UK Timber Frame Association
More than 720 candidates are registered on the UKTFA’s erector training and qualification programme which improves the practical skills, knowledge and competence of people on site on all aspects of assembling timber frame buildings and on-site health and safety.
Timber frame erectors can apply to train and be assessed at three levels: bronze – an induction programme; silver – suitable for the majority of site-based staff already involved in timber frame construction; gold – for team leaders and those involved with multi-level complex timber frame buildings, is the highest level qualification of its type in Europe.
The open learning scheme leads to a full City & Guilds certificate in timber frame erecting.
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has also agreed to recognise the UKTFA’s training programmes under its Construction Related Occupations route to obtaining a CSCS card.
Working with the relevant sector skills group, the UKTFA’s timber frame qualifications will become vocational qualifications in due course, but this interim approval by the CSCS board is a significant vote of confidence in what the timber frame industry is doing to move towards a fully-qualified workforce.
It means all erectors completing the training programme will be eligible to apply for the CSCS card on successful completion of the touch-screen health and safety test. Issued for five years, the card is important as it is the only one accepted by the Major Contractors Group and the majority of housebuilders and contractors.
The Home Builders Federation and Major Contractors Group have both declared that all site workers will need to carry CSCS cards by 2010. Within a similar time-frame the UKTFA will make it a condition of membership that manufacturers use only UKTFA/CSCS approved erectors.
Encouraged by strong interest in the erector training and accreditation programme, the UKTFA has developed similar schemes for the manufacturing side of the industry and for timber frame designers. The training is relevant for all automated, semi-automated and manual manufacturing processes.
At present these are only available at Gold level, although work is continuing to split out the silver and bronze awards later this year to help open up a defined career path for new entrants and those wishing to progress within the industry. More than 100 manufacturers in Scotland have registered, plus 27 timber frame designers.
TRADA Technology frameCHECK
When Huel Twist, who heads TRADA Technology’s frameCHECK timber frame consultancy, is asked for the top 10 tips or an on-site checklist, he will always include training. “To deliver excellence in timber frame, you need training so that everyone involved fully understands the product and their role in the project,” he said.
TRADA Technology launched the frameCHECK on-site consultancy service to give specifiers and developers the assurance that their buildings were being built to exact requirements, in line with both Building Regulations and any additional standards required by warranty/guarantee bodies. Becoming a training provider was the logical next step.
“Timber frame requires a different level of understanding to so-called traditional building methods which, combined with lack of skilled labour on site, can create problems,” said Twist.
“We have been commended for our practical approach and our training literature has been dubbed ‘more idiot-proof than most’ by one satisfied customer,” he said. “We do keep it clear and simple.”
Companies often approach frameCHECK not just to educate their own staff, but also to help sell the benefits of timber frame to potential customers. “One timber frame manufacturer asked us to stage a course for local builders to prove to them that they could buy a kit and put it up themselves.”
frameCHECK offers one-day timber frame training courses at its High Wycombe headquarters and there are four left on this year’s schedule:
TF1 Everyone’s talking timber frame – are they right? (For those new to timber frame); May 20; cost £220 + VAT (TRADA member), £275 + VAT (non-member)
TF2 Timber frame buildings: design & build; April 22; cost £220 + VAT (member), £275 + VAT (non-member)
TF4 Timber frame design for architects – essential detailing; May 8; cost £360 + VAT (member), £510 + VAT (non-member), to include a copy of Timber frame: Standard details for houses and flats. Delegates who already have the publication will pay £220 + VAT and £275 + VAT respectively.
TF5 Timber frame for all – in a day; March 12 (Manchester), June 17 £235 + VAT (member) and £295 + VAT (non-member).
All of the courses can be offered in-house, too, at a cost of £1,595 + VAT. frameCHECK will also develop bespoke training programmes for any organisation, typically including introduction to timber frame; surveying timber frame buildings; timber frame construction – a UK history; modern timber frame – what now and what next?; structural engineering aspects; design detailing; multi-storey timber frame; energy efficient timber frame; and non-residential timber frame – what are the options?
Napier University Centre for Timber Engineering
The Centre for Timber Engineering (CTE) in Napier University’s School of Engineering and the Built Environment offers full-time and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
At undergraduate level, the university offers a BSc in Civil Engineering with a specialist timber module, while at postgraduate level, there are two MSc courses –Timber Engineering, and Timber Industry Management. The former is designed for those with a background in civil
or structural engineering, while the latter is for non-engineers in the timber industry who wish to develop management skills.
These courses, with additional modules covering architectural, engineering design and environmental issues, are also available through CTE’s online learning. Timber Engineering Online includes the two Master’s courses, while Timber Education Online to Industry provides four shorter courses aimed at improving knowledge within the timber industry. Credit rated where possible through Napier University’s Credit Rating Centre, they are:
Institute of Wood Science (IWSc) Foundation course: For starters and improvers who need some background on the materials and names used in the timber trade, this course introduces timber as a material and its use in construction. The 20-hour course carries a certificate from the IWSc and credits from Napier University.
Trussed Rafter Association: Trussed Rafters for Design Technicians: Designed to develop the reflective thinking of existing technicians in order to ensure computer-generated designs are workable onsite, this course is also useful for those starting in design and introduces concepts and terms used in the industry as well as engineering principles. Students receive a Napier University-backed TRA certificate.
Moisture in Wood and Timber Drying: This course is the first from Napier CTE to assist companies to improve the timber they supply. Aimed at small companies operating in the UK-grown timber industry, the knowledge is also of value to larger companies that have to deal with storage issues where poor stacking or ventilation can cause degrade of stocks. Students receive a Napier University-backed certificate.
Supervisory Management: The first course to be delivered by Timber Education Online to Industry, this subject was requested in a survey of the trade. Designed to assist those entering lower level management roles, the 20-hour course includes health and safety, staff development and discipline. Napier University credits and a certificate are awarded on completion.
Wood for good
Wood for good’s Timber Academy – www.timberacademy.co.uk – is the timber industry’s first comprehensive online library. It is accredited by RIBA and is free for architects, specifiers, engineers, wood for good member companies and members of the Timber Trade Federation and the British Woodworking Federation. It already has more than 12,000 pre-registered users.
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland has recommended the site to its members and completion of all modules equates to 75% of RIBA’s annual required CPD time.
The Academy provides a growing range of information about wood’s performance and applications. There are 13 topics currently in the library; deck design and installation; building sustainably with wood; properties, species and science of wood; engineered wood products; wood protection; timber for exterior cladding; wood finishes; plywood; certification, procurement and specification; structural timber in construction and roofing; hardwood; MDF and OSB. All include animation, graphics and questions following each learning segment. New modules will cover wood windows; doors and building with timber frames.
Keywords: UKTFA Napier University Centre for Timber Engineering TRADA Framecheck Wood for Good
