One of our company values is continuous improvement, with training and development one of the tools used to achieve it. There is a strong commitment to training throughout Sandwood, from apprentices to senior managers, as the only way to achieve the goals and objectives we have set ourselves.
Another quote from the Investors in People review:
'An outstanding commitment to the development of apprentices - a real beacon of good practice and commitment for the rest of the industry, where commitment to apprentices is felt to be waning.'
We have training agreements with two colleges, Barking College and College of West London which involves work experience and apprentices. Not only do we currently have 9 trade apprentices but several of our youthful trades people are ex Sandwood apprentices.
Training does not end with formal qualifications. Sandwood is a Chartered Building Company and all of the senior managers are required to undertake a continuous professional development programme.
All our site managers are working towards Membership of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB), with the majority having achieved Associate Membership (ACIOB). In addition, all the managers have undergone the CITB 5-days Manager's Health and Safety training course, are Fire Marshalls, First Aiders, Scaffold Safety Inspectors, and have passed the CSCS Health and Safety test. They have appropriate CSCS cards and have received training in Risk Assessment and Method Statements.
Sandwood's workforce of carpenters, bricklayers, painters, gangermen and labourers have all received training in Health and Safety, over 75% have achieved CSCS cards and we encourage all our operatives to achieve at least NVQ Level 3.
The company has a training plan for all staff members. Training requirements are discussed at yearly appraisals and appropriate training is arranged as required. All employees are encouraged to undertake relevant training.
Sandwood has also been the subject of a Construction Excellence Demonstration Project. More information can be found by clicking here.
