a. actively support the work of the CITB and others in promoting the construction industry in schools and discuss with Government the need to establish a broader A level base for entrants to the industry and to improve their academic skills
CIC has retained a close association with the CITB and continues to actively support its work in the development of Curriculum Centres throughout the UK.
b. act urgently to implement existing proposals for a whole-industry careers service in Schools, making sure that young professionals are directly involved
Under CIC's auspices, an industry wide group was formed during 1993 to establish the potential for a whole-industry approach to CIC. This group reported to its constituent bodies in June 1993 and a copy of the report is enclosed. As a result of the report, the inaugural meeting of the Construction Careers Forum was held on 28 March 1994. The Forum brings together CIC, CIEC, CITB, the Junior Liaison Organisation, individual firms and other organisations. Although an independent body, it is based at CIC and managed by CIC staff.
c. pursue ways of providing career ladders in education and institutions for technicians and incorporated professionals
d. promote commonality between the Non-Chartered Institutions and act as a catalyst to bring related Institutions together
The CIC Education & Training Committee established a working party to consider these issues under the Chairmanship of Elizabeth Spark (ASI). This group concluded that the "templating" exercise in mapping NVQ units would provide an opportunity for individual institutions to select their common core, following which the true extend of the need for commonality would become apparent.
e. seek a solution to the anomaly created by Incorporated Engineers being recognised in the EC First Directive, whereas their counterparts elsewhere in construction are not
A small working group of members of the Non-Chartered College of CIC has been established to consider this issue.
f. give maximum support to the CPD in Construction Group, and encourage an amalgamation with CIC, in order to fully develop its potential
As discussed earlier, the amalgamation between CIC and the CPD in Construction Group took place on 1 January 1994
g. promote the use of non-adversarial contracts and procurement methods
CIC has viewed the Latham Review as the opportunity for this purpose.
h. promote a study of the Staff College concept to provide a basis for further informed discussion
A brief paper on the Staff College concept has been prepared by CIC. A task force has been established for the purpose of this study under the Chairmanship of Mike Cottell OBE.
i. give full support to the integrative role of building services design and the need to raise standards of performance in this field to improve the overall quality of our buildings and their environmental performance
There is no specific initiative in this area but CIC has ensured that the point is made at every appropriate opportunity.
j. seek discussions with the Engineering Council to examine the effect of their plans for the future of the role of construction engineers in the CIC and in Schools or Departments ofthe Built Environment. We particularly emphasise our concern for the problems of Building Services Engineering in this respect
No such discussions have been held.
k. Promote the case for a minimum four year full-time or equivalent period of part time study for undergraduate degree courses in all skills
This issue underpins CIC's basic policy in relation to the education of construction professionals.
l make the Government and the HEFCs aware of the financial implications of increasing the degree of commonality in construction education
m. make urgent representations to the Government and the HEFCs on the divisive and damaging effects of present funding policies on the development of multi-disciplinary education and the need to establish a rational basis for the funding of different vocational courses
Appropriate representations have been made, but it is acknowledged that this needs to be continued.
n. give detailed consideration to the needs of the construction professions in exploiting any multi-disciplinary opportunities which may arise through NVQs and seek to establish a Joint Awarding Body for NVQs at professional levels
CIC managed a research project in relation to the question of awarding bodies for higher-level NVQs in the built environment.
The research project was completed in April 1994 and has been considered by the Council's Education & Training Committee.
Following these discussions it has been recommended that CIC should establish an NVQ Committee to co-ordinate members' activities and encourage collaboration between them in the development of NVQs at professional levels. If agreed by members, this Committee would develop proposals for CIC to become an awarding body. This proposal will be considered by the Council in June 1994.
o. press government and CISC to allow more time and provide more funds for the development of NVQs at levels 4 and 5
p. urgently seek increased Government funding to develop and market the NVQ programme and extend its time-scale
These representations have been pursued at every opportunity.