Skills for decommissioning
Some skills development opportunities to enhance the quality assurance of your business and put you in a good position to bid for decommissioning contracts Safety Passport A contract requirement that ensures contract workers know about safety awareness and practice, on all contracts and particularly working on the Dounreay site. The Safety Passport consists of a two-day course with an exam at the end; successful completion entitles the worker to be awarded the Safety Passport, which lasts for three years before renewal (similar process to the First Aid certificate). The Safety Passport is accredited by ECITB. There is an additional day’s course for Supervisors. Businesses can contact providers of the Safety Passport qualification for further details, costs and dates:
Decommissioning Vocational Qualification at level 2 A broad based qualification relating to the skills of decommissioning, and needing to be assessed in the workplace, by accredited assessors with industry experience. Achievement of the qualification can be closely related to the actual work of the individual and is a quality assurance indicator for clients. HIE Caithness and Sutherland funding May be available to support the training of young people entering the workplace directly from school, provided they are undertaking a recognised vocational qualification relating to your business either by the Skillseeker or Modern Apprenticeship programmes. In addition Modern Apprenticeship funding is now available to support the training of people who are undertaking a minimum level 3 vocational qualification which leads to achievement of the Modern Apprenticeship certification. People who have been unemployed, may be eligible for funding through our Training for Work programme. For further information, please contact Lynne Johnstone on 01847 805203. Businesses can apply to the HIE Caithness and Sutherland business development teams for support for in-work training of established workers. The main area of exclusion from this funding is statutory training which you are required by law to undertake as part of your business liabilities. For further information please contact Anne Sutherland on 01408 633872. Other sources of assistance Jobcentre Plus manages the New Deal, which has various ways of supporting employers who are able to take on people who have been unemployed. The unemployed person may be identified by yourself, in which case, check with Jobcentre Plus about the person’s eligibility for funding, or Jobcentre Plus will identify relevant candidates who may fit the bill for your company. Training relevant to your business will be part of the package of support.
Sector Training Groups For businesses working in the construction sector, there is now a North Highland Training Group which is made up of businesses of all sizes, coming together and identifying their training needs. They have set out a programme of training identified by the businesses, which all members can access. The group is supported by CITB and HIE Caithness and Sutherland. Employment Grants Scheme Administered by the Highland Council where funding may be available to take on additional permanent staff if unemployed individuals are recruited. For further information, please contact:
Remember, investing in the skills of your staff can pay off in:
Have you worked out the costs of NOT investing in the skills of your people?
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