Preston City Council has signed an agreement with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), committing to use the National Skills Academy for Construction (NSAfC) framework across all its projects.
The new agreement will see the local authority continue to embed NSAfC principles through updated benchmarks into its planning process, creating opportunities for skills and employment.
The framework, developed by CITB and approved by industry, aims to support consistent, high-quality training across construction projects.
One of 19 National Skills Academies supporting UK industries by developing training infrastructure to address sector skills challenges, the NSAfC was launched in 2006 to provide onsite training and skills opportunities for suitable projects.
To date, the NSAfC has contributed to more than 400 projects across the UK.
Andrew Bridge, head of employer delivery and engagement (England) at CITB, said: “We are delighted to sign this agreement with Preston City Council which underlines their commitment to embedding the NSAfC framework across all projects.
“We developed the framework together with the construction industry to improve productivity, promote skills, and create high-performing workplaces that can develop and harness talent.
“For contractors or public sector authorities, the NSAfC gets the right skills to their people – from craft to technical to professional, from new recruits to experienced workers – wherever they are needed.”
Councillor Valerie Wise, cabinet member for community wealth building at Preston Council, added: “By embedding the National Skills Academy for Construction benchmarks into our planning process, applicants are not only building homes and employment units but creating real opportunities for skills, employment, and community benefit.”
Local authorities can find more information about the NSAfC framework here.
