October 1, 2007—The first externally verified and nationally recognized vocational qualifications in “lean” construction have been awarded in the UK. The BTEC Level 3 Advanced Awards in Construction Lean Improvement Techniques were awarded to a construction director, project manager, site manager, and QS from Cowlin Construction, the Cardiff-based building contractor.
The qualification was established by BRE’s (Building Research Establishment) Construction Lean Improvement Programme (CLIP) in partnership with the national awarding body Edexcel and RDI, who verify the award. Participants took an active part in a business improvement activity undertaken by their employer and were assessed for a minimum of 30 guided learning hours.
BRE expects that further BTEC’s will be awarded in the near future. Already candidates from a further seven construction companies are reportedly close to completing the qualification.
CLIP was created in 2003 to support the UK construction industry in its drive, inspired by the Egan report “Rethinking Construction,” to improve its financial performance, provide a better product and service to its customers, and cope with a skills shortage. CLIP operates across the whole construction supply chain, from raw materials processors to clients. It provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to make change happen and to bring about real business benefit.
