CWIC is a unique CITB-funded all-Wales training centre with its hub forming part of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s in Swansea.
Gareth Evans/ Barry Liles, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Skills and Lifelong Learning at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) said: “CWIC’s activities are already supporting employers in the construction industry across Wales.
Our partnership with CITB is delivering world-class training and bespoke programmes for this hugely important sector to the Welsh economy. Access to such facilities and expertise through CWIC gives employers the confidence to develop their employees and to recruit new entrants into the industry.”
The facility underwent an approximately £1.5million refurbishment, thanks to TRJ Construction, to create an Access Hall of 2,000 m2 including classroom and IT facilities.
Since its initial CISRS approval in 2020, the centre has really hit the ground running, welcoming almost 1000 trainees through its doors on a range of courses since that date.
In addition to those undertaking the recognised CISRS Pt1, Pt2 route to qualification, Inspection and Supervisory training, around 50 operatives are currently nearing completion of their Scaffolding Apprenticeships, with another 18 candidates signed up for 2022-23 plus a waiting list of 20 in place for the next cohort.
This is a considerable feat for any new centre but all the more impressive when taking into consideration the COVID pandemic and Storm Damage to the Academy Roof in the last 18 months.
Sheila Holmes -CWIC Scaffolding Academy Director said: “The addition of the CISRS advanced scaffolding course ensures that the Welsh scaffolding industry has direct access to the whole scaffolding training provision here in Swansea and will no longer have to travel to England or beyond to acquire a full set of skills.
“We are proud of the development at the Academy and gaining the CISRS advanced accreditation is the culmination of hard work and commitment by the whole team.”
CISRS Auditor Trevor Donoghue added: “The CWIC Scaffolding Academy in Swansea has constructed an excellent training facility and has consistently been developing its delivery capabilities over the last few years.
It was a pleasure to witness the recent Pilot CISRS Advanced Scaffolding Course and confirm the upgrade in the centre’s CISRS accreditation to Advanced delivery status.
Congratulations to the centre’s management team and staff on this achievement, I wish them every success in the future.”