This NVQ-approved centre is operated under the direction of Shona Farrell and her staff and has achieved its target to qualify 100 specialist operatives in the trades of demolition, asbestos and construction plant to level NVQ 2 or 3.

Additionally, there was also a requirement to train four onsite assessors in these occupational groups. A further two have been trained in the disciplines of passive fire protection, fenestration and glass and glazing.

Demand for onsite assessment and training from the specialist sector is growing with support from individual companies, federations and trade associations as was initially highlighted by a need for further 56 VQ2 or 3 qualifications through Project 50 for members of the Scottish Specialist Contractors Training Group in 2017.

Recent demographic research by CITB shows that 3,800 new trained assessors will be required to support industry in ensuring a trained workforce.

Shona and her staff are now planning to assist companies in passive fire and floor laying sectors with VQs, and there is interest from the interior systems sector and construction sealant contractors. To satisfy demand, the Academy is recruiting additional trained VQ assessors and is asking industry to help identify and recruit interested competent tradespersons. The Academy will provide all necessary training and administrative support to the new assessors, who are seen as vital in the Academy’s expansion to the specialist sectors.

Ian Hughes, CITB Scotland strategic director, said: “Amid a skills shortage and the implications of Brexit on the workforce, it’s important that there are more onsite assessors to help qualify construction workers to develop their careers as well as to the benefit of industry.”  

Shona would be very interested in hearing from competent tradespersons in various specialist disciplines located anywhere in the UK who would like to be trained as a VQ assessor.

Those interested should contact either Shona or Louise at the Academy on 0141 5541369.