STA LAUNCHES NEW SKILLS HUB AND INSTALLER TRAINING SCHEME

In a move that will significantly improve access to high-quality timber skills training, the Structural Timber Association (STA) has launched an online Skills Hub incorporating its new STA Installer Training Scheme (ITS).

The STA has a long history of providing skills training and the new hub aptly coincides with the Government’s Timber in Construction Policy Roadmap having identified skills as a barrier to the increased use of structural timber in construction. The new Skills Hub and Installer Training Scheme will play a vital role in providing the industry with a highly-skilled workforce that is well-equipped to deliver the policy roadmap’s aspirations.

The Installer Training Scheme replaces the previous Timber Frame Competency Award Scheme (TFCAS) and has been redeveloped and redesigned to provide sector-specific learning support for the installation of structural timber systems, aimed at ensuring both existing and new installers have the required knowledge and understanding to undertake the installation of structural timber buildings to the highest standards.

The development of the ITS focused on five key outcomes:

• Accessibility - an online learning solution with a single point of entry, providing anytime/anywhere access
• Simplification - easy to follow categories and simple process from registration through to certification.
• Consistency - a single approach to functionality across all STA training schemes.
• Affordability - a training scheme that is cost neutral to STA members and their learners.
• Credibility - supported by appropriate technology supports STA Assure – quality scheme assurance.

The scheme, which was created in conjunction with our members as industry experts, provides individuals with access to an essential learning toolkit, structured around online learning, focusing on the key elements required when installing structural timber systems. This includes health and safety, installation of structural timber systems, roofs, and cavity barriers plus other general construction considerations. Each installer is required to successfully complete an invigilated examination, based on the key elements featured within the programme of learning.

The Skills Hub has been created to provide STA members and the structural timber community and the wider construction industry with the latest information and guidance on sector specific skills, training, and education.

The online hub focuses on the following key areas:

• Apprenticeships
• Qualification availability
• Sector related training
• Funding opportunities
• Industry Careers

The Skills Hub will provide a useful platform for the STA to continue to provide the right information and guidance on the latest developments within skills and training, and shows commitment to progressing and meeting the objectives of the Timber in Construction Roadmap.

Tony Batchelor, Skills Manager at the STA, said: “The STA Installer Training Scheme and the online Skills Hub is a result of the STA continuous improvement programme. It follows the recognition that there is an industry requirement for relevant, current information and guidance for members and the wider industry. We believe that by introducing the Skills Hub, various elements of the supply chain building using structural timber systems, will find it simpler to attain the knowledge and guidance to build to best standards. And this is just the start, as further training schemes are planned for introduction in 2024 for both structural timber design and manufacturing, further underpinning the STA’s commitment to ensuring best practice and high standards, along with developing and enhancing the Skills Hub user experience.

“We are fully on board with Priority Theme 3 outlined in the Timber in Construction Policy Roadmap identifying that some barriers to the increased use of structural timber in construction related to skills shortages in the industry, and we are confident that the Skills Hub and Installer Training Scheme will support the industry in overcoming those barriers.”

Visit the STA Skills Hub here: https://www.structuraltimber.co.uk/skills-hub/

Ends

Editors notes

£10billion gross value was added to the UK economy by the timber industry, and the sector employs over 300,000 people across 51,000 businesses

As the leading authority for structural timber build systems, the Structural Timber Association (STA) is recognised for their technical excellence, superior knowledge and leading standards. With over 950 members, the STA is the UK’s leading organisation representing the structural timber sector, a sector now valued at over £1billion, and associated supply chain companies.

Their mission is to support and facilitate the UK construction industry to increase the use of structural timber across housing, public sector and commercial sectors, contributing to the housing targets of 300,00 per year, while delivering value and increased build quality, through fast, sustainable, low carbon construction. Over the past 5 years 198,429 timber frame homes have been built in the UK, a number which the STA seeks to increase in line with housing targets. 

The STA actively work to promote structural timber through innovation and accreditation while raising the bar on quality standards, health and safety, skills training and technical knowledge. Their goal is to drive increased use of MMC and offsite manufacture for the benefit of all stakeholders. Additionally, the STA works to influence legislation and regulation, and support the objectives of the structural timber sector as a whole. Having played a key role in the Government’s Timber in Construction Policy Roadmap development, the STA continues to spearhead its implementation.

STA Assure is the STA’s Quality Assurance Scheme that provides confidence in the use of structural timber and determines member competency and compliance, providing solid reassurances to the construction community that its members meet or exceed current legislation and regulatory requirements.

For more information about structural timber please visit: www.timefortimber.org/

For more information about the STA, including STA Assure, please visit: www.structuraltimber.co.uk