Construction Fixings

The Construction Fixings Association (CFA) has launched a new eLearning platform, which incorporates all of the elements covered in the organisation’s live training courses, which are fully in-line with the requirements of BS 8539:2012.

The new platform, which enables individuals to progress training at their own pace, has been designed in light of the ongoing disruption relating to the Covid-19 pandemic. Following six months of work developing the program, the training platform is now fully operational and covers a wide range of topics relating to drilled in fixings and anchors for concrete and masonry. As well as being informative and flexible, the new eLearning platform is incredibly accessible, with the associated sign up process quick and simple to complete. As such, the program is ideal for companies of all sizes looking to maintain and improve skill levels during this current period of disrupted business activity.

Courses available on the CFA eLearning platform include: ‘Installer’ and ‘Supervisor’, with a ‘Proof Tester’ course coming soon. Tailored to different specialities within the industry, the courses each comprise of a series of short modules. Once the modules have been completed, the trainee sits an online assessment, which if successful, generates a training certificate.

All information delivered through the service is in compliance to BS 8539:2012: ‘Code of practice for the selection and installation of post-installed anchors in concrete and masonry’, as well as the current anchor regulatory systems. As such, the platform offers a realistic avenue for the fixings industry to consolidate its current skills level.

“This is an exciting moment for our organisation and for the broader industry at large. In recent years we have moved to develop technology driven initiatives in all areas including training and learning,” comments John Muir, technical manager at the CFA. “The new platform represents the culmination of those drives and could play a major role in helping us attain our ambition of achieving and maintaining the highest level of quality and safety in the selection and installation of anchors and fixings in the UK. Particularly in light of recent events, the new program can offer the sector the support it needs to continue delivering great work.”

As well as helping to support the broader industry, the CFA’s new platform can be tailored for larger clients who want to undergo company specific training. The organisation is able to work with all stakeholders to develop policies, procedures and training programmes that best meet specific needs. In turn, companies can now use the CFA’s flexible platform to optimise the training and education of its staff. Therefore, for companies wanting access to a varied and comprehensive package of training, education, and knowledge, the new development marks a moment of real progress. As always, the CFA remains a non-profit organisation so any money made from delivering these new programs will be reinvested back into helping the organisation support the fixings industry.

“This training platform is a big step towards helping the sector overcome its current skills shortage. Across trades, there’s a real need for qualified professionals who can deliver compliant work that meets the relevant standards. Fostering such a workforce requires training, as well as certification from a trusted regulatory body. We believe that our new eLearning platform delivers on both counts. Not only is the platform providing high-quality training to those in the sector, but allows for certification once modules have been completed,” points out Andrew Thomas, commercial manager at the CFA.

Andrew continues: “Moving forward, we hope the program encourages the industry to become more training and qualification driven and acts as a bridgeway for further qualifications, such as NVQs. As an organisation we continue to support important industry qualifications, such as the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in ‘Testing and Inspecting’ and thorough Examination Occupations for ‘Installing Construction Anchors’ and ‘Site Testing of Construction Fixings’. Encouraging the wider adoption of these sorts of qualifications could help the sector to improve upon its existing skills base and lead the industry towards an even brighter future.”