Skills Support for the Workforce
Lorraine has been a painter and decorator for the past 12 years after leaving her previous career in Business Development to use her creative flare. Lorraine works alongside her husband and sub-contracts for several companies.
Lorraine already had a green CSCS card but needed to undertake the NVQ Level 2 to gain a blue skilled worker card so she would be able to work on building sites and larger, high end jobs. Lorraine says:
“Being a woman in construction can be tough. I just wanted to be taken seriously and be recognised for the competent skilled worker that I am”
Achieving this qualification would open more doors for Lorraine and increase job opportunities which she may not have otherwise been considered for.
As a self-employed worker, qualifications can be financially unviable, but as SSW is co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency, Lorraine was able to access funded training.
Lorraine enrolled onto the NVQ Level 2 in Painting & Decorating through SR Partnership Limited, one of the SSW programme’s trusted network of training providers.
The qualification process was carried out through onsite assessment where Lorraine was working at the time. Please note the training took place pre-COVID.
Lorraine says:
“The process was well explained, clear and concise. Having such a knowledgeable Assessor really helped. I would definitely recommend it to others, especially any other women in the trade or considering a change into the trade.”
Since gaining the qualification, Lorraine now feels that other workers onsite respect and recognise her for the work that she does. The qualification backs up her existing skills and experience.
The qualification has also given Lorraine the confidence to progress in her career and move onto more unique, specialist projects including interior design.
