Preston City Council has signed an agreement with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), committing to use the National Skills Academy for Construction (NSAfC) Framework across all its projects. 

The new agreement was confirmed at a formal award presentation in Preston and will see the local authority continue to embed NSAfC principles through the updated benchmarks into its planning process, creating opportunities for skills and employment.

The framework is a way of working that enables partners to gain the skills they need on site, on time. Developed by CITB and approved by industry, it provides structure and direction to help deliver consistent, high-quality training on a live construction project.

One of 19 National Skills Academies supporting UK industries by developing training infrastructure to address sector skills challenges, the NSAfC was launched in 2006 with the aim of providing dynamic onsite training and skills opportunities for suitable projects.

The NSAfC has already successfully complemented more than 400 projects across the UK, enhancing skills throughout the industry and helping organisations demonstrate their commitment to creating social value in the community.

Andrew Bridge, Head of Employer Delivery and Engagement (England) at CITB, said:

“We are delighted to sign this agreement with Preston City Council which underlines their commitment to embedding the NSAfC Framework across all projects. We developed the framework together with the construction industry to improve productivity, promote skills, and create high-performing workplaces that can develop and harness talent.

“For contractors or public sector authorities, the NSAfC gets the right skills to their people – from craft to technical to professional, from new recruits to experienced workers – wherever they are needed.”

Councillor Valerie Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building at Preston Council, said:

“We were proud to welcome the Construction Industry Training Board to Preston and delighted to receive the award that recognises our ongoing commitment to delivering social value through construction.

“By embedding the National Skills Academy for Construction benchmarks into our planning process, applicants are not only building homes and employment units but creating real opportunities for skills, employment, and community benefit.”

Local authorities can find out more about the benefits of adopting the NSAfC Framework at: www.citb.co.uk/standards-and-delivering-training/national-skills-academy-for-construction/what-is-the-national-skills-academy-for-construction/