Proposals on training funds

Employers in the building services engineering sector are hoping to come forward early next autumn with firm proposals for a new system for funding training.

It is expected to be based on contractor turnover and the value of individual contracts with the cost going to the client.

Tony Thomas, director of training at the Heating and Ventilating Contractors Association (HVCA), said: “We are not looking at a levy model similar to that operated by the Construction Industry Training Board or the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board.

“It would have statutory backing. But it would not be a tax on employment. It would be based on a very small percentage put on the tender price and the cost of invoicing a project.

“So payment would be by the customer or client.”

Thomas said the project had been initiated by the HVCA. However, its scope would extend to those presently covered by SummitSkills – the sector skills council encompassing electrical contracting, heating and ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration and plumbing.

Informal talks have already been held with the government, and industry leaders are now consulting with contractors on the way forward with a view to developing a definite funding model.