What is a Site Manager?

A site manager, sometimes referred to as a Construction Manager or Project Manager, is the person responsible for supervising construction projects from start to finish. The site manager oversees construction sites to ensure projects are completed in accordance with regulations, within budget and in the time frame agreed.

Site managers can be employed by a variety of companies, such as house builders, property developers, construction companies and infrastructure firms, and they may be hired as a contractor or be directly employed by the company.

An experienced site manager can earn up to £50,000 per year and is expected to work wherever the construction site is located, so may face a long commute or have to relocate for an extended period of time.

What Does a Site Manager Do?

Site managers have a high level of responsibility and are often in charge of construction projects from before they begin until after they are finished. They may have responsibility for the entire project or just part of a project, depending on their seniority and areas of expertise.

The site manager carries out a variety of roles and no two days will be the same. Tasks are related to areas such as; legal compliance, administration, providing safety advice, managing the budget, communicating with workers and contractors, ordering resources and ultimately, ensuring the job gets done on time.

Site Manager Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of a site manager include:

• Project management and overseeing a project from start to finish.
• Ensuring the project meets the client’s requirements and specifications.
• Reviewing progress of the project and getting it back on track if necessary.
• Monitoring costs throughout the project.
• Coordinating, supervising and communicating with construction workers.
• Hiring and coordinating subcontractors.
• Liaising with clients, contractors and others about the project.
• Preparing site reports and managing paperwork.
• Securing contracts, licences and permits.
• Identifying and buying the right resources, tools and materials for the project.
• Carrying out site safety inspections.
• Ensuring health and safety compliance.
• Maintaining quality control checks.
• Continually assessing and minimising risks with a risk assessment.
• Problem-solving and handling any project issues that arise.

Looking to Learn More?

An effective site manager needs to understand all aspects of construction health and safety and recognise how to ensure their project complies with safety regulations. Our online Health and Safety for Managers course provides you with a thorough understanding of all the key health and safety topics that site managers need to know.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Site Manager?

There are various routes into becoming a site manager, so choose the one that’s best suited to you and your preferred way of learning. If you already work in the construction industry then you already have the basic knowledge needed to become a site manager and may choose to enter the profession via an apprenticeship or college course. Alternatively, if you’re new to the industry, you may prefer to take a university course or find some hands-on work experience.

Alongside a site manager qualification, you’ll also need a valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site and membership with the Chartered Institute of Building would be beneficial. Bear in mind the time and costs associated with obtaining these extra certificates if you plan to enter this line of work.

The qualifications you need to be a site manager include:

Site Manager College Courses

A college course in site management enables you to learn everything you need to know to become a site manager, including essential knowledge on health and safety legislation, how to implement industry best practice, environmental considerations, planning skills and resourcing.

Examples of relevant courses are a Level 6 NVQ in Construction Site Management, a HMC in Construction or a HND in Construction Management. To take a college course in site management, you’ll need at least two GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent.

Site Manager Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship within an established construction firm is a great way to enter the industry and gain valuable, practical experience alongside your college lessons. You may also end up being employed by the construction firm as a Junior Site Manager at the end of your apprenticeship.

Examples of relevant apprenticeships are an apprenticeship in Construction Site Management or a higher apprenticeship in Construction Site Management. Each one takes 2-4 years to complete and you’ll need at least two GCSEs for a standard apprenticeship, including English and maths, or 4-5 GCSEs for a higher level apprenticeship.

Site Manager University Courses

An undergraduate, postgraduate or foundation degree in a construction related subject can help you to enter the site manager profession at a more senior level. Relevant university subjects include civil engineering, building studies, construction management, project management and surveying. Depending on the employer, you may need to achieve a particular grade to become a site manager for their company.

Site Manager Work Experience

Carrying out some work experience alongside an existing site manager in the construction industry is a great way to gain insider knowledge and experience of the role. Work experience is usually voluntary and unpaid and may require you to work during holidays but it can be highly attractive to potential employers if you have some work experience on your CV.

Site Manager Health and Safety Training

To be a successful site manager, you must prioritise health and safety at all times and recognise the importance of following rules and regulations whilst construction projects are being carried out. Not only does the project itself need to be legally compliant, but so too do any on-site workers and contractors.

High Speed Training has a wide range of health and safety awareness courses that are ideal for site managers and the employees they oversee. All the courses can be completed online and come with a certificate to put on your CV at the end. Some of the awareness level courses on offer include:

• Health and Safety Training for Managers
• Risk Assessment Training
• CDM Regulations
• Permit to Work Training
• Health and Safety Training for Employees
• Asbestos Awareness
• Working at Height 
• Manual Handling Awareness
• Working in Confined Spaces
• LOLER Training

You can access our full catalogue of online health and safety training courses here.

Site Manager Skills

As well as being able to carry out the practical, day-to-day tasks associated with site management (your hard skills), a competent site manager also needs to possess a range of soft skills to be successful in their role.

Examples of essential site manager skills are:

• Knowledge of the construction industry as a whole.
• An understanding of building regulations, such as the Building Safety Act.
• Knowledge and application of health and safety procedures.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Logical thinking.
• Ability to make decisions.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Motivation skills.
• Teamwork.
• Leadership skills.
• Negotiation skills.
• Time management skills.
• Project management skills.
• Ability to understand technical drawings and diagrams.
• Understanding of quality control.

All construction sites require a competent site manager who can ensure construction projects run efficiently, to budget and on-time, starting from before the projects begin until after the jobs have been completed. Possessing the right skills and qualifications to be a site manager will ensure you’re successful in the role and can go on to be a highly-regarded site manager in the construction industry.

Further Resources:

• Online Health and Safety Courses
• How to Become a Project Manager
• Careers in Construction Industry: Opportunities and Roles
• How to Become a Construction Worker

The post How to Become a Site Manager appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

In this article we will outline what a training calendar is and how your business can benefit from using one. You will also find guidance on how to prepare a training calendar along with free downloadable training calendar templates. 

What is a Training Calendar?

A training calendar is a schedule of training sessions, workshops and seminars. It acts as a visual guide of training opportunities that will further your employees’ professional growth and development. 

Providing your employees with a diverse range of training empowers them to enhance their skills whilst encouraging them to attain new ones. This boosts their confidence and increases their independence which in turn helps your business. The consequences of not training your employees can be severe, but a well organised training calendar will support the successful implementation of training in your business.

Why Use a Training Calendar for Employees?

The benefits of employee training include improved efficiency, greater job satisfaction and higher employee retention. A training calendar is much more than just a checklist of the workshops and seminars that create these benefits. Training calendars enable you to deliver training in the most effective and efficient way possible and act as discernable markers of your dedication to employee development.  

Five ways a training calendar can be beneficial to you and your employees include:

1. Improved performance and engagement – training improves your employees’ skills and gives them the tools to do their jobs confidently and competently. When employees can see what training is coming up, they are better prepared to improve those skills and thus more likely to be highly engaged during said training.  
2. Encouraging innovation – creativity is stimulated when employees are given the chance to explore new ideas and approaches through training. A training calendar shows employees that you both value and encourage these chances for innovation. 
3. Increased competitiveness – businesses that invest in employee training have a competitive advantage on others as they are providing their employees with the skills to meet different demands. By showing prospective and existing employees what training opportunities are available, your business stands out as an organisation dedicated to employee development. 
4. Creating a culture of learning – a training calendar reiterates to all your employees that training is not a ‘one time thing’ but in fact a continuous process of improvement. This in turn helps to create a culture of learning in which learning and development is a normal part of your business’ day-to-day activities. 
5. Addressing skill gaps – upskilling employees can be a cost-effective way to build the skills that your business needs whilst boosting morale and improving employee engagement. A training calendar that has been strategically developed to target identified skill gaps provides your employees with the chance to fill those gaps and improve their skill set. 

Looking to Learn More?

We offer a wide range of Online Training Courses to support your employees’ professional development. From Health and Safety Training for Employees to Communication Skills, we have an array of courses to expand your employees’ skills and boost your business’ success.

How to Prepare a Training Calendar

There are lots of different training calendar formats available and you need to consider which format is best for you. Important factors to consider are the size of your team, the frequency of training sessions and the training objectives. Regardless of which format you choose, your training calendar needs careful planning and consideration in order to be as effective as possible. 

Remember; a well planned and carefully executed training calendar will align with the needs of your business and enable your employees to take ownership of their development. 

Here are some key steps you should follow when preparing a training calendar:

1. Assess your Needs.

Before you begin any kind of planning, you need to identify the training needs of your business and your employees. This is an opportune time to seek input from your employees and learn what kind of training they actually want and need. Take the time to consider skill gaps and ask your employees what skills they are interested in developing. The more tailored your training calendar the more engaged your employees and the more plentiful the rewards. 

2. Establish Objectives.

Once you have an idea of what needs your training will address, the next step is to define the objectives for your training sessions. What do you want your employees to gain? What skills and knowledge are you eager to develop? Establishing clear objectives and setting SMART goals gives your employees a direct understanding of what is expected from them and their training. You can then align their training with your business’ objectives, ensuring they have the necessary skills for your business’ success.

3. Select Resources and Format.

Training comes in all shapes and sizes but one size does not fit all. Not only do different employees have different training needs, some training is better delivered in one way than  the other. Consider offering a variety of training formats such as online courses, in-person workshops or seminars/webinars. This can help to mix things up for your employees and prevent training from appearing monolithic.

It is also important to consider the best facilitator for training. Don’t overlook the expertise that already exists within your business but also recognise when an external training provider would be the best course of action. 

4. Plan your Schedule.

Now that you’ve done the groundwork it’s time to put your training calendar together! It’s important to be strategic with your scheduling in order to make it as effective as possible. Whilst you want to offer ample opportunities for training, avoid overloading your employees with too many sessions at once. Ensure that training is spread out so that it remains manageable along with your employees’ regular workload. It is also a good idea to offer sessions at different times of the day to accommodate different schedules and workloads. 

Consider aligning your training calendar with your business’ initiatives. For example, if you have an important project coming up in the next quarter, you can spend the previous quarter delivering key training that will help the project’s success. Moreover, if you know that May is a particularly busy month for your business, you may decide to reduce the number of training sessions for that month to avoid overloading your staff.  

5. Share and Promote.

Think of your training calendar as a living breathing document, that is to say, once it’s finished don’t let it rot away in a folder never to see the light of day. Ensure that your training calendar is easily accessible for employees and encourage them to regularly check it for updates. You may decide to share the calendar via email, monthly newsletters (depending on the frequency that you have chosen) or other internal communications. However you decide to do it, make sure you convey the value of the training that you are offering and promote the specific benefits of each session. 

6. Evaluate and Evolve.

As with any living thing your training calendar can and should evolve over time. Take the time to evaluate your training calendar and the impact that it has had on your business. Have your employees gained the skills that they needed? Are you offering too much training in one area and not enough in another? Does the calendar still align with the needs of your business? These are important questions to ask to maintain the efficacy of your training calendar. Encourage employee feedback and use this to adapt and tweak your calendar as necessary. Utilise both qualitative and quantitative metrics to gauge the success of your training sessions and to guide the creation of future calendars. By committing to the continuous improvement of your training calendar you are ensuring that it remains useful and impactful for your business and your employees. 

Training Calendar Templates

A training calendar is an invaluable tool when it comes to delivering effective training. As mentioned, it needs to be comprehensive and informative, whilst remaining simple to follow and understand. It can be daunting to know where to start when creating a training calendar and there are countless templates for you to choose from. Regardless of which one you choose, it needs to be appropriate for your business and adjusted to suit your specific goals. 

Our free monthly and weekly training calendar templates provide you with a structured approach to professional learning and development. Each template can be downloaded and edited to suit the specific needs of your business; for example, you may choose to use the monthly calendar template for department or company wide training and encourage your employees to use the weekly template to create their own individualised training calendar.

You also have the option to colour coordinate your calendar with an editable colour key. You may choose to do this to group training sessions together by the skill that will be developed or to indicate which sessions are mandatory and which are optional. If you choose to keep your training calendar as a digital file you can highlight each entry with the corresponding colour yourself, or should you choose to print it, you can use a highlighter. 

Remember, it’s important to evaluate your training calendar to maintain its efficacy and to ensure that it remains relevant to your employees’ and business’ needs. It is therefore advisable to allocate time in your calendar for feedback sessions during which you can gain valuable information to guide the creation of future training calendars.

A training calendar is much more than just a stylish way to display training. It is an invaluable strategic tool that enables you to deliver efficient and effective training, supporting your employees’ growth and your business’ success.

Further Resources:

• 10 Employee Engagement Strategies
• How to Write SMART Goals for Employees
• Online Training Courses

The post Training Calendars: Why Your Company Needs One appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

What is SALSA Accreditation?

SALSA stands for Safe and Local Supplier Approval. SALSA accreditation has been developed by experienced food safety experts as a certification scheme to support small food and drink businesses and suppliers in the UK.

Over recent years, the popularity of locally and regionally sourced foods has increased, as has the number of small businesses that create them. Whilst sourcing food and drink locally has many benefits – for the environment, for consumers and for the economy – the legal requirements and safety procedures need to be just as robust as those of their larger, multinational counterparts.

SALSA certification enables small UK food businesses to achieve a certificate that proves their food hygiene and food safety management credentials. The scheme is designed to encourage small and micro businesses to ensure the food and drink they produce is consistently safe through effective practices and controls.

The SALSA Standard

The SALSA standard aims to ensure food businesses are meeting legal requirements and achieving best practice in all aspects of their organisation. It was created by experienced food safety experts, including The Food & Drink Federation, NFU and UK Hospitality.

SALSA offers four different Standards to meet the different needs of the UK food industry:

SALSA Food and Drink Production

The food and drink standard is for small UK food and drink businesses that operate from a commercial kitchen. The Standard covers the legal requirements of food producers and ensures organisations meet the expectations of professional buyers.

SALSA Brokers, Storage and Distribution

The food brokers, storage and distribution (BSD) standard is for small businesses that put products on the market but which they haven’t manufactured themselves. For example, wholesales, specialty food distributors and brands that outsource their manufacturing.

SALSA Plus Beer

The SALSA beer standard was created in association with Cask Marque and includes a special module on brewing. The ‘plus Beer’ Standard is ideal for small and micro breweries in the UK, as the requirements are tailored to small-scale operations.

SALSA Plus Cheese

The SALSA cheese standard was created in association with the Specialist Cheesemakers Association and includes a special module on cheesemaking. The ‘plus Cheese’ standard is designed especially for small and micro cheesemakers in the UK.

How to Achieve a SALSA Accreditation

In order to achieve SALSA accreditation, your business must be based in the UK, operate from a commercial (not domestic) premises and have between 1-50 full-time employees. Businesses that fall outside of this remit cannot obtain SALSA certification.

To achieve SALSA certification, you’ll need to:

1. Purchase the relevant membership package from the SALSA website.
2. Arrange for an audit of your business to be conducted by a SALSA auditor.
3. Prepare your business for audit, ensuring you meet all the requirements of the standard.
4. Accompany the SALSA auditor during their inspection.
5. If the auditor determines you’ve met the requirements of the standard, then your business will receive SALSA certification.

SALSA Certification Requirements

Food and drink businesses are only able to obtain SALSA certification if they can demonstrate to the auditor that they are committed to meeting the requirements of the relevant SALSA Standard. Suppliers must be able to prove that they can produce safe and legal food and drink products.

A large part of the SALSA certification requirements is ensuring everyone in your food business has received relevant and up-to-date training. Running a successful, safe and legal food business requires members of staff to have robust knowledge on relevant processes and procedures, including:

• HACCP Training
• Food Allergen Awareness or Food Allergens in Manufacturing
• Cleaning in Food Premises
• Food Labelling Regulations
• Pest Control
• Internal Auditing
• TACCP and VACCP
• Health and Safety in Food Premises

Want to Learn More?

As a starting point for all food and drink businesses, it’s recommended that you take a training course in food hygiene and safety to learn the basics and ensure your knowledge of food safety procedures remains up-to-date. To find out what food hygiene certificate you need, take a look at our Food Hygiene Certificate Guide, or view our full range of online Food Hygiene Certificates here.

SALSA Audit Checklist

During a SALSA audit, a nominated person will need to accompany the auditor whilst they inspect all areas of your HACCP food safety management system, checking each aspect of the premises and production process against the relevant SALSA Standard. The SALSA audit process takes around 5-6 hours.

Use the SALSA audit checklist below to learn which key areas of your business the auditors will look at:

SALSA certification is a great way for small and micro-sized food and drink suppliers to prove to their buyers that they have a robust food safety management system in place. Meeting the SALSA standard shows that your food business complies with the law and takes food safety seriously, and can consistently create safe and legal food and drink products.

Further Resources:

• Food Hygiene Courses
• Why is Food Hygiene Training Important?
• What Does the BRCGS Grading System Mean?
• Our Guide to Understanding BRCGS
• How to Choose a Reputable Food Supplier
• Food Supply Chain: Importance & Management Strategies
• What are the 7 Principles of HACCP?
• What is ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management?
• Food Safety Awareness Quiz
• Promoting a Food Safety Culture: Free Assessment Guide

The post What You Need to Know About the SALSA Standards appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

This article will outline how to become an engineer, the skills and qualifications needed to become an engineer and the different types of engineers. 

What Does an Engineer Do?

An engineer uses maths and science to design, develop and invent different systems, structures and processes. They use their technical skills and knowledge to create solutions to a wide range of problems. Engineering is a broad field encompassing various industries which will be explored later in this article. Whilst some fields require specialist skills, there are core tasks that most engineers perform on a daily basis. 

These include:

• Conducting research.
• Analysing data.
• Designing and creating prototypes.
• Testing prototype functionality.
• Building models.
• Conducting engineering experiments.
• Working with stakeholders and/or community groups to innovate new products.
• Writing reports.

Types of Engineers

There are five primary branches of engineering from which various sub-disciplines of engineering and engineers stem:

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become an Engineer?

The qualifications that you will need to become an engineer greatly depend on how far you want to go in your career. As mentioned, some sub-disciplines require specialist qualifications, whilst others are more flexible, giving you the chance to learn on the job. Nevertheless, most engineers have a degree or have completed an engineering apprenticeship; these are the two main qualification routes to begin your career as an engineer. 

Engineering Degree

If you decide to pursue an engineering degree you will first need to complete 2 – 3 A-Levels. Different universities will have different entry requirements, however you will typically need A – B grades with A-Levels in Maths and a science; this can vary depending on your intended specialism. UCAS has further information on different engineering degrees and their respective requirements. Upon completion of your A-Levels you should consider whether you want to complete a three year Bachelor’s degree (BEng) or a four year Master’s degree (MEng). If you hope to become a Chartered Engineer (CEng), then a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, or an accredited integrated MEng degree, will greatly help your registration. We will touch on how to become a Chartered Engineer later in the article.

Engineering Apprenticeship

An engineering apprenticeship allows you to earn while you learn and unlike a university degree your employer and the government pay any tuition fees. As an apprentice you will be an employee spending the majority of your time working and gaining hands-on experience. As with a degree, there are different entry requirements and this will vary depending on who you choose to do your apprenticeship with and the type of engineering apprenticeship you pursue. The National Careers Service has further information on available engineering apprenticeships. 

There are four types of engineering apprenticeship: 

• Intermediate Apprenticeship – also known as an entry level apprenticeship, these last between one and two years and teach you the basic engineering skills. You will typically need at least three GCSEs, grades A*- E/9 – 3, including English and Maths. Upon completion of an Intermediate Apprenticeship you will gain a Level 2 qualification.

• Advanced Apprenticeship – a step up from Intermediate, these provide a deeper understanding of engineering and take approximately two or more years to complete. You will typically need at least five GCSEs, grades A* – C/ 9 – 4, including English, Maths and a science. Upon completion of an Advanced Apprenticeship you will gain a Level 3 qualification.

• Higher Apprenticeship – these are usually targeted towards school leavers who have finished their A-Levels and teaches you more advanced skills. They take approximately two to five years to complete. You will typically need five or more GCSEs, grades A* – C/ 9 – 4, including English, Maths and a science as well as two A-Levels. Upon completion of a Higher Apprenticeship you will gain a Level 4 or Level 5 qualification.  
• Degree Apprenticeship – these lead to a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and take approximately three to six years to complete. A Degree Apprenticeship enables you to get a mix of full-time working and academic learning. You will typically need five or more GCSEs, grades A* – C/9 – 4, including English, Maths and a science as well as two A-Levels. Upon completion of a Degree Apprenticeship you will gain a Level 6 or a Level 7 qualification.

Professional Registration

Professional registration is highly regarded in the engineering field and whilst not essential to getting a job, it can increase your earning potential, job prospects and professional credibility. 

The professional engineering registration titles recognised by the Engineering Council are:

• Engineering Technician (EngTech)
• Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) 

To gain professional registration, your competence will be assessed against UK-SPEC standards in a professional review. This peer process is carried out by engineers who are already professionally registered and trained to carry out assessments. If you have gained a recognised qualification, such as an accredited university degree or approved apprenticeship scheme, then you will not need a professional review to achieve registration. The Engineering Council has more information about professional registration here. 

How Long Does it Take to Become an Engineer?

There is no set timeline for becoming an engineer and you can expect to spend between one to six years earning the necessary qualifications and experience. 

If you choose to pursue an undergraduate degree, you can expect to spend at least three to four years studying. If you then decide to complete a Master’s, this could add another one or two years. If you choose to pursue an engineering apprenticeship, the time will vary depending on the level of apprenticeship that you choose and could take between one to six years.  

Looking to Learn More?

Whichever route you take to begin your career as an engineer, supplement your learning with our wide range of Health and Safety Courses. Courses such as our Asbestos Awareness and Working at Height can teach you the skills to work safely and securely.

What Skills Do You Need to Become an Engineer?

To become an engineer you will need a variety of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are those essential to your career such as programming, computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing; these will be developed during your study or apprenticeship. Soft skills are more transferable but are equally important to a successful career. 

Important soft skills for an engineer include:

• Problem solving.
• Teamwork.
• Creativity.
• Strong communication. 
• A diligent eye for detail.
• Project management.
• Adaptability.
• Computer literacy. 
• Growth mindset.
• Analytical ability.

How to Become an Engineer

If you have decided that engineering is the right career for you, you need to consider the best entry route. Whilst there is no guarantee of employment upon completion of an engineering apprenticeship, employers are often eager to invest in future talent and most apprentices end up with a permanent role. Comparatively, university graduates may finish their degrees with more advanced technical knowledge but less hands-on experience. Both routes can lead to a successful career and each route has its pros and cons, so it is important to pick the right path for you.

Once you have finished studying, it’s time to start applying! The Government’s Find a Job service can help you find engineering jobs in your area. Before applying for any role, read through the job description carefully and ensure that your CV is up-to-date. A well written CV will help you stand out from the competition so be sure to list any relevant work experience that you have, as well as your qualifications and skills. If you have gained professional registration from the Engineering Council, add the relevant suffix as clear evidence of the high calibre of your work.

Engineering can be an incredibly diverse and rewarding career. Engineers are at the forefront of creative innovation and are fundamental to the development of new technologies to better society. If you see yourself as a future engineer, investing the time to obtain the necessary qualifications and work experience will help you pursue your dream job.  

Further Resources:

• How to Find the Right Career for Me
• How to Switch Careers
• Health and Safety Training Courses
• What is Asbestos Awareness Training & Who Needs it?

The post How to Become an Engineer appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

What Does a Welder Do?

A welder is someone who cuts, shapes, joins and repairs pieces of metal using heat. They can also be referred to by their particular area of expertise, such as a pipe welder, MIG welder, TIG welder or arc welder.

Welders might work with welding materials such as aluminium, steel or brass, and may work on a construction site, demolition site, shipyard, in a personal workshop, in a factory or in people’s private homes. The role is likely to involve lone working, hot work and working at height, so the ability to work well in a high-pressure working environment is essential.

Key tasks a welder does include:

• Using heat and gas to join parts together.
• Selecting which materials are appropriate for the task.
• Selecting the right welding procedure to use for each task.
• Making repairs to existing metal parts and pipes.
• Operating and calibrating welding equipment and tools.
• Measuring and cutting metal plates and pipes.
• Inspecting and testing the quality of joints.
• Dismantling and cutting up old metalwork.
• Working on an assembly line.
• Controlling flame sources to maintain the correct temperature.
• Working with fume extraction systems.
• Following detailed design drawings and engineering instructions.
• Maintaining machinery.
• Cleaning tools, equipment and work areas.
• Following safety procedures at all times.

What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Welder?

To become a welder, it’s recommended that you look into a relevant college course or apprenticeship to ensure you have both the practical and theoretical skills needed to perform the role safely. 

For many welding jobs, you’ll need an industry safety certificate, such as the Client Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) Safety Passport alongside your qualification. You’ll also need a valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card if you plan to work as a welder on a construction site. Bear in mind the time and costs associated with obtaining these extra certificates and cards if you plan to enter this line of work.

The qualifications you need to be a welder include:

Welding College Courses

A college welding course enables you to learn everything you need to know to become a trainee welder, including essential welding techniques and skills, health and safety procedures and knowledge of the engineering industry.

Examples of relevant courses are a Level 1 in Introductory Welding Skills, a Level 2 Award in Welding Skills and Techniques, a Level 3 Certificate in Welding and Fabrication Engineering Technology (for more experienced welders) or a T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control. To take a level 2 college course in welding, you’ll need at least two GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent.

Welding Apprenticeships

During a welding apprenticeship, you’ll learn hands-on skills from experienced welders alongside your classes in a college. An apprenticeship gives you real-life experience of welding, allows you to earn money whilst training and may lead to a position as a trainee welder within the company you do your apprenticeship with.

Examples of relevant apprenticeships are the General Welder Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, the Pipe Welder Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship and the Plate Welder Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. Each one takes 2-4 years to complete and you’ll need at least two GCSEs, including English and maths, to get started.

Welder Work Experience

Work experience as a welder is usually voluntary and unpaid, whether you do it full-time for a fortnight, after school or on a weekend. Welding work experience is a great way to get experience of a real-life working environment and is an asset to your CV. You could choose to shadow an experienced welder or look into a more specialist area of engineering or fabrication.

Welding Health and Safety Awareness Training

To be a welder, you must prioritise health and safety at all times and recognise the importance of performing the role safely and according to regulations.

High Speed Training has a wide range of health and safety awareness training that’s ideal for both new and experienced welders. All the courses can be completed online, giving you a certificate to put on your CV at the end. Some of the awareness level courses on offer include:

• Welding Safety
• Hot Work Training
• Working at Height 
• Ladder Safety
• Working in Confined Spaces
• Health and Safety Training for Employees
• Manual Handling Awareness

You can access our full catalogue of online health and safety training courses here.

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Welder?

As well as being able to carry out the practical tasks associated with welding, like cutting metal, making joins and using hot flame tools (your welding ‘hard skills’), a competent welder also needs to possess a range of ‘soft skills’ to be successful in the role.

Examples of welding soft skills are:

• Knowledge of the engineering industry as a whole.
• Understanding of welding health and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of hot work procedures.
• Recognition of the risks, such as arc-eye and burns.
• Good manual dexterity, strength and stamina.
• Good hand-eye coordination.
• Great attention to detail.
• Ability to read and follow technical drawings.
• Knowledge of technical welding terminology.
• Good maths skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Good concentration and ability to focus.
• Ability to adhere to deadlines.
• Ability to work alone safely.
• Knowledge of how to use, maintain and repair tools.
• Basic computer skills.

How to Get into Welding

If you’re new to the industry but know that welding is a career you want to pursue, take a look at the UK government’s apprenticeships near you or courses near you websites to find some initial training. You can then use the find a job service to look for permanent welding roles.

If you work in engineering already and want to move into welding, you can look at taking an additional training course in welding or inspection through The Welding Institute (TWI). Anyone can join the TWI and it can be a useful source of information for professional development, networking and training opportunities for both new and experienced welders.

If you’re unsure whether welding is the right career for you but you’re still interested in developing a trade, then our guide on careers in the construction industry will help you explore other similar job options that you may be interested in.

With experience as a welder, you can then explore different types of welding careers, such as becoming a supervisor or workshop manager, working in quality control and welding inspection, training new welders, becoming a welding engineer or specialising in a particular area of welding, such as marine engineering or boiler making. An experienced welder can earn in excess of £45,000 per year.

Skilled, qualified and competent welders will always be in demand in the engineering and construction industries, so pursuing this line of work can be a great career choice. Welding requires both practical skills and soft skills, including thorough knowledge of how to carry out this high-risk role safely and according to procedure. Once qualified, welding can become a career for life.

Further Resources:

• Online Health and Safety Courses
• How to Become a Construction Worker
• What is Asbestos Awareness Training & Who Needs it?
• How to Become an Engineer

The post How to Become a Welder appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

What Do Scaffolders Do?

A scaffolder, or scaffolding technician, is someone who erects and dismantles metal scaffolding on buildings and building sites. These structures are temporary and enable other workers to work at height safely during construction or repair work, such as roofers, carpenters, plasterers and builders.

Scaffolders may be required to set up scaffolding, guard rails, access planks and rigs inside or outside a building or structure, and often in all weathers. What’s most important is that scaffolders know how to carry out their work to perfection – scaffolding must be erected according to safety regulations and procedures, and scaffolders play a vital role in ensuring the safety of others in the workplace.

Key tasks a scaffolder does include:

• Erecting metal scaffolding poles.
• Fixing scaffolding onto buildings.
• Setting up platforms, temporary roofs and suspended scaffolding.
• Laying planks and boards to walk on.
• Loading and unloading scaffolding equipment onto/off a vehicle.
• Dismantling scaffolding.
• Fixing guard rails, safety netting and any other safety equipment.
• Ensuring scaffolding structures meet industry standards and safety regulations.
• Inspecting scaffolding structures to ensure they’re safe to use.
• Working as a team to erect/dismantle scaffolding. 
• Communicating with clients and other tradespeople.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Scaffolder?

Whilst there are no specific qualifications needed to become a scaffolder, it’s recommended that you look into a college course or apprenticeship to enter this line of work. Depending on how you learn best, you might prefer a full-time course, hands-on experience or a mix of the two.

The qualifications you need to be a scaffolder include:

Scaffolder College Courses

A college course will give you the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to become a scaffolder and will ensure you have a certificate and qualification at the end to prove what you know. Examples of relevant college courses are the Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills, Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations, Level 2 NVQ in Accessing Operations and Rigging (Construction) – Scaffolding or a Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) course. To take a college level 2 course in scaffolding, you’ll need at least two GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent.

Scaffolding Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a great way to gain hands-on skills and experience of the scaffolding industry, as it enables you to work on-the-job alongside your studies. Local scaffolding and construction companies often offer apprenticeships to young people, so take a look at what’s on offer at businesses in your area. An example is the Level 2 Scaffolder Apprenticeship, which usually takes two years to complete. To start an apprenticeship, you’re likely to need at least two GCSEs, including English and Maths, or the equivalent.

Scaffolder Work Experience

Taking a weekend job, work experience placement or short-term voluntary role as a scaffolding labourer with an existing construction company is a great way to obtain on-site experience and learn skills from an experienced scaffolder working in the industry. The employer you do work experience for may even be able to offer you an apprenticeship or further training once your work experience period is complete. Doing some scaffolding work experience will help you to get a full-time role and will look attractive to potential employers on your CV.

Scaffolder Health and Safety Awareness Training

To be a scaffolder, you must prioritise safety at all times and understand how to carry out the role whilst following all health and safety procedures, rules and regulations.

High Speed Training has a wide range of health and safety awareness training that’s ideal for both new and experienced scaffolders. All the courses can be completed online, giving you a certificate to put on your CV at the end. Some of the awareness level courses on offer include:

• Working at Height 
• Ladder Safety
• Health and Safety Training for Employees
• Manual Handling Awareness
• LOLER Training

You can access our full catalogue of online health and safety training courses here.

Scaffolder Skills

As well as being able to carry out the practical tasks associated with scaffolding, like erecting scaffolding poles, laying planks and attaching guard rails (your scaffolding ‘hard skills’), a good scaffolder also needs to possess a range of interpersonal skills – known as ‘soft skills’ – to be successful.

Examples of scaffolder soft skills are:

• Knowledge of the safety risks posed by scaffolding.
• Ability to work confidently at height.
• An understanding of working at height safety legislation.
• A good level of physical fitness, dexterity and strength.
• Good hand-eye coordination.
• Good attention to detail.
• Ability to think strategically and critically.
• Knowledge of the construction industry as a whole.
• An understanding of fall protection measures.
• Knowledge of Safe Systems of Work.
• Ability to work as a part of a construction team.
• Good verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read technical drawings and plans.

Becoming a Scaffolder

If the role of scaffolder is one you’re interested in but you’re new to the industry, then take a look at the UK government’s apprenticeships near you or courses near you websites to find some initial training. You can then use the find a job service to look for permanent scaffolder roles.

You’ll also need a valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card if you plan to work as a scaffolder on a construction site. Employers in this area won’t take you on without a valid card, so keep in mind the time and costs associated with obtaining one and factor this into your scaffolder training.

Whilst training or studying to become a scaffolder, it’s also a good idea to spend some time building relationships and networking with people in the scaffolding industry, as this can help to keep you in the loop with current industry knowledge, and alert you to any potential job roles. Networking can be done online (such as on LinkedIn or by joining a trade organisation) or in-person at an industry event or trade show.

If you’re unsure whether scaffolding is the career for you, but you’re still interested in a hands-on trade, then our guide on careers in the construction industry will help you explore other job options that you may be interested in.

Once you’ve worked in the role of scaffolder for a little while and gained some valuable experience, you can then look at career progression and pursue the role of supervisor, project manager, scaffolding consultant or construction manager, for example. A scaffolder new to the role can expect to earn around £20,000 but an experienced scaffolder can easily earn double that.

Scaffolders play an important role in the construction industry. To become a scaffolder, you need to have a good mix of skills alongside a relevant college course, apprenticeship and/or work experience in the industry. Just as importantly, a good scaffolder must have a thorough understanding of safety legislation, as erecting scaffolding must be done with care to ensure the health and safety of other tradespeople who will be working on it.

Further Resources:

• Online Health and Safety Courses
• How to Find the Right Career for Me
• What is Asbestos Awareness Training & Who Needs it?
• How to Become a Construction Worker
• Careers in Construction Industry: Opportunities and Roles

The post How to Become a Scaffolder appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

Asbestos Awareness Training

Working as a plumber means there is the possibility of disturbing ACMs (Asbestos-Containing Materials) in the course of your work. Our Asbestos Awareness Course gives you the tools to go about your work safely and shows what to do if asbestos is encountered.

What Does a Plumber Do?

A plumber is someone who instals, repairs and maintains water and heating systems in buildings. This might include installing new pipework, servicing old heating systems, finding and fixing faults, connecting dishwashers and washing machines and installing new toilets, baths and sinks.

Plumbing has the possibility of being a green job – a role that has a positive, direct impact on the environment. This is particularly important as we enter the future of work, where eco-credentials are becoming more and more desirable by customers and clients.

Plumbers work in a variety of buildings, including domestic properties for private clients, in commercial premises, in office buildings and on construction sites. You might be working 9 to 5 for an employer, be self-employed and set your own hours or work out of hours on emergency call-outs. Many plumbers work alone and have to travel regularly to and from private clients’ homes. You’re also likely to be required to work in small spaces, at height or outside from time to time.

Key tasks a plumber does include:

• Installing toilets, sinks, baths and showers.
• Installing and repairing water, heating and drainage systems.
• Installing central heating systems and fuel-burning appliances using gas, oil or solid fuel.
• Installing hot and cold water, sanitation and drainage systems.
• installing pipes and related fixtures.
• Installing solar-powered hot water systems.
• Cutting, shaping, assembling and joining pipes, fittings and fixtures.
• Fitting heat pumps in domestic households.
• Fitting weatherproof materials and flashings to roofs, chimneys and walls.
• Repairing appliances connected to plumbing systems.
• Replacing old copper piping with new, recyclable components.
• Servicing gas and oil-fired central heating systems and radiators.
• Setting up rainwater harvesters.
• Responding to emergency call-outs, like broken boilers, flooding or blocked drains.
• Troubleshooting issues and recommending solutions.
• Using special testing equipment to diagnose issues.
• Providing estimates of repairs.
• Interpreting blueprints of new installations.
• Designing new water and heating systems.
• Ensuring all work is done in compliance with regulations and codes.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Plumber?

To become a plumber, you’ll need some sort of plumbing qualification, training or work experience, as well as an enthusiasm for the role. Different employers have different entry requirements, so take a look at plumber job listings to see what they ask for and also explore which training option best suits you. 

As someone new to plumbing, you’re likely to start at an apprentice level. With qualifications and experience, however, you can progress through the levels to become a journeyperson or master, and have the potential of earning up to (or even more than) £60,000 per year.

The qualification options for becoming a plumber include:

Plumbing College Courses

A college course will give you both theoretical and practical plumbing knowledge, with a certificate at the end that you can use to find a trainee position in a company. Examples of relevant plumbing college courses are a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating or a T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction. For most college courses, you’ll need at least 4 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.

Plumbing Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship in plumbing allows you to work and earn money alongside your training. Normally, you’re expected to work at least 30 hours a week, doing both on-the-job work and college lessons. Examples of relevant plumbing apprenticeships are Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician, Building Services Engineering, Gas Engineering Operative or Low Carbon Heating Technician. For more advanced level apprenticeships, you’ll need at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.

Fast Track Plumber Courses

A fast track course in plumbing enables you to train as a plumber more quickly than doing an apprenticeship. The training given isn’t usually as in-depth but covers the main topics and is recommended if you’re unable to find an apprenticeship. An example of a fast track plumbing course is the City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing Studies, which takes just 8-10 weeks to complete.

Plumbing Work Experience

Work experience is usually voluntary and often unpaid but it enables you to get some vital hands-on experience of the plumbing profession. You could do some work as a Plumber’s Assistant or Plumber’s Mate for a small wage whilst you gain valuable training from an experienced person in the industry. To work as a Plumber’s Mate, you’ll need at least two GCSEs in English and maths.

Other Plumbing-Related Certifications

If you plan to work on domestic gas heating systems, including gas fireplaces, gas hobs and gas boilers, then you’ll need to be on the Gas Safe Register. To work or train as a plumber on a construction site,you’ll also need a valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. If you want to go down this career path, then consider the time and costs associated with obtaining a card, as it can take some time.

Plumber Health and Safety Awareness Training

A good plumber prioritises safety and knows how to carry out the role whilst following all health and safety procedures, regulations and codes. Being able to follow regulations and having a good knowledge of plumbing safety measures will help you immensely when applying for a job role as a plumber for a large company.

High Speed Training has a wide range of health and safety awareness training that’s ideal for both new and experienced plumbers. All the courses can be completed online, giving you a certificate to show employers at the end. Some of the awareness level courses on offer include:

• Health and Safety Training for Employees
• Working in Confined Spaces
• Ladder Safety
• Asbestos Awareness (Category A)
• Manual Handling Awareness

You can access our full catalogue of online health and safety training courses here.

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Plumber?

As well as being able to carry out practical plumbing tasks, like fitting pipes, installing water systems and fixing boilers (your ‘hard skills’), plumbers also need a range of other interpersonal skills to be successful. These types of plumbing skills are known as ‘soft skills’ and are an important part of the role if you want to be a highly-recommended plumber.

Examples of plumber soft skills are:

• Initiative and proactivity.
• Ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools.
• Ability to work efficiently alone and/or with a team.
• Being thorough with a good attention to detail.
• Customer service skills.
• Communication skills.
• Knowledge of the building and construction industry as a whole.
• Knowledge of maths.
• Good level of dexterity and fitness.
• Physical strength and stamina.
• Basic computer skills.

How to Get a Job as a Plumber

In the UK, plumbers are in high demand as many of the existing qualified plumbers are reaching retirement age and exiting the workforce. Not only does this mean there’s a shortage of plumbers available to work, but it also provides a great opportunity for new trainee plumbers to enter the industry.

If you’re new to plumbing, then take a look at the UK government’s apprenticeships near you or courses near you websites to find some initial plumbing training. You can then use the find a job service to look for permanent plumbing roles.

It’s a good idea to join the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) to keep up-to-date with industry news, code changes and professional development opportunities. Being a member also looks good on your CV when you come to apply for a plumbing role within a company. If you need help writing your first CV as a plumber, then take a look at our guidance on How to Write Your First CV

You can also take a look at our guide on careers in the construction industry to explore other job options that you may be interested in alongside plumbing.

Once you’ve gained some experience and knowledge of working as a plumber, the career development opportunities are many. With experience, you could:

• Do further training in a specialist topic to become a heat pump engineer, oil firing technician or gas heating installer.
• Develop your eco-credentials by focusing on and learning more about renewable energy sources for heating.
• Become a master plumber, mentor trainee plumbers or teach in further education.

To become a plumber, you’ll need to undertake relevant work experience or training to ensure you have both the hard and soft skills needed to perform the role successfully. Plumbers are always in demand in the UK, so pursuing plumbing as a career could be a lucrative opportunity, whether you choose to work in domestic properties or for a large construction firm. 

Further Resources:

• Online Health and Safety Courses
• How to Become a Construction Worker
• How to Find the Right Career
• Asbestos Colours: What is the Most Dangerous Asbestos Colour?
• How to Become an Engineer

The post How to Become a Plumber appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

Asbestos Awareness Training

Working as a plasterer means there is the possibility of disturbing ACMs (Asbestos-Containing Materials) in the course of your work. Our Asbestos Awareness Course gives you the tools to go about your work safely and shows what to do if asbestos is encountered.

What Do Plasterers Do?

A plasterer is someone who applies plaster, smoothly and evenly, to the walls and ceilings of buildings. This enables the building to then be decorated. Plastering may involve creating smooth, flawless finishes but it can also involve repair work, restoration work or applying decorative textures.

Plasterers work in a variety of settings – you might be in a person’s home, in a commercial setting, in a historical building or on a construction site.

Key jobs a plasterer may be required to do include:

• Preparing a surface for plastering, including cleaning, sanding and applying bonding agents to remove uneven surfaces and encourage adhesion.
• Removing old, existing plaster.
• Estimating the amount of materials needed for a task.
• Mixing plaster to the right consistency and to the requirements of the task, whether by hand or with an electric mixer.
• Applying wet plaster to walls and ceilings using a variety of techniques and tools to achieve a smooth, textured or decorative finish.
• Applying external wall coverings, such as rendering or pebbledash.
• Fitting plasterboard to internal walls.
• Repairing damaged plaster, filling cracks and holes and fixing water damaged plaster.
• Cleaning up properly and disposing of waste materials safely, whether in a skip or at a waste disposal site, after completing a job.
• Following all relevant health and safety procedures at all times.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Plasterer?

The route you take into becoming a plasterer often depends on the requirements of the employer you’d like to work for so, if you’ve got a specific company in mind, take a look at their job adverts to see what they expect from the plasterers they hire.

In general, to become a plasterer you’ll need either a certificate from a relevant college course, a diploma, an apprenticeship and/or some hands-on work experience. Most new plasterers will have qualifications such as an apprenticeship and a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Plastering.

You’ll also need a valid CSCS card if you plan to work on a construction site.

Plasterer College Courses

A college course will teach you the basics of plastering and give you a certificate proving your skills. Examples of relevant courses include a Level 2 NVQ in Plastering (Construction), a  Level 6 SVQ in Construction Building (Plastering) if you’re in Scotland or a T Level in On Site Construction. You’ll usually need at least 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent to do a college course.

Plastering Diplomas

Taking a diploma in plastering helps you to demonstrate that you have practical plastering skills. Examples are the Level 2 Diploma in Plastering or Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Plastering.

Plastering Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship enables you to learn on the job whilst also spending time in college and may lead to a position within the company you train with. A Plasterer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship takes 2 years to complete and you’ll need GCSEs in at least English and maths to apply.

Plastering Work Experience

Voluntary work experience will put you ahead of other applicants when applying for a role as a plasterer, as it gives you valuable hands-on skills and knowledge of the industry.

Work as Plasterer’s Labourer

You can work as a plasterer’s labourer or plasterer’s mate without formal qualifications and it can be a good way to get some hands-on plastering experience or training before you apply for a full-time role.

Plastering CSCS Card

If you plan to work or train on a construction site, such as plastering for a new-build developer, then you’ll also need a valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. Bear in mind the time and costs associated with obtaining a card if you’re aiming to pursue this line of work.

Plastering Health and Safety Awareness Training

Alongside the practical skills needed to become a plasterer, there is also a lot of theoretical knowledge that you need to know. A lot of this relates to health and safety legislation and procedures, which you must understand in order to carry out your work safely and effectively.

High Speed Training has a wide range of health and safety awareness training that’s ideal for plasterers and can be completed online, giving you a certificate to put on your CV at the end. Some of the awareness level courses on offer include:

• Asbestos Awareness (Category A)
• Health and Safety Training for Employees
• Working at Height
• Manual Handling Awareness
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
• Workplace First Aid

You can access our full catalogue of online health and safety training courses here.

Plasterer Skills

As well as being able to carry out the practical tasks done by a plasterer, such as preparing surfaces, mixing plaster and applying it to the wall (your ‘hard skills’), plasterers also need a range of interpersonal skills to be successful. These plastering skills are known as ‘soft skills’ and are an important part of the role.

Examples of plasterer soft skills are:

• Knowledge of the building and construction industry as a whole.
• Good levels of dexterity and fitness.
• Great attention to detail.
• Ability to work at height safely.
• Initiative and proactivity.
• Time management and organisation.
• Ability to work well under pressure and time constraints.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Communication skills.
• Basic business management skills.
• Basic computer skills.

How to Start Plastering as a Career

An excellent plasterer will always be in demand and, if you’re hard working, diligent and enthusiastic, you’ll find yourself with a career for life, as customers will flood in through word of mouth recommendations.

If you’re new to plastering, then take a look at the UK government’s apprenticeships near you or courses near you websites to find some initial training. You can then use the find a job service to look for plastering roles.

Other ways to find a job as a plastering include trade shows, industry events, online job platforms and social media. Places like MyBuilder and Facebook are good ways to find local, one-off jobs, particularly in domestic properties, and are great if you plan to work as a freelance contractor.

To start your own plastering business, you’ll need to consider everything from a brand name and logo to a website, marketing plan, financial plan and inventory. Take a look at our article on Starting a Business and our online course that covers the essentials of Starting a Business.

If you opt to work as a plasterer for a larger company, then you can easily progress your plastering career once you’ve worked in the role for a while. Career progression could include moving into a supervisory role, becoming a construction site engineer, site management or specialising in an area such as drylining, ceiling fixing or heritage conservation.

Need help writing your CV as a plasterer? Then take a look at our guidance on How to Write Your First CV.

Plastering is a career that’s always in demand in the UK, as diligent, high-quality and organised plasterers can be hard to come by. If you decide to become a plasterer, then use your skillset to your advantage, work hard on your attention to detail, creativity and practical knowledge obtained through your plastering training, and success as a plasterer will soon follow.

Further Resources:

• Online Health and Safety Courses
• How to Find the Right Career for Me
• What is Asbestos Awareness Training & Who Needs it?
• How to Become an Engineer

The post How to Become a Plasterer appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

What Does a Roofer Do?

A roofer, also known as a roofing operative, is someone who repairs and replaces roofs, roof cladding, lead flashing and skylights, etc. Roofers can work with all types of roofing materials, including tiles, slates, lead, timber, brick, stone and thatch.

A roofer might work on residential buildings, such as people’s homes, commercial buildings, like shops, or on a construction site. No matter where they work, a roofer is guaranteed to be working at height in all types of weather conditions and requires a good knowledge of work at height safety precautions.

Examples of tasks a roofer does include:

• Removing broken roof tiles or slates.
• Repairing broken roof tiles or slates.
• Fitting roof insulation or felting.
• Checking the condition of roof timbers.
• Applying new slates, tiles, cladding, lead, etc.
• Waterproofing flat roofs.
• Tiling sloped roofs of varying pitches and sizes.
• Sealing roof joints.
• Installing skylights.
• Installing solar panels.
• Fitting lead or plastic flashing.
• Capping chimney pots.
• Repairing chimney stacks, such as repointing or reflashing.
• Installing underlay and battens.
• Measuring and cutting roofing felt to size.

Roofing Job Requirements – What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Roofer?

The route you take into being a roofer depends on your own training preferences and the requirements of the employer you’d like to work for, so take a look at job ads for specific companies to see what they expect from the roofers they hire.

In general, to become a roofer you’ll need either a roofing apprenticeship, a certificate from a relevant college course, a City and Guilds qualification and/or some hands-on work experience. You’ll also need a valid CSCS card if you plan to work on a construction site.

• Roofer College Courses – a college course in a topic such as roof slating, tiling or roof sheeting and cladding will give you the practical skills needed to then apply for a trainee roofer role in a bigger company. You could also specialise in a skill such as thatchwork. To take a college qualification, you’ll need at least two GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course or at least four GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course or T level.
• Roofer Apprenticeships – a roofing apprenticeship enables you to combine on-the-job training with theoretical knowledge. To start an apprenticeship, you’re likely to need at least two GCSEs in English and Maths (or five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for an advanced apprenticeship). An example of a relevant course would be the Roofer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
• City and Guilds Roofing Diplomas – City and Guilds offers a range of diplomas in subjects such as roofing, roof slating and tiling.
• Roofing Work Experience – alongside your education, you could take a job as a roofing labourer or roofing mate to gain further knowledge and experience of the industry whilst you work on your qualification.

If you plan to work or train on a construction site, then you’ll also need a valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, so keep in mind the time and costs associated with obtaining a card if you’re aiming to pursue this line of work.

After working as a roofer for a while, you can then look to progress your roofing career and do further training to enter a role such as a roofing surveyor, site manager, steeplejack or in heritage conservation work.

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Roofer?

To be a roofer, you’ll not only need the basic, practical roofing skills learnt with hands-on training, but you’ll also require a good knowledge of the industry as a whole. You may need to do extra training to gain the skills needed to be a roofer, but some qualities you may already possess.

There are various skills that you’ll need to be a roofer, including both practical skills, soft skills and theoretical knowledge. For example:

• A good head for heights.
• A good level of overall fitness, dexterity and strength.
• Ability to work well with your hands.
• Attention to detail.
• Basic maths skills for measuring.
• Ability to understand technical plans and drawings.
• Ability to operate machinery and equipment.
• Knowledge of the construction industry as a whole.
• An understanding of working at height safety legislation.
• Knowledge of the risks posed by scaffolding.
• An understanding of fall protection measures.
• Basic carpentry skills.
• Teamwork.
• Good verbal communication skills.

Want to Learn More?

As a roofer, it’s vital that you have a good understanding of the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos is commonly found in roofing materials created before the year 2000, so it’s very likely you’ll encounter them whilst at work. Our Asbestos Awareness training course will teach you all you need to know about the subject and is perfect for trainee roofers.

How to Get a Job as a Roofer

If being a roofer is the job for you, then the National Careers Service is the best place to start if you’re looking to find an apprenticeship or training course related to roofing.

The Government’s Find a Job service can also help you look for available roofing jobs in your area, or take a look at our article on other roles in the construction industry if you’d like to learn more about similar career options that you may wish to consider alongside being a roofer.

Furthermore, consider joining a professional industry body, such as the Institute of Roofing, to gain valuable contacts and industry knowledge or look to obtain a professional accreditation for your roofing skills from the National Federation of Roofing Contractors. These things will all help you get a job as a roofer in the UK.

Roofing is a valuable profession for the construction industry and a trade that will set you up with a career for life. Becoming a roofer requires a qualification in a relevant topic, plus essential hands-on experience of the role and good knowledge of the roofing industry. Once you have the right skills, getting a job in roofing should be no problem at all.

Further Resources:

• Online Health and Safety Courses
• How to Become a Construction Worker
• Careers in Construction Industry: Opportunities and Roles
• What is Asbestos Awareness Training & Who Needs it?
• What is IATP Accreditation and What Does It Mean?

The post How to Become a Roofer appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

In this article, we’ll look at what hard skills in the workplace are, outline the top hard skills that employers often ask for and help you learn more about how to enhance your hard skills as part of your continuing professional development.

What are Hard Skills in the Workplace?

Hard skills are the technical proficiencies you need to perform a particular job role. Without hard skills, you’d be unable or unqualified to do the job in question. For example, a hospital doctor must have hard skills in biology and a degree in medicine, whilst a carpenter must have hard skills in woodwork and the ability to install cabinets.

Hard skills are obtained through education, training or hands-on experience and are practical skills that you can physically prove, such as with a certificate, qualification or demonstration. Employers will require you to have particular hard skills for particular roles in order to perform the tasks needed.

Soft skills, on the other hand, are your non-technical skills and abilities, personal qualities, workplace behaviours and personality traits. Unlike hard skills, soft skills aren’t quantifiable. You can find out more about soft skills with our article: Soft Skills in the Workplace.

The Importance of Hard Skills

Hard skills are important because, without them, you wouldn’t be able to perform your job role proficiently or safely. Hard skills are vital for ensuring you are capable of carrying out a role.

For employers and hiring managers, hard skills show that you are qualified for a particular job. Without the necessary hard skills, you’re unlikely to be considered as a candidate when responding to a job ad.

To prove your hard skills to an employer, gather together your certificates and qualifications to use as evidence of your training and knowledge. If your hard skills have been learnt from practical, hands-on experience, then ensure you’re able to demonstrate your abilities, either through a demonstration, links to past work experience or a training certificate. Make sure your hard skills are highlighted on your CV and cover letter when applying for a role.

Top Hard Skills Employers Look For

The popularity and need for specific hard skills changes over time: in the past, it was vital to have a hands-on ‘trade’ to set you up for life whereas, in today’s job market, the focus is much more on computer skills, your ability to use technology and marketing. Here are 30 examples of hard skills employers look for at the moment:

1. Accounting.
2. Advanced first aid.
3. Basic life support.
4. Budget management.
5. Business development.
6. Computer programming.
7. Computer software knowledge.
8. Copywriting.
9. Customer relationship management (CRM) software.
10. Customer service skills.
11. Cyber security.
12. Data analysis.
13. Design.
14. Digital marketing.
15. Engineering.
16. Finance.
17. Financial analysis.
18. Foreign languages.
19. Graphic design.
20. Management skills.
21. Marketing.
22. Project management.
23. Recruitment.
24. Sales experience.
25. Sales management.
26. Search engine optimisation (SEO).
27. Social media skills.
28. Social media marketing.
29. Software development.
30. User experience (UX).

The modern world has a big focus on technology and this is subject to constant change and upgrade, so being digitally literate is essential for obtaining a new job role, no matter the industry you work in. Employers often want candidates to be fluent in specific technologies and software, so provable hard skills in any of the following areas would be highly sought after:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS).
• Atlassian JIRA.
• HTML.
• JavaScript.
• Linux.
• Microsoft Access.
• Microsoft Azure.
• Microsoft Office (such as Excel).
• Oracle Java.
• Python.
• System Applications and Products (SAP).
• Structured Query Language (SQL).

Of course, this list of technologies is not exhaustive and there are many more – take a look at the companies relevant to you and see which ones they require.

How to Develop Hard Skills

Everyone has the ability to develop hard skills if they put in the work, have a growth mindset and dedicate themselves to learning. There are various ways that you can develop hard skills, such as:

1. Online training courses – obtaining a certificate from an e-learning course shows you are proficient in a particular subject. There’s no limit to how many online course certificates you can obtain.
2. In-person training courses – proficiency can also be shown via a certificate from an in-person training course, which will also include hands-on experience.
3. University degrees – there’s an endless range of degree topics you can choose to study, some more job-specific than others. Some of the UK’s most popular degrees include medicine, law, engineering, computer science and business management.
4. College courses – colleges are a great place to obtain hard skills qualifications, especially if there’s a particular course or diploma you want to work towards in order to apply for a specific job role.
5. Apprenticeships – apprenticeships are ideal for learning hard skills as they are usually hands-on placements in real-life workplaces.
6. Work experience – taking up some voluntary work experience is a great way to bolster your CV and demonstrate that you can use your hard skills in a real-life working environment.
7. Self-taught education – whether you choose to study with online articles, YouTube videos or library books, there are many ways to teach yourself hard skills without the need to attend a training course.

Hard Skills Training

Obtaining a certificate from an online training course is a great way to prove your hard skills to future employers. Take a look at some of our most popular online courses via the links below and start developing your hard skills today:

Health & Safety:

• Health & Safety Training
• Asbestos Awareness Course
• Working at Height
• COSHH Training

Food Hygiene:

• Level 1
• Level 2 for Catering
• Level 2 for Manufacturing
• Level 2 for Retail
• Level 3 for Catering
• Level 3 for Manufacturing
• Level 3 for Retail

Safeguarding Children:

• Level 1
• Level 2
• Level 3

Safeguarding Adults:

• Level 1
• Level 2
• Level 3

Looking for More?

If you’ve not found what you’re looking for in the courses listed above, then take a look at our full range of online training courses and see which topics catch your eye. You could have a new hard skills certificate for your CV by the end of today!

Hard skills are essential in order to carry out a job role safely, effectively and efficiently. Employers will always look at your hard skills on your CV as they’re essential criteria for work so, if you feel that your hard skills are lacking, look to develop them with further study and a growth mindset.

Further Resources:

• Business Essentials landing page.
• What is CPD? A Guide to Continuing Professional Development
• Transferable Skills: What Are They and Why Are They Important?

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