AN innovative new pilot programme for construction managers will improve management skills, gain a valuable qualification and help implement good business practice — and all at minimum cost.
It was launched recently by CITB-ConstructionSkills NI, together with the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL).
This Business Improvement Programme will bring together local construction business owners and managers to implement good practice techniques to improve business performance. Already, 24 participants have signed up to the programme, which will allow them to achieve an NVQ Level 5 in management and leadership and which can also be used towards Investors in People (IIP) accreditation.
The programme will run for eight months and will cover topics such as business and succession planning, learning and development, managing projects, managing customers and recruitment, selection and induction of staff. Barry Neilson, chief executive of CITB-ConstructionSkills NI, said: “At CITB-ConstructionSkills NI, skills and training are the central core of our business, we understand the importance of training at all levels and the positive affects it can have internally and externally.
“We also appreciate that due to the economic downturn, training has not always been at the top of the business agenda.” Maire Nawaz, NI director of FMB, said: “The FMB encourage construction companies to train and up skill their workforce.
“We are therefore delighted to be involved in this exciting pilot, which will provide construction managers with tangible leadership and management skills, and a framework of good practices to implement into their business.
“Delegates will achieve an NVQ Level 5 qualification and be working towards achieving an IIP accreditation. This is an effective example of how government and industry can work together to provide valuable affordable training for the NI construction sector.”