drywall contractors to develop first employer-led training initiative

5 March 2008

The Federation of Plastering and Drywall Contractors has revealed detailed plans for drywall to become the first construction sector to set up employer-led training as recommended in the Leitch Review.

At a special presentation in the City of London, industry leaders outlined details of how they intend to create a one-stop-shop drywall training school to recruit and train new entrants and also up-skill the existing drywall workforce from operative to management.

Drywall is one of the fastest growing sectors in the British construction industry; some estimates put growth at nearly 10% per annum. Drywall systems are specified in more than 90% of residential new build schemes and over 75% of commercial ones.  The Thames Gateway project alone will use an estimated 50 million square metres of plasterboard in 160,000 new homes and 27 new schools.

Mat McAdams, FPDC’s President, said: “The challenge for the sector is to raise the standard of drywall installation, recruiting and training up to 5,000 new entrants required over the next five years, whilst continuing to up-skill the existing workforce.  We want to deliver training needed by employers for their workforce, as well as demonstrate the career opportunities available in this innovative sector.  The best way to achieve this is through an employer led centre of excellence.”

“Currently only assessment is available via the two established routes: the Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) or the more established On Site Assessment and Training (OSAT).  Technical training to support assessment mechanisms do not exist.  There is no single training facility to fully train new entrants. This new training centre is a first step to providing formal training for both new entrants and up-skilling existing workers.

“This pioneering ‘employer-driven’ training school will focus on delivering assessment and technical training for core trades supported by FPDC which currently has very limited or no provision to train operatives starting with drywall and steel frame systems.”

One of most exciting aspects is that FPDC members guarantee employment to the first three years’ intake of successful new entrants.

Mr McAdams went on to say: “To achieve our goals we need vibrant, committed business partners who are ready to face the challenges with us and get involved in this ground-breaking project.”

For the first time there will be training to complement the established assessment framework.  The training for new entrants will be a comprehensive two year modern apprenticeship with a view to ensuring operatives are site ready upon completion of initial training. 

The new school will have capacity to deliver more than 4,000 man days of training through classroom based training targeted at supervisors and management; structured continuing professional development as well as underpinning knowledge for Level 3 and 4 National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ’s). All training delivered will be within the existing framework of nationally recognised qualifications.

It is anticipated that the first training centre will occupy a light industrial unit in Greater London.