Heritage Skills Cards &Training Initiatives

The leadwork element of the Heritage Skills CSCS card is now available and most all of the Leadworkers employed by LCA Members hold their Heritage Skills Card after successfully completing the Managed Industry Accreditation route that was available until September 2010. Now this route for obtaining the card is closed the following training and accreditation programmes will be the only way that Leadworkers will be able to gain recognition of their skills and CSCS card registration.

There are four training and accreditation programmes available for lead workers operated by the Lead Sheet Association at their training centre in East Peckham in Kent, three of which have Construction Skills recognition. The programmes are designed for new entrants / apprentices wanting to take up leadwork as an occupation, they are also suitable for, existing Leadworkers who do not have any formal qualifications, who need to get a CSCS Card, Highly experienced Leadworkers who already have an NVQ level 2 Leadworkers Qualification, and need to upgrade to become a Heritage Skills Leadworkers (A must for LCA Members who want to show that all their Leadworkers are properly qualified to the highest possible standards) A fourth training scheme The Lead Workers Certificate Course accredited by City and Guilds is also available for those Leadworkers who may not require CSCS cards but still want their skills recognised.

1.) Specialist Apprenticeship Programme SAP

This scheme is for new entrants into the industry wanting to become a Specialist Leadworker the minimum age is 18 years, however the training programme also allows for 16 year olds to attend the course. The scheme is a National Vocational Qualification NVQ Level 2 Metal Roofing in ( Lead) and is carried out over a 2 year period with a combination of training at the LSA Training Centre, and further Onsite Training and Assessment. The training covers a wide range of working techniques the industry uses to install leadwork from domestic housing to historic and listed buildings, churches and cathedrals.

Grants to help cover much of the costs can be claimed by companies who are registered as levy payers with Construction Skills, and where companies can offer a contract of employment to the Apprentice, and the Apprentice does not already have an NVQ when registering.

2.) National Vocational Qualification NVQ Level 2 Metal Roofing Lead & Hard Metals

This qualification is for the experienced Leadworker who wants to get a Construction Skills CSCS Leadworkers Card, the process is carried out by an LSA Assessor who visits the Leadworkers on site, to review the work they are carrying out to check their competence. It may be seen as an easier way to obtain a qualification, as no formal training at a training centre is required unless there are gaps in the Leadworkers skills. Normally the assessment process takes less than 6 months where there is sufficient evidence provided by the Leadworker. The minimum age for this qualification is 19 years, the candidate should not already hold a Level 2 Qualification, and should be working in England, or for a company registered in England. (Contact the LSA for current fees and if grants could be available for you or your company)

3. Heritage Skills Qualification NVQ Level 3 CSCS Card

This is the ultimate qualification for Leadworkers who want to be able to work on historic and listed buildings pre 1919, the qualification is a combination of specialised training carried out at the LSA Training Centre and On Site Assessment. Those wanting to gain this qualification should have a minimum of 10 years site experience as a Leadworkers or hold a NVQ level 2 Metal Roofing Lead Qualification. The training provided allows the candidate the opportunity to carry out lead casting, working on spires, cupolas, and barrel vaulted roofs. (Contact the LSA for current fees and if grants could be available for you or your company)

As an alternative way of gaining the qualification, and to reduce the need for onsite assessment and training. The Lead Sheet Association (LSA) has introduced Heritage Experienced Leadwork Practical Assessment (HELPA). This method of assessment would be ideal for experienced Leadworkers working in the heritage sector; it is designed to test practical competence and underpinning knowledge over a full range of competencies needed for working with lead sheet on historic buildings. Candidates would attend the LSA Training Centre, and carry out a one off practical assessment, which would be combined with the use of witness testimonies, employer endorsement, professional discussion, questions and answers. Those wanting to apply will have to complete a profiling form helping to identify that they have sufficient experience and no additional skills training is required. Applicants should have a minimum of five years’ experience in working with lead sheet in the heritage sector (Contact the LSA for current fees and if grants could be available for you or your company)

4. Leadworkers Certificate Course LSA and City & Guilds 6055

This is a training scheme that has been operated by the Lead Sheet Association since the early 1990’s and continues to be popular as an all round training programme that starts candidates off with basic skills training in bossing and lead welding, The skills are then expanded to cover all the general areas of leadwork used on domestic housing together with leadwork in gutters, roofs and dormer windows, encompassing all the recommended details available from the Lead Sheet Association. The scheme is built around 35 days of training at the LSA Training Centre, and the mode of attendance can be varied to suit personal requirements of the candidates. (Contact the LSA for current fees and if grants could be available for you or your company)

For more information on training and qualifications for working with lead sheet contact:

Unit 10 Archers Park

Branbridges Road

East Peckham

Tonbridge

Kent TN12 5HP

Tel: 01622 872432 E Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Fax: 01622 871649 Website: www.leadsheet.co.uk