Manufacturing Training

Manufacture of Timber Frame

A Major New Training Initiative

Brief Outline of the Training Programme

The UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA) through its Executive Board and Education & Training Committee has developed an overarching Education & Training Strategy with the objectives of achieving a fully trained and qualified workforce at every step in the Supply Chain from the drawing board to the finished building. Due to the success of the UK Timber Frame Association’s Open Learning Training Scheme for Timber Frame Erectors a further scheme is being developed for the Manufacturing of Timber Frame. The programme leads to a full UKTFA/City & Guilds Accreditation for manufacturing operatives that will be recognised by all leading Manufacturers in the industry.

At present no such training leading to suitable qualifications exist in a customised form therefore these Manufacturing Operatives are judged to be unskilled or at best semi-skilled. Clearly this is not the case as the Manufacture involves the use of modern technology working to very fine tolerances. The UKTFA envisage altering this perception by developing a qualified workforce in the Manufacture of these buildings to add to the already successful Site Erectors Scheme.

The Training Scheme

The accredited training scheme is available at 3 levels:

Bronze – developed as an induction programme for those new to the industry and for those content to remain at this level.
Silver – represents the vast majority of operatives manufacturing and covers all the essential elements of manufacturing.
Gold – includes supervisory skills at production foreman level together with quality management and final inspection.

Each level is supported by 3 strands:

Health & Safety Knowledge Skills Practical Skills

The Programme outline will be as follows:

The scheme will help to:

Provide recognition of the skills and competences of existing manufacturing operatives.
Raise the skill levels of any unskilled or untrained manufacturing operatives to an acceptable level of competence.
Provide a career path for manufacturing operatives.
Provide a career path for young entrants to the Timber Frame industry.
Provide a route for those in declining industries who might wish to transfer to the expanding Timber Frame construction sector.