Construction workers in Northern Ireland will be able to benefit from the next phase of the Qualifying the Existing Workforce project which will give 1,000 currently unqualified, experienced, employed construction workers their NVQ Level 2.
This project is a joint initiative by the Department for Employment and Learning(DEL), CITB-Construction Skills NI and the Joint Council for the Building & Civil Engineering Industry. Since its initial launch in June 2012 it has provided over 500 free NVQ Level 2 qualifications for unqualified individuals working in the industry.
Barry Neilson, chief executive, CITB-Construction Skills NI said: “It is encouraging that in these economic times the Qualifying the Existing Workforce Project has been so successful and we are delighted to secure funding for the next phase in order to continue the momentum in the construction industry.
“We encourage construction workers to sign up and claim their free training not only to help themselves but also the local industry.” Nine assessment centres have been awarded the contract to qualify and assess the candidates across the Province.
There are 45 occupations available ranging from bricklaying to wall and floor tiling and including occupations new to the project this year, such as asbestos removal, hire and rental and roofing. For full details, a list of assessment centres and occupations available, log on to www.citbcsni.org.uk and follow the links to FREE NVQs or call 028 9082 5466.