Skills Support for the Workforce
Plymouth-based DDF Fire Limited specialises in passive fire protection offering inspections, surveys and advice.
The business was facing a number of challenges including retaining existing staff, increasing productivity, modernising working methods, and minimising the impact their work has on the environment.
DDF Fire first became aware of the Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme through a social media post from Construction Skills People, one of Serco's network of expert training providers chosen to deliver the SSW programme. SSW is co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
DDF Fire was keen to upskill their staff in order to improve the productivity levels and efficiency of the business. Construction Skills People visited DDF Fire’s premises and listened to what their objectives were. Many of DDF Fire’s clients insist that operatives who work on their sites have formal qualifications to prove their capability to safely work on their projects. From these discussions Construction Skills People identified the training programme that would best meet those needs.
A total of 12 employees undertook the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Associated Industrial Services Occupations – Passive Fire Protection (Construction).
The training was arranged around the needs of DDF Fire’s day-to-day business operations with the initial enrolment of the staff taking place on site. This meant it did not impact on existing work schedules.
As a result of the training DDF Fire are seeing increased productivity and efficiency. One area of learning covered how staff could reduce the amount of waste they generate and how to dispose of this waste in an environmentally friendly way. This has had a positive impact on reinforcing the environmental awareness message that the business is promoting.
For many of the staff it was the first formal qualification they have undertaken since leaving school, and because their individual learning methods were considered they reported the training was a positive experience. They all now hold industry-recognised CSCS Blue Cards, which are accepted by the industry as proof of a worker’s skills and competence on site.
DDF Fire operate in a very competitive environment and the SSW programme has made a positive impact to both the business and the individuals who have undertaken the training. The business is keen to continue staff training to support progression onto higher qualifications.
