Training body calls for big changes

SummitSkills, in partnership with the Learning and Skills Council, has recommended significant changes in training and education for the m&e sector, following the completion of stage two of its formulation of a Sector Skills Agreement for the industry.

A major recommendation is that technical certificates should be supported only as part of a full framework apprenticeship or in conjunction with an NVQ.

Entry and progression routes will be developed to support a sustainable number of new entrants, based on those likely to secure employment.

“SummitSkills can find little evidence to support the notion that students are progressing from standalone technical certificate courses into employment,” said SummitSkills chief executive Keith Marshall.

There is also concern that the number of people undertaking technical certificates is out of proportion to the number of new employees required.

In some cases there are 10 times as many people studying technical certificates as the industry actually needs.

The recommendations, made as part of the Assessment of Current Provision stage of the Sector Skills Agreement, support the Leitch agenda of reforming the current system so that it is demand-led.

Other recommendations are:

• reducing the number of non- viable courses and qualifications surplus to employers’ needs;
• developing a network of higher education training;
• timely updating of the sector’s national occupational standards and qualifications. This will be addressed as part of the Sector Qualifications Strategy;
• forging a closer employer/ provider partnership.

SummitSkills is also set to update the National Occupational Standards for renewable technologies. It will involve the development of standards and minimum technical competencies by March 2008.

The move follows findings from an independent report commissioned by SummitSkills and backed by the Engineering Services Training Trust and the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA).

The report, undertaken by the National Energy Foundation (NEF), concludes that, to date, the solar thermal sector has largely led the way by establishing Logic and BPEC accredited courses.

However, the NEF found there are few microgeneration courses in combined heat and power and hydro.

Only a limited number of these actually lead to a recognised qualification, particularly in wind and solar-PV.

“Microgeneration is a key part of the government strategy to help combat climate change, promoted through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP),” said Marshall.

“If it is to succeed, it is vital to increase the number of skilled installers and system designers, or the UK risks falling short of its targets.”