Pictured above is Matthew Ryan, Tipperary ETB Training Services Manager; Jackie Cahill, TD, Niall Collins, Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Mary Hannah Hourigan, Tipperary ETB board member; Bernadette Cullen, Tipperary ETB Chief Executive and John O’Shaughnessy, MD Clancy Construction & Chair of the CIF Education & Skills Committee
A newly-expanded and renovated Construction Skills Training Centre has been opened by Tipperary Education and Training Board (TETB).
The Tipperary town-based centre, officially opened by Minister of State for Skills Niall Collins, has facilitated the successful delivery of the City & Guilds Level 2, Diploma in Dry Lining on a full and part-time basis over the past two years.
This has, in turn, created a demand for quality trained learners, which has encouraged TETB to expand its range of courses.
Following consultations with SOLAS, the Construction Industry Federation and local employers the centre has now been equipped with top-class facilities.
New courses will assist with meeting the Government’s national retrofitting targets, while also responding to the shortage of engagement with the Wet Trades.
John O’Shaughnessy, MD of Clancy Construction and Chair of the CIF’s Education, Training & Skills Committee, said: “Tipperary ETB have engaged with the CIF’s local branches in the Southern Region to get an understanding of the skills needs of the construction sector and this new facility here in Tipperary Town will complement the very impressive facilities and courses the ETB have elsewhere, such as in Archerstown in Thurles.”
He added: “Construction apprenticeship numbers are back up to levels last seen in 2007 and credit must go to Minister Collins and Minster Harris who have acknowledged the importance of construction trades to the economy and have been involved in a number of initiatives to help promote apprenticeships.”
Some of those who attended the ETB open day
The CIF champions a construction careers campaign, which includes a national schools competition Building the Future in which students are tasked with designing a sustainable housing development.
“CIF construction company members along with CIF staff have visited schools and careers fair throughout the Southern Region to promote the varied careers in construction,” said O’Shaughnessy.
“The CIF also engage with training providers throughout the country helping to design courses and offering work experience and ultimately jobs for students.
“Whilst the numbers of apprentices have risen, there are still low uptake of a number of trades, particularly the wet trades.
“It is therefore welcome to see that one of the courses here is an introduction to plastering, which should give a taste for students to pursue this trade.”
Boosting skills
Senior Training Officer Helen Ryan has worked closely with a contracted trainer to expand course offerings from TETB.
City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Dry Lining
Full-time over 25 weeks (also unitised to support employers in upskilling workforce on a part-time basis). Includes content such as Suspended Ceiling and Partition Installation, Wall Linings and Encasement Systems.
Plastering (Basics Skills)
Full-time over nine weeks. Equips learners with the basic skills needed to source employment.
Retrofit Insulation Skills
Four-week full-time course (also available on a part-time basis) which includes internal, external, floor and roof insulation techniques, along with NZEB fundamental awareness training.
Multi-trade Pre Apprenticeship Skills
Full-time over 31 weeks. Learners sample a variety of crafts, including Painting, Wall & Floor Tiling, Plastering, Carpentry & Joinery, Plumbing, Electrical, Bricklaying and Groundworks. Post training learners participate in work placement with qualified trade persons over a four-week period.
