Bricklayer Trailblazer gains CSCS recognition

Published: October 8, 2018

Apprenticeships in England are changing. The Government has chosen to create an employer-led model for developing and funding apprenticeship standards. This will replace the current system and focus on employers driving the development and delivery of apprenticeships. The Government’s aim is to replace all current Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for England (SASE apprenticeships) with new apprenticeships, known as Trailblazer Standards, by the end of 2020.

The emerging Trailblazer Apprenticeships have different delivery and assessment arrangements and some do not include the use of N/SVQs as is the case with the current SASE Apprenticeships. This is why CSCS developed a policy for recognising Trailblazer Apprenticeships, that includes mapping the content of the apprenticeship to a relevant construction National Occupational Standard (NOS) and its associated N/SVQ Recommended Qualification Structure (RQS).

Over the past few years, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has been working with the wider industry and the Government to develop the new trailblazer bricklayer apprenticeship.

CSCS Director of Operations Gordon Jenkins said: “CSCS is pleased to announce recognition of the new bricklayer apprenticeship standard Level 2 developed by the FMB-led employer group, in partnership with the wider industry. On completion of the apprenticeship workers will be able to apply for the CSCS blue Skilled Worker card.

“The new bricklayer apprenticeship standard Level 2 is one of the first to have complied with CSCS’s policy for recognising Trailblazer Apprenticeships. This is positive news for the industry and it is another example of the industry working together to achieve a fully trained and qualified workforce.”

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: ““This higher quality bricklayer apprenticeship has the potential to help address the shortage of bricklayers. The apprenticeship was designed by employers, which will ensure it produces bricklayers who are fit for purpose and can fulfil the needs of small and large firms alike. The new bricklayer apprenticeship is longer in duration and covers a broader range of knowledge and hand-skills. This not only benefits the employers but also the apprentices who will be arming themselves with a wider range of skills for their future careers.”

For more information on CSCS’s Trailblazer policy visit www.cscs.uk.com/trailblazer.