Tough times for the construction industry

Construction has always been recognised as an economic barometer of the national economy and the current downturn certainly appears to support this perspective.

However the general economy and the construction industry have always operated on a cyclical basis, although not necessarily the ‘boom to bust’ extreme we are experiencing currently. But the good thing is that the downturn will inevitably be followed by an upturn.

The one thing that will not change however is the competitive nature of the industry. So the trick of course will be to ensure that we are ready for the upturn when it does arrive, by using the time we have now to improve our skills and competencies.

However, unfortunately that in itself may still not satisfy our clients. They now need evidence that firms and workers are complying with these requirements in the form of certification of independent third party audits and training.

The CSR card provides evidence that the holder has at least received basic health and safety awareness training and his/her competence has been assessed against the industry’s own occupational NVQ standards.

But how do clients know that those who are running their building projects are properly trained, qualified and competent to supervise and manage, what are often multi-million pounds contracts?

An answer is to ensure that they are members of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) which is the professional body that oversees, in the pubic interest, the competence and qualifications of the sector’s supervisors and managers. With 44,000 members in over 100 countries world wide the CIOB has over 175 years experience of training and educating construction professionals.

Chartered Builders with the designation MCIOB, ensures professionalism, which in turn is a guarantee that the holder of the title is competent, qualified and has the necessary up to date knowledge of construction management to ensure compliance with the ever increasing demands of clients and legislation.

The CIOB are holding a free information evening for construction workers in the Belmont Hotel on Monday February 1 at 7pm.

The evening hopes to explain the benefits of membership, how to join and become professionally qualified, information about the 2010 education and training programmes and grants.

To enquire about CIOB education, training, qualifications and membership contact Allan McMullen Training & Consultancy [email protected] or WYG Training [email protected].