New partnership with SIG Roofing expands training provision

National Construction Training Services (NCTS) has now partnered with SIG Roofing to provide even greater UK coverage of its courses and qualifications. On offer will be a five-day lead welding and bossing course and technical seminars. The initial programme will be delivered from SIG’s Cardiff, Dudley and Dundee branches.

The technical seminars are aimed at those supervising the installation of leadwork or those responsible for specifying. The seminars will include a theoretical session combined with hands-on practical appreciation in the workshop.

Unsurprisingly, the On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) programme is proving as popular as ever. It provides an efficient route for experienced workers without formal qualifications to obtain recognition of their skills by obtaining NVQ Level 2 or Level 3. Assessments are carried out on site, reducing the amount of time the candidate must spend away from normal work.

NCTS continues to forge ahead with on-going training provision and the expansion of its training facilities. The range of courses available at each centre covers sector-specific training, such as qualifications in lead and hard metals, slating and tiling, and health and safety.

They range from bespoke courses through to Heritage Specialist Applied Programmes (SAP). If they are CITB registered, contractors can claim up to £7,000 of CITB funding per student.

New courses are added wherever there is a demand, such as ornate slating courses, lead casting courses and estimating. These new and existing courses have necessitated the recruitment of additional tutors and assessors, who together cover the entire range of the training and assessment programmes at the two training sites, in addition to the company’s national mobile training delivery.

In the past, experienced lead and hard metal workers were issued with CSCS cards through the industry accreditation process – also known as ‘grandfather rights’ – via employer recommendation rather than the achievement of a recognised qualification. CSCS closed that process to new applicants in 2010, but existing cardholders have been allowed to renew on the same basis.

From 1 January 2020 all cards renewed under industry accreditation will expire on 31 December 2024 and CSCS stopped issuing the cards from 30 June.

Anyone whose card has already expired or who wishes to prepare for the December deadline should not hesitate to contact NCTS to discuss their personal circumstances.

• For further details on courses and venues call 01992 801914, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.ncts.org.uk. Alternatively, contact Amanda Johnston at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..