The CFA is welcoming the launch of the new Talentview Construction website today!

This is where “talented people find their first job”. It brings together all the necessary information for people looking to join our industry – whether they are looking for apprenticeships, traineeships or graduate roles.

Aiming to assist both individuals and employers, Talentview Construction is an exciting initiative which we hope will combat skills shortages within our sector, while encouraging people with expertise, skills and enthusiasm to join the industry.

It is a broad industry initiative backed by the Construction Talent Retention Scheme, CLC, CITB, BEIS and a wide range of employers, colleges and industry bodies. The service is completely free to use, for both employers and individuals. Employers can post any vacancies they have, while prospective employees can upload a profile which can be viewed by companies looking for staff.

At a time when the employment market across construction, including the contract flooring sector, is experiencing a number of challenges, we believe Talentview Construction is a very worthwhile initiative which the CFA supports enthusiastically.

For more information, view the video here

There is now a new document for members on information regarding updates to apprenticeships funding reservations.  

Click here to log in to the member's area. 

Following the reopening of schools and colleges, the Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed that on‐site training can resume for students of all ages in the following further education (FE) settings if a provider follows the operational guidance:

• Sixth form colleges
• General FE colleges
• Independent Training Providers (ITPs) ‐ defined as organisations that receive Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) formula funding for the provision of 16 to 19 education
• Designated institutions
• Adult and Community Learning Providers (ACLPs)
• Special post‐16 institutions.

All FE providers should continue to follow pre‐COVID‐19 guidance for adult students and “judge the right balance between on‐site and remote delivery in order to provide high quality education and training”. Apprenticeship providers should also read the current apprenticeships guidance, which confirms that FE apprentices may now return to training and assessment in educational settings, in addition to the training and assessment that is currently permitted in the workplace where the apprentice cannot work from home and the workplace is COVID‐19 secure.

There has not been any further guidance issued about resuming face‐to‐face training in the workplace, and companies will need to determine if any training required can be undertaken remotely or is essential at this time, as they may be required to explain how they are complying with current restrictions.

The construction industry will need to create the equivalent of an estimated 350,000 new roles by 2028 if the government is to meet its target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It is essential that the sector attracts, trains, and retains the workers it needs to ensure growth, which was one of the aims behind National Apprenticeship Week (8-14 February).

42,590 users engaged with the new Go Construct website, of which 4,725 were sent on to jobs and apprenticeship websites. We also had 25 industry organisations reference Go Construct as an information source for potential recruits. Visit the Go Construct website to read and watch some inspiring apprentice case studies!

Now excitement turns to Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2021 which is this week (1-5 March). This year’s theme is Business Backing Talent to showcase the great benefits of taking on an apprentice. Of 30,000 apprentices learning in Scotland, almost a third are in construction, even though the sector represents just 8% of all jobs.

CITB have worked with Developing the Young Workforce to create Build Your Future, a suite of virtual career resources, launching 1 March to coincide with Scottish Apprenticeship Week, and in support of International Women’s Day. Throughout the week, you can access helpful career insight covering innovation, trades and apprenticeships, women in construction, professionals in construction, and collaboration in construction.

Educators and parents/carers can choose to work through all of the resources in the pack, insert them into lessons, or support their young people to learn about the industry in bite-sized chunks. You can get involved and find the resources on the DYW website.

The Government has extended the incentive payment for hiring a new apprentice until 30 April 2021. Employers taking on new apprentices between 1 August 2020 and 31 March 2021 are eligible to receive a grant of £2,000 per apprentice aged 16 ‐ 25 and £1,500 for those 25 and over.

The Government has extended the incentive payment for hiring a new apprentice until 30 April 2021. Employers taking on new apprentices between 1 August 2020 and 31 March 2021 are eligible to receive a grant of £2,000 per apprentice aged 16 ‐ 25 and £1,500 for those 25 and over. This is in addition to the £1,000 payment available for hiring an apprentice aged 16 ‐ 18 or under 25 with an education, health and care plan or who has been in the care of their local authority.

Companies must set up an apprenticeship service account to apply for the incentive payment; if you have already started your apprentice without an account, you will not be able to claim the incentive.

Taking place between 8-14 February across England and Wales, National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) will see a conversation about the benefits of becoming an apprentice play out across social media, supported by contributions and campaigns from government, industry bodies and employers.

Construction plays a central role in NAW, which means the week is one of the best opportunities for construction employers to recruit highly engaged young people to apprenticeships.

Site Safety Plus Certificate Expiry

In response to various feedback recieved by CITB, we can confirm the introduction of a revised grace period to Site Safety Plus certificates. This will provide support to delegates who are unable to access a Site Safety Plus refresher course, due to the new lockdown measures.

All delegates now have until 30 April 2021 to join a SSSTS/SMSTS refresher course, if their current certificate expires after 1 October 2020. Any delegate whose certificate expired before the 1 October 2020 and does not attend a refresher course before 31 January 2021, will be required to join a full SSSTS/SMSTS course, rather than the refresher equivalent. Find the centres delivering remote refresher training here.

The National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW) Apprenticeships Team who are funded by Welsh Government have identified an increase in demand from employers in Wales for the Floorcovering Apprenticeship pathway. 

NTFW are looking for further employer demand in order to develop provision.  If you are interested in recruiting an apprentice floor layer, or if you require any further information relating to recruiting an apprentice in Wales please email Catherine.morris@ntfw.org with your expression of interest. 

Please express your interest as soon as possible, but no later than Monday 15^th February 2021.