14.02.2004

MCG survey shows skills certification shortage

A survey carried out recently for the Major Contractors Group (MCG) showed that around two thirds of staff on sites where the main contractor is a member of the MCG carry an approved card such as the Construction Skills Certification Card (CSCS).

The MCG claims that over 600,000 workers now carry a CSCS or equivalent card, which includes the 100,000 International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) PAL card holders in the UK.

The result included sub contractors as well as main contractors. Where only main contractors (MCG members) staff were measured, the number carrying cards was 82 per cent, although in some cases it ranged as high as 90 per cent.

The MCG strategy set a target date of the end of 2003 to achieve a fully qualified workforce on all construction sites where an MCG member is the principal contractor.

The current survey was conducted in January 2004. The exact results were:
Average percentage of qualified workers on MCG members' sites: 66 per cent

Percentage of directly employed qualified workers on MCG members' sites: 82 per cent

Percentage of indirectly employed qualified workers on MCG members' sites: 57 per cent

MCG chairman Dermot Gleeson commented: "While we would have been delighted to have recorded 100 per cent in every category, we believe the results are a tremendous achievement in a relatively short period of time, not only on MCG members' sites but throughout the industry, with over 600,000 workers now holding CSCS or equivalent accepted cards.

"The recent announcement from the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) that recommended Government clients should take into account the percentage of qualified workers when awarding tenders and, importantly, conduct audits during execution of the contract, is very encouraging, as is the support of private sector clients such as Asda and Stanhope. It is important that Government clients respond to the OGC advice."

Comment:
The MCG recently confirmed the ongoing recognition and acceptance of IPAFs PAL card on their sites, looking at the numbers above, it would seem clear that if they had not done so the shortfall from target would have been far more significant!