Provisional figures show that a total of 12 training courses (as opposed to 13 previously stated) were above Level 1. These courses are plant operation related and directly based on the needs of contractors on site. The 12 courses, all of which are level 2, break down as follows:
Five courses for slinger/banksmen
Three courses for 360° excavators operation
One course for telescopic forklift operation
One course for chainsaw operators
Two CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) Level Two courses (Blue card)
This local investment is part of a bigger National Skills Academy for Construction initiative led by the ODA. This partnership is likely to deliver a much larger proportion of training above Level 1.
Since the launch of the Local Employment and Training Framework (LETF) in January 2007 until December 2007 (the latest period for which figures are available) 1,835 training places have been offered, the vast majority of which were at level 1, with 12 at level 2. Information on places offered since then is not yet available.