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 Shutter and Roller Door 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
Development of specific National Occupational Standard NOS to cover the Installation, Service, Maintenance, Dismantling and Repair of fire-resistant Shutter and Roller Doors
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, Shutter and Roller Doors Apprenticeship and the Competence Framework / revised NOS and facilitate upskilling of currently qualified operatives
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 on 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 the Shutter and Roller Door Apprenticeship were used to support the development of 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.