Grants Scheme 2015-2016
www.citbni.org.uk
Grants booklet 2015/2016 Contents Page Introduction 2 Tier 1 Direct Grants to Employers 3-8 Tier 1 Essential Information Summary of Terms & Conditions 9 Tier 2 Industry Support 10 Tier 3 Facilitated Training 11-12 1
The purpose of NI is to encourage a culture of training and qualification among the businesses and individuals in the Northern Ireland construction industry. The principal way we do this is through our Annual Grants Scheme which offers grants to support a wide range of training and qualifications, from apprentices to the existing workforce including management and administration. The grant support covers a wide range of short duration training courses eg. IT, first aid, business & finance courses and site safety courses. Please contact a member of our grants team if you require any further information or check out the list of courses listed on our Training Directory. NI continues to work with employers, employer bodies, employee representatives and the education sector to identify training needs and solutions that provide the sector with training and qualifications that will enable the industry to improve efficiency and competitiveness during a very difficult economic climate. NI supports the industry to develop and deliver a culture of training & development by interventions in the following areas; The Grant scheme for 2015 2016 is in three Tiers to allow NI to provide flexible and responsive support to the industry. The tiers are as noted below; TIER 1 DIRECT GRANTS TO EMPLOYERS - Grants for Apprentices/Undergraduates - Grants for all employees - Grants for initial certification TIER 2 INDUSTRY SUPPORT Training in partnership with industry bodies TIER 3 FACILITATED TRAINING Training facilitated or delivered by NI: (e.g. Mobile Training Unit & Scaffolding) 2
Tier 1 Direct Grants to Employers Important Grant will only be paid to employers who submit an actual completed Annual return form. Grants will be held until 29 February 2016 to allow actual emoluments to be returned. Grant will be declined after this date if not returned. A. Qualifying New Entrants Apprentices are important to our industry; during these tough economic times it is vital that valuable skills and talent are not lost and that new entrants are given an opportunity to join the construction sector. Grants are available for employed apprentices registered onto recognised apprenticeship programmes who achieve their qualifications from 1 September 2015. Grant is also available to employers who make use of the Undergraduate Development Programme. B. Qualifying the Existing Workforce Grants are available for short duration training courses, including CLAIT, ECDL, first aid, NVQ achievement, management and professional development. To support plant operators, demolition plant and piling, grants are available both for operators who require training on a category of plant, and for experienced operators who demonstrate their competence and achieve a recognised qualification. Please contact a member of the grants team if you require any further confirmation of the types of courses that are covered through our grant scheme. C. Business Certification NI offers grant for initial certification on achievement of recognised schemes. In addition to this grant we support business improvement in the industry through our Tier 2 Grant see page 10 for details. D. Maximise your Grant Return Maximise your grant return by submitting your 2015 annual return form on line by 29 February 2016, claiming grant on line and paying your levy electronically ie by Direct Debit or BACS. Please refer to page 8 for further details. A member of the Grants team will be happy to talk you through this process tel 028 9082 5466. 3
Grant applications must be received by NI within 3 months of the commencement of training, otherwise grant will be declined. We encourage claims to be made even if all the supporting information is not available at the time of application. For further information on how to apply on line please contact a member of the Grants Team on 028 9082 5466 Tier 1 Direct Grants to Employers A. Apprenticeships GRANT PAYABLE FOR AMOUNT HOW TO CLAIM NVQ Level 2 Achievement NVQ Level 3 Achievement Award of Modern Apprenticeship Certificate Achievement of the Modern Apprenticeship Certificate issued by DEL 1000 Complete a claim form (on line or hard copy) and submit a copy of the NVQ certificate 1500 and evidence that the apprentice has been employed for at least 12 months 500 Complete a claim form (on line or hard copy) and submit a copy of the Modern Apprenticeship Certificate issued to apprentices by the Department for Employment & Learning (DEL) Registration Scheme Cards Achievement of a Blue or Gold recognised affiliated UK registration scheme card 25 Complete a claim form (on line or hard copy) and submit proof that the card has been issued by the Scheme owner Where NI has direct and approved access to information this may be used to verify and pay grant. Total Grant payable for an apprentice for 3/4 years 3050* (* calculation based on completion of NVQ Level 2, NVQ Level 3, Blue card, Gold Card and Modern Apprenticeship Certificate) GRANT PAYABLE FOR AMOUNT HOW TO CLAIM Undergraduate Development Programme Employers receive grant for placing an Undergraduate on the NI, Undergraduate Development Programme which we deliver free of charge 1000 Grant processed automatically to employer once the undergraduate has completed the 10-day programme 4
Grant TRAINING applications BOARD NI must be received by NI within 3 months of the commencement of training, otherwise grant will be declined. We encourage claims to be made even if all the supporting information is not available at the time of application. For further information on how to apply on line please contact a member of the Grants Team on 028 9082 5466 B. Qualifying the Existing Workforce Short Duration Training GRANT PAYABLE FOR AMOUNT HOW TO CLAIM Off the job Training Attendance and completion of off the job training including IT, accounts, health and safety courses, plant and scaffolding courses. Courses must be based on national occupational standards Training courses may be delivered by public education establishments or training providers 60 per day for a maximum 10 days per course, corresponding half day rates apply Grant of 75% of net cost will be paid for training which costs less or equal to the daily Grant rate. Complete a claim form (on line or hard copy) and submit proof of attendance and a copy of paid invoice In-House Training Attendance and completion of in-house training based on national occupational standards Training courses delivered by employers and may be held externally or in-house 30 per day for a maximum of 10 days per course, corresponding half day rates apply Complete a claim form (on line or hard copy) and submit proof of attendance Language Interpreting Grant available for those whose first language is not English or for language assistance for those with hearing/speech disability 75% of net cost to a maximum of 100 per day Complete a claim form (on line or hard copy) and submit proof of attendance and a copy of paid invoice 5
Grant applications must be received by NI within 3 months of the commencement of training, otherwise grant will be declined. We encourage claims to be made even if all the supporting information is not available at the time of application. For further information on how to apply on line please contact a member of the Grants Team on 028 9082 5466 Carding your team Grants are available for individuals who achieve an initial registration card. A separate grant is available for health & safety training, so you can still apply for health and safety courses attended even if you are renewing or upgrading your team s cards. GRANT PAYABLE FOR AMOUNT HOW TO CLAIM Industry Registration Scheme cards Achievement of an initial recognised CSCS UK affiliated scheme card 25 (white, green, blue & gold 50 (platinum or black) Complete a claim form (on line or hard copy) and submit proof that the card has been issued by the scheme owner Where NI has direct and approved access to information this may be used to verify and pay grant. National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Achievement GRANT PAYABLE FOR AMOUNT HOW TO CLAIM NVQ Achievement NVQ Level 2 NVQ Level 3 NVQ Level 4 NVQ Level 5 500 750 1,000 1,250 Complete a claim form (on line or hard copy) and submit a copy of the NVQ certificate and a copy of paid invoice. Grant payable on achievement includes any workshops/experienced workers assessment which leads to the overall achievement of the award by existing employees of a vocational qualification directly related to the business. Should the amount of grant exceed or equal the net cost grant will be paid at a rate of 75% of the actual net cost of the award. Achievement of Individual Units or Cluster Units up to a maximum of 5 per person Additional Plant Categories up to a maximum of 4 additional categories of plant per person 100 per Unit accreditation Complete a claim form (on line or hard copy) and submit a copy of the unit award 130 per category Complete a claim form (on line or hard copy) and submit evidence that additional categories have been certified and a copy of paid invoice 6
Grant applications must be received by NI within 3 months of the commencement of training, otherwise grant will be declined. We encourage CONSTRUCTION claims TRAINING to BOARD INDUSTRY be NI made even if all the supporting information is not available at the time of application. For further information on how to apply on line please contact a member of the Grants Team on 028 9082 5466 Technical, Management and Professional Development GRANT PAYABLE FOR AMOUNT HOW TO CLAIM Technical, Management and Professional Qualifications Achievement of HNC/HND, Degree, Masters, Professional Body or Awarding Organisation Certificate and Diploma through part-time study Course and provider must be accredited by an appropriate recognised body 75% of net cost up to a maximum of 1,500 in the educational year 2015/2016 Complete an annual claim form (online or hard copy) and submit a copy of paid invoice and qualification certificate or proof of successful completion of each year, where a course spans more than one educational year Becoming a Trainer or Assessor GRANT PAYABLE FOR AMOUNT NVQ Achievement Level 3 Learning & Development Level 4 Learning & Development 750 1000 HOW TO CLAIM Complete a claim form (on line or hard copy) and submit a copy of the NVQ certificate and a copy of paid invoice. Grant payable on achievement includes any workshops/ experienced workers assessment which leads to the overall achievement of the award by existing employees of a vocational qualification directly related to the business. Should the amount of grant exceed or equal the net cost grant will be paid at a rate of 75% of the actual net cost of the award. Assessor & Internal Verifier Awards Achievement of learning and development qualifications 500 achievement of 3 units 300 achievement of 2 units 150 achievement of 1 unit Complete a claim form (on line or hard copy) and submit a copy of the unit award. Grant payable on achievement includes any workshops/ experienced workers assessment which leads to the overall achievement of the award by existing employees of a vocational qualification directly related to the business. Should the amount of grant exceed or equal the net cost grant will be paid at a rate of 75% of the actual net cost of the award. 7
Grant applications must be received by NI within 3 months of the commencement of training, otherwise grant will be declined. We encourage claims to be made even if all the supporting information is not available at the time of application. For further information on how to apply on line please contact a member of the Grants Team on 028 9082 5466 C. Business Certification GRANT PAYABLE FOR Certification on 3rd Party Management Systems and Investor in People Achievement of initial recognised schemes including IIP, Health and Safety, Quality, Environmental and Reneweable Energy Schemes AMOUNT 500 HOW TO CLAIM Complete a claim form (on line or hard copy) and submit proof of initial certification Certification must be accredited by an appropriate recognised body D. Maximise your Grant Return Through our website www.citbni.org.uk you have the facility to claim your grant on line. This process makes it more effective for both your organisation and ours. We wish to reward all employers by increasing grant payment for those who: Claim Grants on line - 2.5% Claim by post and Pay levy by Direct Debit or BACS * - 1.5% Claim Grants on line and pay levy by Direct Debit or BACS * - 4% Complete your annual return on line by 4pm, 28 August 2015-1.5% Log onto www.citbni.org.uk/grants today and click the apply now button to start your online grant claim application. For details of your username and password please contact a member of the Grants Team on 028 9082 5466. Don t delay, claim today. * Direct Debit and BACS payments to be made within specified time limit (30 days) in order to be eligible for bonus grant uplift 8
Tier 1 Essential Information Summary of Terms and Conditions 1. For a grant to be paid under the 2015/2016 grant scheme, the employer must be inscope (as defined by Schedule 1 of the Industrial Training Board Order 1964) and be registered with NI. The trainee/employee must have worked or be working in NI during the training year. 2. All registered in-scope employers below the levy threshold of 80,000 are eligible to claim grant during 2015/2016 scheme period (1 September 2015 and 31 August 2016). 3. Grant will only be paid to employers who submit an actual completed annual return form. Grants will be held until 29 February 2016 to allow actual emoluments to be returned. Grant will be declined after this date if not returned. 4. All training for which grant is claimed must relate to an employee s present or future work in the Northern Ireland construction industry. 5. We reserve the right to request evidence of employment for those employees for which grant is being claimed. 6. Applications for Tier 1 grant MUST be received by NI within 3 months of the commencement of training. 7. The grant level published in the 2015/2016 grant scheme is in relation to training and/or achievement between 1 September 2015 and 31 August 2016. 8. Two Easy ways to apply on line at www.citbni.org.uk or in hard copy format by using form GAF1516, which is available from our website or by request to NI. Any supporting information available at the time of the application can be scanned and emailed, posted or faxed 028 9082 5693, with the Grant Application Form. Employers may ask their training provider to apply for grant on their behalf to NI. 9. An employer should not rely on statements made by third parties about grant rates, eligible training or the claiming process. Employers should contact NI for advice and guidance on grants available our decision is final on all matters concerning the interpretation of the Grants Scheme. This is a summary of the terms and conditions which apply to grant claims. Full details setting out any specific conditions which must be met before individual grants can be paid are available at www.citbni.org.uk/grants or by request from the GrantsTeam on 028 9082 5466 9
Tier 2 Industry Support Tier 2 Grant is directed at industry federations and/or representative bodies only. This grant is designed to directly fund training delivered to employers at little or no cost to encourage the up take of strategically important training. Federations and/or representative bodies will be required to carry out research into the needs of their sector and identify the skills and training interventions for the sector they represent, and the wider Northern Ireland construction industry. Once approved the federations and/or representative bodies will be required to procure the training provision in a transparent and equitable manner and ensure the courses delivered are of direct and material benefit. The purpose of this grant is to fund training which may not be commercially viable or to improve performance of the industry in relation to future needs. Examples of Tier 2 interventions supported by NI in previous years included; Development of Pre-Qualification Questionnaires Performance Improvement Programme Basic and Intermediate Estimating Leadership & Management NVQ Level 5 Training and guidance on completing Pre-Qualification Questionnaires. Courses tailored for small to medium contractors to help compete for business. Aimed at developing strategic skills within the industry to help employers survive the downturn. A series of workshops designed to provide either a basic understanding of construction estimating or a more advanced programme covering the subject from first principals to using electronic estimating systems. Training and assessment based around of series of workshops and mentoring sessions. Designed to improve an organisations people, business and performance. Applications for Tier 2 funding will be sought through invitation by NI only. Calls for proposals will be issued to industry federations and representative bodies at the appropriate times. Employers receiving training under Tier 2 programmes will not be eligible for Tier 1 grants. 10
Tier 3 Facilitated Training Tier 3 Grant is designed to help deliver industry needs where training is not viable or available in Northern Ireland. Training needs will be identified through research and development along with industry feedback. The identified training will be procured by NI in line with their procurement policies and delivered to the industry. Methods of identification of training needs under Tier 3 will include; Feedback from NI Employer Information Events (held throughout the training year) Demand expressed by employers on their levy returns, direct contact or via email and the web site Discussions with employer bodies Discussions with client bodies on future skills needs Regular industry wide surveys on current training needs Employers will be notified of programmes identified under Tier 3 through the NI web site, seminars, email, text and postal communications to the industry and through our industry partners. Tier 3 Grant is also used to deliver the following at no cost to registered employers; Undergraduate Development Programme The Undergraduate Development Programme (UDP) assists students undertaking full-time or part-time Degree, HND or Foundation Degree courses relating to construction and the built environment. The aim of the programme is to develop the skills that employers are seeking in graduate level students entering today s construction industry. The programme is provided free of charge to registered employers who provide a placement for students during their allocated work experience module. The programme contains ten days training across four separate but complementary elements. Firstly a two day health & safety course, one day of which leads to the issue of a Construction Skills Register (CSR) Trainee Supervisor/Manager Card is then followed by a further eight days covering team building, core management and craft awareness. 11
Mobile Training Unit The Mobile Training Unit (MTU) provides a convenient way of meeting training needs with minimum disruption to site work. The unit will travel across the Province delivering a wide range of short duration courses such as confined spaces, excavations, manual handling and working at heights in order to encourage the industry to build safely. The self-contained MTU has a specialised classroom facility that seats twenty individuals and is equipped with all the latest presentation media in order to create the best environment for training in comfortable and pleasant surroundings. For further details on course programmes and availability please telephone 07801 598 520. 12
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For further information contact: NI Nutts Corner Training Centre 17 Dundrod Road Crumlin BT29 4SR Tel: 028 9082 5466 Fax: 028 9082 5693 Email: grants@citbni.org.uk www.citbni.org.uk NI is a partner in ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the UK construction industry, and is increasing employer engagement in training, providing labour market insights on future skills needs and developing standards and qualifications for the sector. For more details on NI visit: citbni.org.uk