UK Federation backs cheaper courses to tackle skills shortage

The reduction becomes effective on 1 March.

The reduced cost of entry level courses will take effect from the start of March. (Image: NFDC)

The NFDC said that as well as helping new people to enter the industry, Extending the reduction to the DRO qualification enables existing CCDO labourers – of which there are almost 4000 registered in the UK – to move up the career ladder at a more affordable fee.

It added that recruitment and retention in the construction sector has been a challenge for many years, with associations like NFDC, NDTG and the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE) working to directly address the skills shortage for demolition specifically.

“Our commitment to ensuring the safety of those working on demolition sites has driven this significant investment in the industry’s future,” said NFDC CEO Howard Button.

“It is imperative that operatives have the right card for the right job and for those working in demolition this means CCDO.

“The 30% cost reduction brings the CCDO Labourer and DRO card fee closer to that of the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) and the NDTG will readily support any CSCS cardholders with training up to CCDO standards, in line with the needs of our sector.”