Home > News > December 2005 > 14-Dec-2005

Joint initiative aims to fill site supervisor skills gap

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is working with Manchester Open Learning (MOL) to develop an open learning programme for supervisors working in the construction industry. The developers say that the new programme would lead to the CIOB Level 3 Certificate in Site Supervisory Studies.

Nick Marsh, CIOB education manager said: "The skills gap at Site Supervisor level is well known and has proved difficult to resolve, particularly for smaller firms.

"The CIOB Level 3 Certificate in Site Supervisory Studies is an excellent, well established qualification, based on very relevant skills that link directly to the NVQ 3 in Construction Site Supervision. It is highly thought of in the industry and many colleges around the country deliver programmes leading to it.

"Accessibility is an issue however, given the everyday demands placed on construction companies. Many firms, particularly smaller ones, are under continuous pressure to maintain output to comply with rigid project timescales. As a result, time is not always available for site operatives to attend college. Even when this happens, retaining learners once they are enrolled is another issue.

"The industry needs a flexible programme that provides site supervisors with a realistic opportunity of accessing and completing. MOL has an established track record of developing and delivering programmes that do just that, and we are very pleased to be working with them."

Subject to CIOB submissions approval, the programme is expected to launch in September 2006. The CIOB says that apart from an induction day at a regional centre and a residential on levelling and setting out, the whole programme is based on self study with tutor support provided by email, telephone and through MOL's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). MOL is part of Manchester College of Arts and Technology.

Steve Clarke, head of MOL said: "The keys to success in open learning are accessibility, quality and a high level of tutor support. Working with CIOB we have been able to combine all three."

Nick Marsh added, "Many people are reticent about distance learning, and this is perfectly understandable. Without lots of tutor support and interaction with others in the same profession, it can be a lonely and demoralising experience.

"But MOL's track record with programmes such as the Construction Materials Product Knowledge course for builders merchants and the programmes they run in conjunction with the National Association of Estate Agents, show that the emphasis they give to supporting learners every inch of the way pays off and is confirmed by very high retention and achievement rates."

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The Chartered Institute of Building

Manchester Open Learning

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