Sibbald Training: Bridging the Construction Skills Gap with SVQs

Sibbald Training is a prominent vocational training provider for the construction sector, specialising in plant and lifting operations. The organisation delivers training for qualifications in operating a range of machinery, including excavators and cranes, alongside programs for lift supervisors and crane appointed persons.

The company also offers vocational qualifications (VQs) in various craft disciplines, such as bricklaying, joinery, and roofing, helping candidates gain nationally recognised credentials. With a team of experienced instructors from the industry, Sibbald Training ensures its programs meet current industry standards and promote high levels of competence and safety

Investing in the Workforce: Why Construction Companies Prioritise SVQs

Construction companies are increasingly investing in Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) to ensure their workforce is competent, safe, and compliant with regulations. This not only reduces on-site risks and improves efficiency but also helps with recruitment, retention, and succession planning by demonstrating a commitment to professional development.

At Sibbald Training, we address these needs by providing workplace-focused assessments and training. We help companies ensure that employees in plant operations, lifting, and various other construction roles can perform their duties safely and to the highest industry standards.

Addressing The Skills Gap With SVQs

The Problem

A large-sized construction company faced a significant and immediate skills gap among its workforce. Key projects were at risk because they lacked a sufficient number of certified plant operators and lift supervisors who could safely and efficiently manage machinery and lifting operations on site. This shortage posed a direct threat to project timelines, safety standards, and overall operational efficiency.

The Goal

The company's primary objective was to close this skills gap by certifying their existing workforce. They sought a training solution that was not only effective but also flexible enough to minimize disruption to their ongoing construction operations. They needed a partner who could provide targeted, industry-recognised training and assessment that would ensure their employees were fully competent and compliant with safety standards.

The Solution: SVQs

The company partnered with Sibbald Training to enrol their workforce in a tailored program that included Plant Operations, Lift Supervisor, and Crane Appointed Person / Lift Planner courses. The core of this solution was a Modern Apprenticeship pathway, with the Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) integrated into the programme.

Steven Hughes, Training & Compliance Manager at Sibbald Training, highlights the unique flexibility of this approach:

“The SVQ training and assessment process at Sibbald Training is uniquely flexible and work-based, designed to fit seamlessly into the day-to-day operations of construction companies. Training can be delivered on-site at the employer’s live locations, allowing candidates to learn and be assessed in the environment where they actually work. Observations are carried out while candidates are performing their normal day-to-day tasks, ensuring assessment is both practical and relevant to real-world work.”

The Results

The investment in SVQs delivered a clear and tangible return for the business, going far beyond just skills development:

• Skills Gap Closed: The company successfully certified its workforce, filling the immediate shortage of qualified plant operators and lift supervisors.
• Increased Productivity: With a competent and confident team, the company saw improved efficiency, reduced downtime, and enhanced project timelines.
• Enhanced Safety and Compliance: The certified employees now meet the highest industry standards, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and regulatory penalties.
• Improved Staff Retention and Engagement: The SVQ pathway, integrated into the Modern Apprenticeship, demonstrated a commitment to professional growth. This helped retain skilled staff, boosted morale, and provided a clear route for career progression.
• Stronger Reputation: A highly qualified and capable workforce enhanced client confidence, helping the company secure future projects and strengthening its reputation in a competitive industry.

The Impact

By opting for a flexible, work-based SVQ assessment, the company not only solved a critical operational problem but also created a safer, more productive, and more resilient workforce for the long term. This approach gave them confidence in their team's capability and demonstrated the lasting value of investing in vocational qualifications.

Conclusion

By combining work-based assessment with recognised qualifications, SVQs provide construction businesses with measurable benefits that go beyond individual skills, creating a safer, more productive, and more competitive workforce.