Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
been too long, but the three-year apprenticeship was too short'. Today (2007)
we see a growing loss of time-served experienced craftsmen, and it is only by
experience that skills are truly developed. This loss will manifest itself in the
future as the lack of current investment in high-level craft skill and knowledge
becomes apparent.
Craft Training
Intelligent young people are encouraged to attend university courses and not
craft training as it is seen to be of less value. Careers advisors and local employ-
ment offices, because they perceive brickwork as the least skilful and technically
demanding of all crafts, are inappropriately channelling students with modest
ability, and after minimal assessment, into craft training. These students often
have little personal motivation to embark on this route and are often disruptive.
The College Position
Pressure is put on college staff to achieve very high pass rates at NVQ levels.
Paperwork and not practical experience drive the overall quality of NVQs. Low
attainment rates are due to financial emphasis on colleges to fill course places at
any cost, rather than enrolling suitably selected students with a common goal.
Insufficient time is allocated to students to fully achieve and develop as com-
petent tradesmen ready for site work. This is not helped by the fact that many of
the craft students who attend college unfortunately lack the key skills to proceed
through the craft training programmes without difficulty. While these issues are
addressed ground is lost in the all-important practical and technical lessons.
The Industry Position
There is a lack of financial and practical commitment by way of on-the-job
training in the industry, by small, medium and large contractors. This is pri-
marily due to the use of sub-contracted labour working transiently on modular
building work (rather than directly employed personnel) as a way of keeping
cost to a minimum. Large housing contractors dictate to modern training pro-
grammes to solely meet their needs. Where perceived needs for additional
high-level skills are identified, there is often a refusal to view the fees paid for a
quality course with a recognised master as long-term investment.
Recommendations
●
Introduce accountable, time-served apprenticeships that are respected by
the industry.
