LABC announce final piece in learning jigsaw with building control surveying degree launch

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Building control degree graduates in academic gowns

The final piece in a three year programme by LABC to identify the competencies of local authority building control staff, standardise learning and introduce new specialist qualifications is complete following the recent launch of Wolverhampton University's BSc (Hons) Degree in Public Service Building Control Surveying.

LABC is the driving force behind the establishment of a nationally recognised framework for measuring the competency of every professional working within building control. 

With the support of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the University of Wolverhampton and the Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) LABC set up the LABC Trailblazer Group. Together they created the now nationally recognised and approved Building Control Apprenticeship Standard.

Simultaneously to this work, LABC has developed and rolled out a complete suite of qualifications in partnership with the CIOB and the University of Wolverhampton which cover a Level 3 Certificate a Level 4 and 5 Diploma and the recently launched Levy funded Level 6 BSc (Hons) Apprenticeship Degree, all in the specialism of public service building control.

Over the last three years LABC has invested more than £1 million on its competency and learning. In addition to the new qualifications it has identified more than 1,000 Level 6 surveyors and is validating their competency to work on higher risk projects with an IFE backed assessment which sees around 100 surveyors a month examined.

But work hasn't stopped there, LABC is in the final stages of developing another set of specialist CIOB Level 6 Diplomas. These cover enforcement of regulations and standards, management of a public service building control function, fire safety in complex buildings and ensuring safety at sports grounds and major events (with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority).

"LABC is determined to be an industry leader for learning and competence."
Lorna Stimpson, LABC Deputy Chief Executive

LABC Deputy Chief Executive, Lorna Stimpson, explains, "Three years ago – in 2016 – we realised we needed to do much more to improve the competence in our industry. The old established ways were clearly not working and we took the bold step of modernising how we did things by creating an online platform to make learning accessible to our national network of 3,500 building control professionals.

"We introduced an ISO-backed quality management system to standardise our practices and started developing, in partnership with CIOB and the University of Wolverhampton, our OFQUAL accredited Level 4 and 5 public service building control qualifications - the first cohort of 68 diploma students started in August last year.

"And this year we'll see around 100 people join up for the degree with a further 100 joining up for the certificates and diplomas.

"LABC is determined to be an industry leader for learning and competence so I am delighted we have had such a high take up for the new degree course and our other qualifications."

Read more about building control qualifications and CPD courses

Further information

 

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