Construction professionals from across Scotland gathered in Glasgow for the launch of updated guidance highlighting how the National Skills Academy for Construction (NSAfC) 'Client-based Approach' can harness the power of public procurement to address industry skills needs.

ConstructionSkills Scotland – the sector skills council for the construction sector – launched the initiative at bto Solicitors alongside key players from the construction sector including the Scottish Government, Scottish Futures Trust and regeneration project managers who have thrown their support behind the guidance.

Co-authored by CITB-ConstructionSkills, bto Solicitors and Trowers & Hamlins LLP, the guidance offers benchmarks to help public sector companies achieve proportionate employment and skills on a variety of construction contracts in wide ranging sectors, such as residential, retail, health, regeneration, infrastructure and education.

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The introduction of this guidance coincides with the Scottish Government’s commitment to ask every company in receipt of a significant government contract to produce a training and apprenticeship plan. This links over £9 billion of public procurement over the next spending period to improved training and skills development.

Phil Ford, Skills Strategy Manager of ConstructionSkills Scotland, said: "It is important to ensure training is not an after-thought and subject to budgetary concerns but embedded in the delivery of all types of publicly procured contracts, large and small. Public bodies have an opportunity as 'clients' to leverage training and employment opportunities.

"This new, detailed practical guidance and advice addresses the procurement, legal and contractual issues building on the Scottish Government Community Benefits in Procurement Report (2008). It is a new, simple framework for public bodies, contractors and supply chains and forms part of our ongoing efforts to develop the right skills for economic growth, both locally and nationally."

(CD/GK)