CSCS has ended an exemption CSCS card applicants could previously use to get a CSCS card without passing the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) Health, safety and environment test. More info can be found at: https://www.cscs.uk.com/news/cscs-ends-exemption-to-health-safety-and-environment-test-requirement/

Extra financial support now available from CITB for small employers taking on new apprentices. CITB are offering £500 to small employers who either pay no levy, or pay the reduced rate of levy, for every apprentice that has started College or with another training provider, from 1 August 2019. Who can apply? • Employers whose Book

CITB are holding a series of employer roadshows. Book now to reserve your place: https://roadshows.citbevents.co.uk/home

You have 20 weeks from the date of achievement to claim #grant for short duration courses completed from 1 April 2019. Don’t miss out – submit your grant claim now: https://t.co/qVB7auvxW1?amp=1

We have had several new members over the past months and would like to welcome the following on board: RCS Group Renfrewshire Council – Building Services Division JM Services Frontline Construction hub South West Workspace Curtis Moore

On the back of The Farmer Review, the Government is undertaking a major review of the Industrial Training Boards. Paul Morrell, the former Government Construction Adviser has agreed to use his expertise in helping determine the future shape of industrial training boards. Further information can be read here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/paul-morrell-to-advise-major-review-of-industrial-training-boards

In February 2016, Cast CEO, Mark Farmer, was commissioned by the Construction Leadership Council, at the request of Brandon Lewis and Nick Boles (the ministers for Housing & Planning & Skills respectively at that time) to undertake a review of the UK’s construction labour model. The review was asked to focus on areas as follows:- Book

Following the recent restructure at CITB, the new CITB Advisers are in post. Here is a link to who they are, what area they cover and their contact details. citb-advisers-9-16

Attached is the consultation document for the Apprenticeship Levy in Scotland: Apprenticeship Levy Consultation The consultation is open from 13 July to 26 August and you can have your say via the Scottish Government’s website.

Attached is an update from the recent meeting held with City of Glasgow College and Glasgow Caledonian University looking at addressing the technical skills gap identified by several of the training group members. BCTG – Technical Learning Platform update 4.7.16

Here is an update on January’s funding information sheet which gives information on support and funding from various bodies. Funding Information Mar16

Here is a reference document which may be of use when trying to establish which university or college delivers what construction qualification. UniversityCollege Course details

Following the recent articles in the press about employers being able to read an employees personal emails, this article may be of interest: Boss or Big Brother?

A big welcome from BCTG to Domco Groundworks who joined us in December. Domco are a small groundworks contractor based in the Bellshill area and are a Marshall’s recognised contractor for the installation of patios and driveways.

Please find attached a document which gives an update on the issues that were identified by the BBC Newsnight expose on Card Fraud televised Wednesday 21st October. Stakeholder Update on Card Fraud

Kevin Myers is one of the most renowned figures in the health and safety industry. He joined HSE in 1976 and has held a range of operational posts with the organisation. Myers will visit Glasgow Caledonian University on Wednesday, October 7 to talk about occupational safety and health in the 21st-century workplace and in the Book

The new CDM Regulations came into force on 6 April 2015. Glasgow Caledonian University has produced an online CPD course which will outline the key changes and describe what they mean in terms of the main CDM duties as well as guidance on their implementation. Please use this link for further information: GCU CDM Regs Online Flyer

We have had several new members join the training group during August and September and we would like to welcome the following on board: Advance Building Contracts Dalziel Services McNee Building Services Carander Construction Starfish Construction Our membership is now sitting at 71 companies.

The HSE has introduced an alternative 0345 phone number to report fatal and specified injuries, helping to cut the cost of telephone calls. The new number for the RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) Incident Contact Centre is 0345 300 9923

We would like to warmly welcome Trevor MacMillan at Prestonfield Building Services to the BCTG. Prestonfield Building Services is a small general building company specialising in extending and renovating domestic properties.

Just a reminder about the shift in funding from CITB, reducing the supplementary grant and focusing it on technical and professional for the 15/16 grant year, see below from CITB: For the 2015/2016 Grants Scheme year we are keeping grant rates at the same levels as last year, including maintaining the £50 per day attendance Book

Your business could get a connection voucher of up to £3,000 for faster, better broadband through the Government’s Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme. The scheme is active in 50 cities across the UK and is administered by each city through over 813 registered suppliers. Use this link to find out more and if your area is Book

From April 2016, a new National Living Wage of £7.20 an hour for the over 25s will be introduced. This will rise to over £9 an hour by 2020. Also, the National Minimum Wage will increase in October from £6.50 to £6.70 for those 21 and over.

We would like to warmly welcome Andy Davie and his team at Flow Access Systems based in Hillington to the BCTG. Flow Access Systems are specialists in access systems and can meet all your access needs.

Do you have a development need, knowledge gap or want to learn a new skill that would help you to address health issues in your workplace? NHS Health Scotland’s new learning brochure provides a range of learning options that will help you do just that. The courses cover issues including: – Drugs and alcohol in Book

Scotland’s Employer Recruitment Incentive continues to deliver the Scottish Government’s commitment to help unemployed young people who are facing significant challenges. The aim is to encourage employers to recruit young people aged 16-29 into sustainable employment, including Modern Apprenticeships. The incentive is available for job starts from 1 July 2015. All applications for employees starting Book

We have had a couple of new members this month, namely Maxi Construction, Dickie and Moore and MacGregor Flooring. Maxi Construction is building contractor based in Livingstone with around 38 employees. Dickie and Moore are based in East Kilbride and are a construction company with around 25 employees and MacGregor Flooring are professional installers of Book

The Flexible Training Opportunities training grant programme delivered by Skills Development Scotland has now re-opened to applications. Please see below for a brief summary of the changes to this year’s programme and a link to the full guidance notes. Note that applications can now be made online. Changes to Rules for 2015/16: • The maximum Book

Established since 2010, Health & Safety Scotland returns to Glasgow’s SECC on 22nd/23rd April 2015. Bringing together the wider health and safety community in Scotland this event is a must-attend for anyone responsible for the safety, health and wellbeing of their workforce. Scotland’s only dedicated Safety & Health event provides free access to the very Book

A new app to help small and medium sized construction businesses put together health and safety plans has been launched by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). More info can be found at: http://www.citb.co.uk/news-events/uk/new-app-helps-builders-meet-new-cdm-regs/

Please be advised that as of the 1st April 2015 SWQR will no longer be accepting re-registration applications from candidates whose card has expired for longer than 3 months. As per current legislation, SWQR can only accept applications either 3 months prior to and up to 3 months after the expiry date. Candidates should also Book

Further information on funded VQs from J B Management in varous occupations can be found using this link: JB Management March 15 They are a great way of getting your workforce an up to date qualification relevant to their occupation which may also allow for an appropriate CSCS card to be applied for.

A new app to help small and medium sized construction businesses put together health and safety plans has been launched today by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). The free CDM Wizard app, developed with the support of the HSE, will help businesses to write construction phase plans, perhaps for the first time, following the Book

Amendments to the duty of care requirements introduced under The Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012 have been in effect just over a year, since they came into force on 1 January 2014. Attached is some information on duties and a simple, five step process for SMEs and other organisations to follow to ensure they are meeting Book

Parental leave has been available to parents of children under 5 years of age for some time. From 5 April the current age limit will be removed and all parents of children under 18 will be entitled to request parental leave. For further information use this link: http://www.macroberts.com/content/content_2290.html

We have another new member join our training group this month – Ronald J Carson Ltd based in Kippen who are a small construction company with around 9 employees.

Our Skillsforce brought to you by Skills Development Scotland brings together free information, advice and funding from Scotland’s public sector, all in one place. From business-wide challenges to a specific skills query, whatever your skills needs you’ll find a solution with them. For further information: https://www.ourskillsforce.co.uk/funding

The Lanarkshire Business Show 2015 is being held at the Ravenscraig Regional Sports venue and will consist of a morning of Business Opportunities, Speed Networking, Seminars and Business Exhibition. Meet the Business Services teams from both Councils to hear how they might be able to help your business. For further information: http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=f202845558bdf3939792db45e&id=1bd61be5a7&e=08b9553371

The company behind the redevelopment of one of Glasgow’s most iconic buildings is offering SMEs and SEs the chance to learn industry secrets at a series of free specialist seminars with the next set for Friday 6 February. Paisley-based Barr Construction, which is currently leading the redevelopment of Kelvin Hall, is encouraging businesses from Glasgow Book

CSCS have launched their new look website which is designed to be a One Stop Shop for all your CSCS enquiries. With simplicity in mind, they have completely redesigned the layout to make sure the information you need is easier to access. Please use this link which will take you to the new site: http://www.cscs.uk.com./

As you are aware, the CDM Regulations have undergone change and CITB are holding workshops up and down the country to make people aware of the changes. The workshops are only 2 hours duration and cost £25pp and can be booked through CITB’s website. Further information can be found using this link: https://www.cskills.org/supportbusiness/courses/coursebooker/viewcourse.aspx?CourseID=CDM2015&RemoveLimit=1

Just a reminder of a date for your diary – 25 March for the Building Contractors Training Group AGM. Please remember that it is part of your terms and conditions that you must attend at least one meeting a year. We are holding it in a new venue this year – Touchbase business centre in Book

Kitchen and bathroom installers wanted public sector works LHC Scotland would like to hear from small and large scale contractors who have experience of installing kitchens, bathrooms and associated works in social housing, schools, community centres and other public sector buildings. The public sector specialist procurement consortium is forming a new framework of approved contractors Book

James Wates, chairman of the Wates Group, has been announced as chair of the new board of CITB. Nick Boles, UK minister of state for skills and equalities, said the new board will revolutionise how the industry training board operates, increase diversity and put industry at the heart of decision-making. The streamlined eight-member board includes Book

Subject to Parliamentary approval, new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) will come into force on 6 April 2015. Further information can be found on HSE’s website where a free copy of the draft guidance on the Regulations can be downloaded http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l153.htm

Healthy Working Lives have added a new resource to their website to assist businesses with managing their health and safety. It gives help with tasks such as setting up a health and safety policy, guidance on legal responsibilities and assistance with health and safety assessments. The full guide can be found using this link: http://www.healthyworkinglives.com/advice/Health-and-Safety-Quick-Start-Guide

Now that the year is coming to a close, it is that time when we can look back and reflect on the exciting year it has been for the Building Contractors Training Group. We moved over to independent status in April and the group has grown from strength to strength since then. Our website went Book

This video link may be useful in which BSI explain how BS OHSAS 18001 was developed, the background to moving from BS OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001 and how clients can manage the transition when the new standard is published in 2016 http://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=eD3sgkZTnaQ&u=/watch%3Fv%3D8i0fIhoLDOA%26feature%3Dem-share_video_user

This free IOSH event below may be useful if you have an interest in waste legislation: Developments in Scottish Waste Legislation and comparisons with England and Wales Thu 27 Nov 2014 5:00 PM – Thu 27 Nov 2014 6:00 PM Room M323, George Moore Building, Glasgow Caledonian University , City Campus, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Book

Our Terms and Conditions have been amended and you can read them here: BCTG Terms & Conditions Oct 14

IOSH’s one-day Working safely course, has now been recognised by CSCS as an equivalent to a Level 1 Award in health and safety in a construction environment. It means that delegates who successfully complete Working safely can apply for a CSCS green Labourer card once they have also passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Book

“Health as well as safety” is the message during this year’s Construction Initiative by HSE as poor standards and unsafe practices on Britain’s building sites are targeted during a nationwide drive aimed at reducing ill health, death and injury in the industry. From 22 September until 17 October, HSE Construction Inspectors will carry out unannounced Book

The Scottish Government has asked industry bodies to recirculate its guidance on “Exclusion from public contracts of companies which engage in blacklisting” which was published at the end of 2013 and which can be found here: SPPN 4-2013 (Scottish Government Guidance on Blacklisting Public Sector Procurement)

The Phoenix online CSCS checker is being phased out and will be unavailable from Monday 22nd September. CITB have brought in a new online system which now brings up the operatives photo, similar to the way the card readers do. The new system can be accessed via the link below. It does not require a Book

The days are getting shorter and winter is just around the corner so it makes sense to be prepared for what may lie ahead. Here are some useful links with help and advice on staying safe during the winter months, covering such topics as winter driving, outdoor working in colder weather and home and office Book

Skills Development Scotland have launched a new online toolkit aimed at SMEs which will enable businesses to examine and refresh their employment practice in relation to gender equality. The toolkit, calledThink Business, Think Equality, was developed by Close the Gap, a partnership project which works with employers and employees to address the gender pay gap. Book

We have had a few new members join our Training Group during August and would like to welcome the following: G D McFall Building & Roofing Contractor Thomas McMaster & Son Concrete Repairs.

On 1 July this year CSCS introduced a new card called a Provisional Card. This card is for those • working through probationary periods whilst employers assess their suitability for employment • undergoing supervised work experience (aged 16+) • working as a labourer but have not previously applied for a CSCS card or are • Book

One of our member companies has recently achieved a new accreditation introduced by CITB called Be Fair aimed at demonstrating a commitment to fairness, inclusion and respect within the workplace   They worked hard to achieve this and were the only company in their category in Scotland to win the award.  Well done to everyone at Macform! Book

Here is the latest grant comparison sheet from CITB for their new grant year which commenced on 1 August:   CITB 14-15 Scotland Grant Comparison

We have had several new members join our Training Group over the past few months and would like to welcome the following:   Allma Construction – Barrhead T & A Joiners – Johnstone Argyll Homes for All – Helensburgh Burnbrae Contracts – Strathaven Forkers Scotland – Grangemouth Smith Brothers Builders – Beith  

Healthy Working Lives help employers create a safer, healthier and more motivated workforce. They work with all kinds of businesses, completely free of charge, offering practical information and advice to help improve health and safety and the wellbeing of everyone at work. A healthier workforce really does make for a healthier business. Their website is Book

New Flexible Working Regulations As of today (30th June 2014) new Flexible Working Regulations and Part 9 of the Children and Families Act 2014 will come into force. This will mean that the right to request flexible working will be extended to cover all employees after 26 weeks’ service, rather than only those with children Book

Hundreds of contractors sought for £120m Glasgow framework Glasgow City Council is looking for up to 270 contractors to join an approved list to share a £120 million framework. The three-year deal will cover highways and civil engineering works across the city plus repairs to historic buildings. The framework has been divided into 27 lots Book

You may already be aware of the Pride of Construction awards which are being held in London by CITB and nominations are open for the CITB Gold Awards. Showcase your talents or nominate someone you know by Monday 30 June 2014. Here is further information and how to nominate: CITB Gold Awards Criteria CITB Gold Awards Nomination Form CITB Pride of Construction Awards FAQs

Along with manufacturing, financial and legal businesses, employers operating in the building sector will be able to apply for a share of a £4 million pot of funding. The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) has launched a co-investment scheme, in an effort to help companies overcome some of the skills barriers which they Book

Confirmation has been received from Skills Development Scotland that they are approving, under their Flexible Training Opportunities funding, the one day on site assessment and training workshop for craft occupations being run through CITB. This means you pay £1000 to CITB for the course but SDS will return 50% of that to the employer and Book

CITB is launching a ‘big conversation’ to get your views on how they should be using their funds. They want to have a discussion with the industry to get your thoughts on the way they should be allocating their budgets. By joining the discussion, you will guide the investment decisions taken by the employer-led CITB Book

If you are a small business with a H&S query then check out the HES’s online SMES guides Easy ABC: http://www.hse.gov.uk/abc/ and join them on their #askHSE Twitter chat on 5 June at 12.30pm.

The Building Contractors Training Group now has a Linkedin page. Please follow us to increase our visibility and attract more members to the Group. Remember, the more members we have the more cost effective training can be.

A consultation by HSE has been underway since 31 March and will end on 6 June on the replacement of the CDM Regs.  You can respond to the consultation via the following link:  http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd261.htm  

Scottish businesses with 100 employees or less can apply for up to £5,000 towards employee training costs and the 2014-15 application form to apply for the Flexible Training Opportunities funding is now available on the Skills Development Scotland website which can be accessed using the following link:  http://www.ourskillsforce.co.uk/funding-for-skills/flexible-training-opportunities/

Welcome to the new BCTG website! We hope you find the new BCTG website site useful not just for information on courses and course bookings but also for the news items which will be updated regularly.  We are always looking for ideas and suggestions on how we can improve the website so please feel free Book

If you have experienced workers (recommended minimum 5 years) who you require to have a blue skilled CSCS card, this can be achieved through on site assessment.  CITB are offering a On Site Assessment & Training Workshop.  Delegates would attend this one day workshop where they are given an overview of the qualification, the process Book

If you are interested in obtaining VQ’s in Construction Site Supervision/Management etc for your workworforce which would have the added benefit of being able to apply for a Gold or Black CSCS card, then please get in touch as we have details of two providers – J B Management and AVQ Management who are offering Book

If a Training Group member company is booking a course through NCC directly, they are entitled to a 10% CITB discount.  Just quote the name of the Training Group you are a member of when making the booking.