Block paving and ground works courses

[Nicholas Bower]

Dear Tony
I have taken on a couple of new lads because I am currently undertaking large commercial contracts. Could you recommend ground works courses I can send them on please. A course that puts an emfasis on block paving would be preferable. (I am living in the Bath, Somerset area) But really would not mind where they go as long as the course is very good. Cheers and many thanks Nick. :O

[Tony McC]

There's a narticle in the latest edition of Pave-it, the 'magazine' produced by Interlay, in which they talk about the courses being run at ManCat in Manchester. The piece mentions they plan to offer the 5-day block paving course, the 5 day flag/kerb course (I'm still waitiung to hear from anyone who thinks these courses were value for money!), and a 2 years Mason Paviors apprenticeship.

When I spoke to the CITB earlier this year, they told me there was no demand for the paving courses, yet I get asked almost every week about where promising young apprentices can go to be properly aducated in the ways of the maul. I suspect it is the fee levels, not the course content, that is dissuading potential applicants and their sponsoring employers.

I have been discussing the creation of a subsidised training program with a leading manufacturer and there may be some news regarding this early next year, but for now, all I can suggest is that you contact the National Construction College (part of the CITB) and make sure you're sat down before they tell you the cost!!

[danensis]

You'd be lucky to find any training course for less than a grand a day. Sometimes you can reduce the cost by doing it on your own premises. You can also get help with the fees (sometimes up to 100%) if you are in somewhere like the Coalfields Action Area.