NORTHERN Ireland’s construction sector is leading the way by producing a tailored learning resource packs to increase employability in the building trade.
CITB-ConstructionSkills NI have been working with local Essential Skills, numeracy, literacy and ICT tutors to launch the packs specifically for construction students and those already working in the industry.
Speaking at the resource pack launch, Barry Neilson, chief executive CITB-ConstructionSkills NI said: “Essential Skills are a crucial element of everyday life and work and we support the Department for Employment and Learning’s (DEL) strategy in promoting a joined up effort to drive the vital skills of literacy, numeracy and ICT.
“It is significant that we launch our full suite of packs at the same time as DEL are celebrating 10 years of successful campaigning for Essential Skills. It is our role to nourish these skills within the construction sector.
Construction has suffered hard in the economic climate and skills are a crucial element in rebuilding and rebalancing our economy. For both students and those existing workers in the industry, essential skills are essential for construction.”
These resource packs have been developed to support Essential Skills tutors in making tasks construction related helping the course to be more relevant and interesting for the student.
Using ‘real life’ examples, scenarios and topics helps to successfully deliver the qualification and helps to increase pass rates.
Construction is the only industry sector to have developed these packs.
The packs have been developed over the past two years with the most recent addition published focusing on Level 1 Essential Skills for ICT Students and Experienced Workers.
The CITB-ConstructionSkills Northern Ireland Essential Skills Resources have been distributed amongst the college and training provider networks and are also available to download at www.citbcsni.org.uk under publications.
The CITB-ConstructionSkills Northern Ireland represents the amalgamated operations of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Sector Skills Council for construction. Its role is to encourage the adequate training of those employed or looking for work in the construction industry and to improve the skills and productivity of the industry here. It provides advice, courses and grants for training to help construction companies improve their skills to increase their competitive edge.