The Concrete Repair Association believes that structured training is a fundamental requirement in ensuring continually improving standards of workmanship. The industry's greatest assets are the highly skilled operatives that carry out the work and the CRA fully supports their training and assessment through National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ's) at Levels 2 and 3.

The NVQ is awarded on the successful completion of eight Level 2 visits. Five of these will be common to the construction industry with the remaining three units being specific to the concrete repair industry. All CRA members are encouraged to promote this preferred route within their respective companies.

In addition to the above, the CRA wholeheartedly endorses the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). The principal aims of the scheme are to:

• maintain a record of operatives who achieve a recognised level of competence
• raise standards of health and safety awareness
• promote the use of skilled operatives.

Competencies were agreed by CRA members in September 1998 and a new classification approved in October 1998 for 'Concrete Repair Operatives' which mirrors the requirements for NVQ Level 2. Grandfather rights for entry onto this scheme were available for two years, but after that period the only route was through formal NVQ training. A regular one-day safety update course for all operatives is a pre-requisite for membership of this initiative.

Qualified operatives will carry an accreditation card that will include a photograph of the individual and show the level to which he has been trained.

Further information can be obtained be provided free of charge from the CSCS Help Desk. Enquiries should be addressed to: CSCS, P.O. Box 114, Bircham Newton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE31 6XD. Telephone: 01485 578777.