BEST plans to meet future training needs

Building Engineering Services Training (BEST), the training subsidiary of HVCA, has announced a 3-year plan to consolidate its position as the preferred supplier of training to the building-engineering-services sector. The plan includes introducing national assessment centres and more efficient monitoring and communication between employers, colleges, learners and BEST. Strategic partnerships are to be developed between leading HVACR colleges and higher-education institutions so that BEST can deliver a wider spectrum of training and education. Additions to BEST’s range of training include providing adult NVQ delivery services in line with the emerging demand for all workers to meet NVQ level 2 requirements. This requirement was outlined by the Learning Skills Council and will help workers meet the criteria necessary for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme card. Due to the demand for formal accreditation, BEST anticipates a large and growing market for assessing existing adult workers and delivering qualifications. This growth is predicted to start in the second half of this year. For apprentices, BEST plans to introduce a foundation-level apprenticeship course designed to help young people make informed decisions about their education router following industry exposure.