星空传媒

I have been an associate member of the CIOB for some years now and finally decided to get my butt in gear and sort out my corporate membership. I have read many articles in CM about recruitment drives and more recently about the 鈥渢raining crisis鈥�. Achieving a particular standard in any industry and having the standard recognised is always difficult, and involves a certain amount of red tape, especially when starting from the bottom.

I have completed seven years of higher education, three years to achieve my advanced craft certificate and another four years on various courses to achieve my HNC. I was always in the top few of my courses. Only four out of over 70 progressed to advanced craft in my year.

I have been employed in the building industry for 19 years and have been 鈥渙ff the tools鈥� for 15 of them. I recently signed on to a DMX course at my local technology college but the course was cancelled at the last minute due to lack of interest. I know at least one other course which has suffered the same fate. I contacted the CIOB and the individuals were very helpful, but unless I want to spend 拢1000 on fees and complete a distance learning course I have no option but to remain an associate - or return to full or part time education.

If we are looking at inherent problems with training and recognition, should we not take into account the cost that is borne by the individual, and the difficulty experienced in moving up through the ranks within our own institute?

We are an institute of builders, yet it seems to me that those who have worked their way up from the trades meet with the most difficulties and ultimately become disillusioned.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the 鈥済raduate鈥� route is the preferred route upward, but whatever happened to experience?