Manchester schools framework

A key driver for Manchester City Council is to increase the number of currently unskilled people moving into training which progresses into meaningful employment. Another clear objective for the City is the regeneration of their deprived neighbourhoods. These priorities are reflected in the framework agreements the Council has put in place to deliver its ‘Building Schools for the Future’ (BSF) programme.

Within this programme, the Newall Green High School project in Wythenshawe is one of the first sites in ConstructionSkills’ new ‘National Skills Academy for Construction’ initiative to help develop on-the-job training and ensure that building projects leave a legacy for the future.

Outline details of initiative

Sector: Education

Client: Manchester City Council (MCC)

Project structure, scope, value: MCC has put in place two frameworks to deliver its BSF programme. This study relates to the framework with Balfour Beatty Construction Northern Ltd (BBCNL), delivering a programme valued at £200m

Programme Dates: The first wave of the programme runs 2006-2011 with 11 schools scheduled in three batches

Workforce Development Programme

Target communities:The programme is designed to generate a range of opportunities:

For those in full-time education, to gain experience of / insight into the industry
For new entrants to the industry, to acquire trade or professional skills
For local unemployed, to find employment
For the existing workforce, to raise their level of knowledge, skill and qualification

Target skills/abilities to be developed

For apprentices and similar, brickwork and other trade skills offered through Manchester College of Arts and Technology (MANCAT)
For professional trainees, qualifications in construction management and quantity surveyingTarget levels of qualification to be achieved
Introduction to Construction Skills for those entering the industry leading to CSCS and NVQ level 2, followed by Apprenticeship Training or other on-site training with contractors to higher level NVQs.

Target levels of qualification to be developed

All staff and operatives to have CSCS card
BBCNL staff to attain NVQ levels 3 to 5
Operatives in the supply chain to attain NVQ levels 2 to 3

Target numbers to be involved

For BBCNL framework:

2 under-25 apprentices a year
10 ICAs per year
3 professional trainees a year
2 skilled unemployed taken on per year
2 unskilled unemployed taken on per year
14 existing contractor’s employees undergoing training / development a year
17 employees in the supply chain undergoing training / development a year – depending on CSCS needs

Partners/stakeholders

BBCNL, MCC, MANCAT, Business Links, ConstructionSkills

Implementation – approach, methodology

Overall strategy:The National Skills Academy for Construction project currently based at the Newall Green High School site, Wythenshawe, acts as a ‘learning hub’ within the initiative for the BBCNL part of the Manchester Schools Framework.

Actions at project tender stage: Client requires that between 5 and 10% of on site workforce are to be enrolled on a recognised industry training scheme.

Coverage in contract terms

Employment and training clauses with framework supply chain
     Vocational construction skills training
     Other training – professional work placements
     Other training – manual work placements
     Other training – heath and safety
     Unemployment

Measurement: Monitoring information - KPIs

Monitoring, enforcement:

NSAfC High Level Skills Plan and KPIs
Monitoring information – periodical reports
Monitoring information – data protection
Monitoring information – subcontractor management