Standfirst: With competency under the spotlight, CAB is collaborating with industry bodies including the GGF, the NFRC and the JCI to strengthen training frameworks, technical standards and professional development across the building envelope sector. We report.
Feature: In a post-Grenfell world, the importance of competency across the building envelope sector has never been greater. As regulations are reformed, competence must be demonstrated at every stage of the supply chain, from design and specification through to installation and maintenance.
With a focus on the establishment of a unified and consistent approach to competency, the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) is working collaboratively with key industry bodies, including the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), through the Joint Competence Initiative for the Building Envelopes Sector (JCI).
Bringing together multiple organisations under a single framework, the JCI is designed to ensure that competency standards are aligned and clearly defined.
“Competence is something we all deal with day-to-day,” says Nigel Headford, CEO CAB, and Director of the JCI.
“Assuming is no longer good enough. Competency must be evidenced and this means the way we interpret regulations and requirements is critical.
“In uniting with other associations through the JCI, we are able to talk with one voice about competency and remain at the forefront of developments to update and inform our own members, as well as the wider industry.
“It also means that when we are talking to government, we are all on the same page, and better able to influence outcomes.”
With the demonstration of skills, knowledge, and experience essential to meeting regulations and maintaining trust, CAB, as part of the JCI, is also working alongside organisations, including CSCS and the GQA, to deliver new training and career competency frameworks.
Aiming to remove ambiguity around skills development and reflect the interconnected nature of the building envelope sector, CAB members are invited to offer feedback for consideration in the creation of pathways across fenestration, curtain walling and related sectors.
“One of the challenges historically has been understanding where you sit and what pathway you’re on,” explains Nigel. “This new framework joins everything together, so whether you’re in installation, fabrication or design, there’s a clear route for progression.
“This will include apprenticeships, newly qualified roles and ongoing professional training to make sure that competency is baked in from entry level through to senior positions.”
Alongside formal training pathways, CAB is also championing the recognition of continuous professional development (CPD) as a core component of competency. While many organisations already deliver high-quality training to clients and partners, this activity is not always formally recorded or recognised within industry systems – but CAB is working to change this.
“We want to make sure that if you’re delivering CPD, whether it’s to an architect, installer or anyone in the supply chain, that learning is recognised,” says Nigel.
“The aim is for that attendance to be recorded, so individuals can demonstrate that they are continually developing their competence, helping to create a more transparent and accountable workforce.”
As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, the role of organisations like CAB becomes increasingly important.
Ultimately, competency is not just about compliance but about raising standards across the construction sector.
Through its technical leadership and work with industry partners, its commitment to professional development and its proactive engagement with regulators, CAB is helping to build a more skilled, more accountable and more resilient building envelope sector for the future.
For more information about CAB, visit www.c-a-b.org.uk or email enquiries@c-a-b.org.uk.