A two-year project has been launched to recruit 100 new construction assessors across all of Scotland’s construction colleges.
The scheme is targeting experienced tradespeople working in construction and is being driven by ESP and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), in partnership with 24 Scottish colleges, government agencies and private training providers.
The project has been described as an opportunity for qualified tradespeople, who may be seeking a career change, to work in partnership with their regional college.
Assessors will be recruited across a range of areas, including carpentry & joinery, brickwork, painting and decorating, interior systems, timber frame erection, floorcovering, roof slate & tiling, wall & floor tiling, stone masonry, wood machining & plastering.
Colleges and training providers will continue to recruit individually, while the assessor vacancies will be promoted via a national campaign.
John Renwick, construction sector manager for ESP said, “Becoming an assessor can be a rewarding career choice and the opportunity to shape the next generation of talent. It is a key role in the success of the construction sector, helping new entrants to gain their qualifications and become highly skilled in their trade. Scottish Apprenticeship Week seemed like the perfect time to launch the project. The importance and value of apprenticeships are recognised throughout the country, and they would not be achievable without the help and support of the assessor role.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced industry professionals to use their skills and knowledge in a new capacity and we would encourage them to find out more about this fantastic job opportunity.”
Ian Hughes, partnerships director at CITB Scotland added, “Our evidence-based approach to the funding we provide helps the construction industry to deliver tailored training and assessment to fulfil Scotland’s skills needs. The Scottish Assessors project is a great example of how we work in partnership with training delivery organisations to ensure that construction has the right people, with the right skills, in the right place. The recruitment and upskilling of assessors for specific trades – and in specific regions of Scotland – will have a hugely positive impact on the delivery of a greater number of much-needed, fully trained and qualified apprentices to the Scottish workforce.”
Gordon Nelson, FMB Scotland director commented, “Many of our master builder members take great pride in recruiting and training construction apprentices for their business. our members have high standards, which is why it is important that the new assessors have sufficient skills and knowledge to ensure apprenticeship qualifications are delivered to high standards too. Some members have already expressed an interest in becoming assessors, which is very encouraging. Through engaging with our members across Scotland, the FMB will help attract the assessors needed to ensure Scotland’s construction industry has a bright future.”
