan and dates prior to your site visits. Therefore, you’ll not be required to attend to any classrooms or workshops to achieve your goal with us.

Can I be assessed anywhere in the UK?

Yes. We cover nationwide and can visit you anywhere in the UK.

Can I pay for my NVQ in installments?

Absolutely. We also provide tailored payment plans for our candidates.

What happens if I cannot complete my assessment process?

You’ll be allocated a period of 12 months from registration to complete the assessment process and supply the required evidence to your assessor.

To find out more, you can always call CDC on 020 8349 8002 or info@cdc.college where we’ll get back to you in 24 hours.

Check out our Construction Training Calendar for more courses and dates.

CSCS Visitors Cards are being withdrawn

CSCS has consulted with the industry and decided that will pave the way for the eventual withdrawal of the CSCS Visitors Cards (Yellow CSCS Visitors’ Card), currently valid for five years’.

All Construction Site Visitor cards issued from 3^rd September 2018 will expire on 31^st August 2020 and CSCS will stop issuing the card from 28^thFebruary 2020.

For the avoidance of doubt, all Construction Site Visitor cards issued before 3^rd September 2018 will remain valid until their expiry date.

The good news is many people holding the Construction Site Visitor card will not be required to obtain another CSCS card. CSCS cards are intended for construction-related occupations only and many people holding the card work in roles considered to be non-construction related, such as site cleaning and catering staff. Historically these workers have applied for the Construction Site Visitor card because they were told to do so by their employer, this was often a result of policies requiring sites to be 100% carded, as opposed to construction workers being 100% qualified.

However, those with CSCS Visitor Cards that work in construction-related occupations must now start to develop plans to move across to the appropriate skilled card. For some, this will be straightforward as they will already hold the appropriate qualification or membership of a recognized professional body. Those working in construction-related occupations without qualifications will be expected to register onto the appropriate qualification before their Construction Site Visitor card expires.

Graham Wren continued: “The withdrawal of the Site Visitor card will see an increase in the numbers of individuals turning up to the site without a card. We are not suggesting site supervisors and managers turn non-cardholders away from the site. If a worker is there to carry out a construction-related activity then a card is required as proof of their training and qualifications. If they are there to perform a non-construction related activity it then becomes the responsibility of site supervisors and managers to induct and supervise these people to ensure they remain safe at all times when on site.”

CSCS Visitors Cards

The decision to withdraw the Site Visitor card is supported by the Construction Leadership Council’s recent announcement that not everyone needs a card to gain access to site and cards should only be issued to those working in construction-related occupations.

Read the original article on CSCS’s website by clicking here.

Check out our Construction Training Calendar for more courses and dates.

NVQ Assessors and Verifiers do not require CSCS Cards

Did you know NVQ Assessors and Verifiers do not require CSCS cards for accessing construction sites?

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) agreed that from January 2015 the industry, including trade associations, contractors, clients, and the government should specify and promote card schemes carrying the CSCS logo with no equivalents accepted.

This is good news for the industry as it provides a consistent means of recognizing that an individual has achieved the agreed standard of qualification and skill for the occupation they are working in.

The CLC also recognizes that due to the diverse nature of construction projects, there are occasions when non-construction personnel needs to access a construction site, such as a delivery driver, machine maintenance personnel, and other non-construction related occupations.

On these occasions, the CLC accepts the person visiting a construction site would not be expected to carry a CSCS, but there should be clear industry guidance for non-construction personnel.

Amongst the occupations not required to carry a CSCS card are NVQ Assessors and Verifiers.

Following the agreement with Build UK, CSCS has issued the following guidance for NVQ Assessors and Verifiers:

CSCS cards are intended for construction-related occupations only
Whilst vitally important to the industry, the activity of assessing or verifying a worker on a construction site is not considered a construction-related activity
Therefore, NVQ Assessors and Verifiers are not required to hold a CSCS card
It is the responsibility of site managers to ensure all non-construction related personnel are inducted to the site and kept safe at all times
A risk assessment should be carried out if necessary, and the site visitor should be escorted at all times
NVQ Assessors and Verifiers will be visiting candidates who hold valid CSCS cards and these individuals could act as the Assessors and Verifiers escort whilst on site.

CSCS is aware that some constructions sites still operate a fully carded workforce policy. If your entry to such a site is refused because you do not hold CSCS card, please ask the site manager to view this article on the CSCS website.

The advice issued above is fully in line with industry desire to only issue CSCS cards when workers are engaged in a construction-related activity.

Read the original information on the official CSCS website HERE.

Check out our Construction Training Calendar for more courses and dates.