The Water We Drink

1
The Water We Drink

• WSNTG Annual Conference, Kilkenny
• 9th September, 2004

2
Training

• Kevin Sheridan
• Project Manager, Environmental Training Unit, FÁS

3
Overview

• Background
• Role of Training/Assessment providers
• Scope of Training/Certification
• Q.A, Qualifications Accreditation mechanisms
• Implementation Issues

4
Training in the Public Private Sectors
Sanitary Services

Environment
Roads
Building

5
International Dimension

• E.U Environmental Directives requires compliance
  with Environmental Health Safety Regulations.

6
Roles of FÁS FETAC

• FÁS has Economic and Social Objectives supporting
  national manpower policies and priorities
• FÁS is National training Provider FETAC is
  Awarding body

7
FETAC Requirements

• Appropriate training standards
• Assessment
• QA procedures
• Validation
• Access, transfer and progression
• Training infrastructure- resources

8
WSNTG
FÁS is a constituent member of WSNTG Mutually
Involved in Competency Development Programme
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WSNTG

• Water Services/Roads competency- based Training
  programmes are delivered and co-ordinated through
  the WSNTG Regional training centre network.
• Training Needs Assessment Follow-up for Water
  Services are co-ordinated through WSNTG

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Strategic Initiatives

• The Strategic Review of the Construction Industry
  by the Department of Environment Local
  Government in conjunction with the Construction
  Industry Council
• The National Development Plan 1994-1999 -Better
  Local Government A Programme for Strategic
  Change

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Strategic Initiatives

• Recommendation 3.36 of the Forum for the
  Construction Industry (Strategic Review)
• calls for the provision by FÁS of training and
  certification of skilled construction workers
  (including Local Authorities) and the maintenance
  of a register of competent construction workers.

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FÁS Objectives Support

• Providing a Skilled Workforce
• Mitigating Skills Shortages
• Supporting the provision of training and
  assessment facilities at regional and local
  levels
• Maintaining highest standards -Best Practice
• Ensuring placement in the (FETAC) Qualifications
  Framework at an appropriate level
• Grant assistance

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Key Drivers Focus

• Key focus on
• Environmental and regulatory compliance
• Compliance with Health Safety Regs. targeted at
  all levels.
• Recognition of awards in relation to license to
  practice in many cases.

15

Impact and Environment

• Benefits employers and workforce
• Particularly important for categories not
  previously certificated.
• Need to have regard for the complexities of the
  workplace regarding cyclical work cycles

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Delivery Process/QA/Validated

• Train-the-Trainer Programme utilises LA in-house
  expertise supplemented by outside specialists
• Assessor network comes from L.A trainers etc
• Mentor support network
• FÁS provides independent verification/validation
  and Liaison with FETAC
• Programmes are updated , revised and validation

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Outcome

• Participants must demonstrate that they have the
  necessary knowledge, skill and competence to
  perform effectively at the required level.
• Competency assures employers stakeholders that
  a trained workforce can deliver quality work in a
  safe and appropriate manner.

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Aim of Environmental Certification Scheme

• Provide training and certification for all
  environmental and roads occupations
• Maintain a register of certified operatives
• Raise the standard of health and safety awareness
• Provide certification for international
  recognition
• Renewal of registration every four to five years

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Training Cycle
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Examples of competency certification

• Water wastewater Plant Operation
• Laboratory Procedures
• Waste Management
• Roadworker Training
• Building Control
• Site Suitability Assessments
• Radon Remediation

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Future competencies

• Leakage detection
• Inspection, installation Maintenance of On-site
  Wastewater Systems.

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Standards-based Assessment

• Assessment is carried out either on-the job or in
  simulated work conditions over the training
  period
• Verified in accordance with QA Procedures
• Training mix-Theoretical/Practical
• Modular credit system
• Core/optional modules
• Qualification is permanent (subject to refresher
  Training)

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Issues

• Need to avail of RTC training courses and fully
  utilise R.T.C. network
• Need to fully utilise in-house trainers/assessors
• Need to train further trainers and assessors