Development Process

The development process involved extensive consultation and collaboration through a series of working group meetings with SLG10 Installation and Maintenance (previously WG2 Installers), federations/associations representation further consultations with their employer memberships and CITB. An online survey and webinar were also available to present the Competence Framework and offer an opportunity to review, provide feedback, support and validate the framework development.

Thorough analysis of existing competencies, standards, training, qualifications, current working practices and known issues and challenges was carried out to produce the framework and identify actions that needed to be addressed.

The working groups were conducted in a very cooperative, open and friendly manner with all participating getting the opportunity to contribute to the discussions and work being done in relation to the SKEB.

Outcomes and Findings

The group has identified that there are a significant number of functions across the industry that currently fall into four main categories / skill sets of which the Automated Gate System Installer and Service Technician is one. These will be explored further during implementation.

The following significant actions have been identified and will be addressed as part of an implementation plan:

Actions already being implemented:

  • A full review of the current National Occupational Standard NOS suite

To ensure national coverage the following are required:

  • Development of apprenticeships in Wales and Northern Ireland

  • Engagement of providers to deliver the current (and revised) Apprenticeship in Scotland

  • A review and widening of the scope of the existing Powered Pedestrian Doors (ST0373) English apprenticeship to include Automated Gate systems as there is no current apprenticeship offer for this sector

  • A full, industry wide consultation will be undertaken utilising the association/federation membership bases to identify the need for:

    • Development of short duration training courses to bridge the gap between the current (pre revision) NOS, and the Competence Framework / revised NOS and facilitate upskilling of currently qualified operatives

    • A review and widening of the scope of the existing Powered Pedestrian Doors (ST0373) English apprenticeship to include Automated Gate systems as there is no current apprenticeship offer for this sector

    • Additional safety critical CPD that must be completed to gain and re-validated to renew the Skilled Worker Card

    • Development of progressive qualification routes to drive higher level competence

    • Development of an Alternative Route to Competence (ARTC) and Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) to support those entering the industry with transferrable skills

    • Introduction of Fire Safety in Buildings training as a mandatory competence requirement in line with the following recommendation from the Setting the Bar report: All installers have a core knowledge of fire safety in buildings – training to be standardised and made mandatory2.

Barriers identified to addressing the actions include a substantial lack of recognised training opportunities, there is only one NVQ provider currently delivering the NVQ in England, there is no consistent delivery in the devolved nations although some learners may cross the boarders to complete assessment with the English providers. The uptake and achievement rates are very low

It is worth noting that the federations have wide ranging training offers which if aligned to the Competence Framework would provide a strong development pathway.

The National Occupational Standards (NOS) and relevant core elements of the Powered Pedestrian Door Apprenticeship were used to develop the Competence Framework.

The NOS and subsequent S/NVQ went through a revision and update in 2017, although there was an indicative review to the Recommended Qualification Structure (RQS) in 2022.

With this alignment to the NOS, it has been identified these standards and vocational qualifications were not fit for purpose due to the lack of detail around Fire Doors.

It is acknowledged that the sector covers a wide variation of competence requirements based on different job roles and the products that are involved. During implementation, it is envisaged that the functions in the SKEB will need to be broken down further to improve transparency in these areas.