Thin-joint laying in NVQs

The three major aircrete producers have joined forces and reached an agreement with the Construction Industry Training Board for thin-joint block laying to become part of the syllabus on NVQ Level 1 and 2 brick-laying courses.As of September 2003, nearly 400 UK training institutes will be giving training in thin-joint construction techniques. H+H Celcon, Tarmac Topblock and Thermalite have all invested large amounts of time and money in the initiative.Andrew Edwards, H+H Celcon national business development manager, told CJ: "The first thing we need to do is train the trainers so they can teach thin-joint block laying to the students - and there are more than 300 trainers in the UK."Tarmac Topblock is building a training facility specifically for thin-joint blockwork at its aircrete factory in Essex, where the trainers can be trained. Tarmac project manager Brian Hewkin said: "We will provide lecturers with comprehensive information on building with thin joint masonry. In addition, we believe it is important to look at associated materials and methods, such as projection rendering and plastering."Back-up and support will be provided by all three companies in the form of work experience, where students can put into practice what they've learnt in the classroom.