Minutes of Meeting s8

Minutes of Meeting Project Control Operations Committee (ProVoc) Meeting No: ProVoc 02.07 Venue; The Business Centre I Mech E Birdcage walk London Wednesday 6th June 2007

Present

Nigel Hibberd Chairman (Ex BNFL/A Cost E) David Buxton Secretary Andy Brown ECTIB Standards Ruth James ECITB Awards Richard Plumb A Cost E Mike Walta SELEX Tony Cort Foster Wheeler

1. Introduction

The Key Points for today’s meeting are: ‾ The Launch of L2 Standards in October in 3 regions - The Articles by Candidates - Raise Profile of ProVoc

2. Apologies

Peter Astley Ex Amec Jim Isherwood BNFL Alan Barltrop A Cost E Terry Bishop A. Cost. E President Nick Martin CBI / BCECA Chris Day Amec Tim Feest Osc Eng Jeff Harrison BCECA (designate) Shane Forth Amec Darlington Alistair Dixon ECITB Awards Jon McGiven Stone and Webster Paul Clewes British Energy Roger Carter TASC Richard Dodd ECTIB Standards

Howard Malleson TASC Steve Allen A Cost E Kit Lofthouse KT Associates Additional copies to:

A Cost E Attention of Anne Fairless Stirling Woods QCA Neil Arnold For incorporation into ProVoc Web page George Swan CITB Nick Gooderson CITB David George SEMTA Keith Glover TASC

3. Previous Minutes

The previous minutes had been changed and re issued to reflect Richard Dodd observations.

RP was unhappy with the minute which read as follows” RP made it clear he felt he was not willing unable to organise this Launch and felt it was time someone else took on this mantle”. As he had made it clear he was over committed, and felt it was time others picked up and developed the skills of organising seminars and launches. It was agreed this better reflected what was said

4. Matters arising

These items to be addressed under the appropriate topic in the body of the meeting

5. Correspondence

Articles from 4 candidates who have completed the Project Controls L4 NVQ are to be run as a series in the “The ACostE Journal” starting in the July edition. An Article describing the relationship between ProVoc & ACostE has also been developed by the Chairman for inclusion in the next journal. ECITB (Awards) in discussion with potential centres, but only one additional centre has been accredited in Project Control (KT Associates), who were invited to the June meeting but were unable to attend At the Feb 07 Provoc meeting it was also felt the employer’s approval should be gained before publishing. NH to ensure employers approval is gained before publishing, Action Complete - June

6. The Level 2 NVQ Launch Planned for October 2007. The Project Control Support Occupational Standards were now approved, and the review by SSDA of the qualification pack for the associated Level 2 NVQ were on schedule for accreditation in Q3 2007. The date for the London launch at the Royal Overseas Services Legion (ROSL) was tentatively planned and reserved for Wednesday 10th October, and to be followed with further presentations in The NW (Focal point Simon Carves) & NE (Focal Point amec) on successive Wednesday’s,(17th & 23rd) with a further presentation possibly in Cumbria at a later date. The format would broadly follow the same method as the successful launch of the L4 & 5 Occupational Standards for Project Control in 2005. It was hoped the seminars could be funded by a 3 way split of costs between BECECA, ProVoc, and ECITB, plus sponsorship from the venue providers (see below) The organisation of “sponsors” for “advertising material” is to be undertaken by RP. The DVD’s ./ Discs are to be arranged via R. Plumb / Alan Barltrop, (as previously). Action RP

The organisation of a photographer for the London Event: Ruth James agreed to ECITB covering this. Action RJ

RP to coordinate the London seminar. Action RP

NH to coordinate the NE and NW seminars. Action NH

It was anticipated that the NW event would involve Stockport Technical College, and the NE Event would involve NETA & Darlington College. KT Associates, and TASC would be invited to all of the events. Andy Brown to contact: NETA, Stockport and Darlington Colleges. Action AB Following is based on a brainstorm at the meeting the following structured programme, timing and speaker briefing were developed post meeting based on the brainstorm Action NH:

Typical Seminar Timescale:

 Registration  Chairman’s opening remarks (10min)  Speaker 1 (45 mins including Q&A and change over)  Speaker 2 (45 mins including Q&A and change over)  Speaker 3 (45 mins including Q&A and change over)  Lunch Break (60mins)  Speaker 4 (45 mins including Q&A and change over)  Speaker 5 (45 mins including Q&A and change over)  Speaker 6 (45 mins including Q&A and change over)  General Q&A session all speakers (15min)  Chairman’s closing remarks (10min)  Proceedings closed

Speakers brief:

Chairman’s opening remarks The importance of Project Control to UK Plc The commitment of A Cost E to NVQ’s Brief comment on why the level 2 is necessary Brief outline of topics to be covered Organisation for the day

Speaker 1 What is the level 2 Qualification/Project Control Support Role Introducing the level 2 Qualification and associated standard Why it is important to have a level 2 qualification Who is the Level 2 target candidate-ie School Leaver GCSE/ A levels/Skills transfer What is in it for: Employer, Candidate, Client? Overview of how the qualification is delivered Speaker 2 How we got to this Launch Feed back from the level 3 & 4 Launch L 2 Introductory qualification at bottom Chartered and Certified Professional status Clear Career path Role of the Standard Setting Body in delivering and maintaining the standards How the standard underpins the qualification Other potential uses for the standards Pushing the standards across industrial sectors

Speaker 3 Delivering the qualification Role of the Awarding Body in preparing and delivering the qualification Converting the support standards to a qualification package The Qualification Structure Roles of the Assessment Centres the internal/external Verification and the Assessors etc Selection of the Assessment Centres Selection of the Apprentice Training Centres? Profile of an Assessor Who are the current Accredited Assessment Centres? Awards vision for L2 beyond now

Speaker 4 The Project Control Career path The ACostE Professional custodian role/membership Profile of the level 2 candidate at the start and on completion Profile of the level 3 candidate at the start and on completion Profile of the level 4 candidate at the start and on completion Profile of a Certified Engineer/what is being done to develop Profile of a Chartered Engineer/what is being done to develop Speaker 5 Other uses of the standards Apprenticeships course ( Andy Brown?) Organisational skills framework (Shane Forth ?) Competence benchmarking (RP/HM)

Speaker 6 How long does it take what does it cost/who do I contact The related time / cost against candidate starting point ie School Leaver GCSE/ A levels/Skills transfer level 2 candidate level 3 candidate level 4 candidate Certified Engineer Chartered Engineer

Chairman’s closing remarks Capture of any feedback Summarise key points Repeat key points of contact Close proceedings A meeting of the working group will take place on the 18th July at the I Mech E’s

It was anticipated that funds may be available from ACostE, SSDA, and others. Andy Brown agreed to approach ECITB (and others) to establish whether they would be willing to contribute to the launch costs. Action AB

The content of the award programme (again similar to last time) would include ACostE/ProVoc / ECITB(Awards & standards) plus a local input.

Post Meeting note: there were significant changes to the launch strategy following the meeting on the 18th July. The NE Launch is to be the 31st October, and the remaining launches will be in April 08 following, experienced gained from running the apprentice scheme in the NE

7. Actions arising from previous meeting

The following actions were reviewed against the previous minutes Agenda item no’s

Short Term Plans

11.1. The status of the contact database based on the previous launch seminars is required for the Level 2 launch is being planned. Now a requirement of A Cost E Board hopefully we will see more progress on this, needed as basis for invites to the L2 launch in October Action RP

11.3 ProVoc Web site: We are still getting requests from hits on the site. Update of the site has commenced and NH is well into his review on the site and will issue draft site for comment when complete, work on the launch is now likely to delay this Action NH (ongoing- June)

Long Term Plans

12.1 Invitation to Manufacturing Committee to engage with NVQ’s. The initial discussions held between NH and the Chair of the Manufacturing Committee has indicated there is a potential, but there is concern over the mapping of the Manufacturing Job role’s relative to the Project Control standards. By enlarge it looks as if most of the standards will work and perhaps one or two additional standards may be required, with the proviso the assessors are from the manufacturing industry. Ongoing NH to maintain dialogue. Action NH (Ongoing June )

12.2 The remote assessment of portfolios is awaited with interest from ECITB. The system which will be “web-based” is expected to include electronic submissions by the candidates, with facilities for the input by the assessor and a discussion forum. This approach is supported by SQCA / QCA. There are still issues around the transfer of Candidates from the UK to Overseas during the time they are developing their portfolio for the NVQ. Ruth advised ProVoc the software is now expected to be available late summer 2007, at the earliest, when the assessment centres will have an opportunity to try/pilot. Ruth noted that TASC’s had been invited to be involved in the assessment of the software but had not responded as yet. RP advised letter in preparation. from TASC. Action by RP 8. TASC Report General Assessment activities have continued during with ongoing induction sessions arranged for new candidates. Effort this period has been concentrated on setting ourselves up for the 2007/8 with the creation of the annual budget, and development of revised procedures.

Items of note this month  Quotations have been issued to 116 companies or individuals to date.

 NVQ new starts were six this period. Total number of candidates now registered or committed to ECITB is 197 with 18 candidates completed.

 The meeting on the 2nd April finalised the 2007/8 budget and reporting procedures.

 A new Assessor (John Ward) has been recruited to replace an assessor who has left. He will also concentrate on working with the Open University on the NVQ assessment of TASC Assessors and Verifiers. TASC feel this is the only practical way they can get a fit for purpose group of assessors and verifiers because using local colleges have proved to be very patchy. TASC has applied to the OU to become an accredited assessment centre for Assessor and Verification qualifications

 A trial two day course continues to be designed and implemented for a major petro-chemical contractor to assist their candidates with sufficient underpinning knowledge to gain the risk unit. If successful, provision of this type of training may become a useful vehicle for A Cost E to recruit Corporate Members, as well as to further promote our objective of raising the game of project control professionals.

9 ECITB Standards Report.

The following is Richard Dodd’s statement for the last minutes

ECITB is currently developing a flexible project control skills development scheme that we are describing as an apprenticeship. A model is attached of the scheme for information, see Appendix 1.

The working group are currently working on the routes for GCSE/A level and graduate entrants. The graduate approach will fundamentally be delivered in company and we hope to be able to offer support materials from September.

The approach for younger people is more complex and includes an initial period of training, some of which will be provided in company and the rest in training centres/colleges. We had hoped that Richmond College would be interested in this latter approach, but they appear not to be. Although interest has been expressed in various parts of the country we are working towards initially piloting this approach in the north east. NETA will provide the practical training, Darlington College the technical Certificate - an NC in either Construction or Civil Engineering.

The group are currently looking into the possibility of running a parallel pilot in the northwest through TTE/Stockport College.

The group have not yet secured the necessary changes to our Scottish Apprenticeship Framework to enable us to offer the scheme with any prospect of public funding in Scotland. We therefore have no plans to pilot the scheme in Scotland. We do hope to offer it in Scotland in the future however. The group have in addition developed a 5 day Project Control course which we anticipate will be used by companies as a part of the apprenticeship scheme. It is this course that has now been piloted in 2 places - Aberdeen and London.

The recent Legalisation on “Ageism” has implications for the approved Assessment strategies for the qualification. ECITB are reviewing these and they will be compliant by end Jun 07. Action RD- Ongoing (June)

10 ECITB Awards Report.

Ruth reported Candidates in the system:

Level Current Candidates Certificates issued 3 91 4 4 51 2

Ruth advised the standards were typically reviewed annually or when a number of “change requests” were received. This allowed an incremental update of the standards on a regular basis.

The L2 Qualification pack was being developed based on the Approved PC Standard and was expected to be complete by end of the summer. This will be developed by ECITB Awards to there preferred format, and be in time for the Launch in October (post meeting note The level 2 Qualification was approved w/e 14th July)

Assessment Centres: ECITB Awards has been approached by 3-4 new organisations wishing to become assessment centres. KT Associates was now an Accredited Assessment Centre, but were unable to attend this meeting. ProVoc and ECITB are keen to see them attend the next meeting, as is important these centres are members of ProVoc. Action RJ/NH.

8. Development opportunities

a. Uptake in Canada and USA BAE are keen that they can use the Project Control NVQ/Standards across their organisation, particularly in subsidiaries in Canada. This has gone quiet / there has been no progress on this RP/HM to advise if any progress. Action HM/RP (Ongoing June )

b. Convergence of NVQs and Certification Programme.

NO discussion on this last meeting minute held over from June Meeting: There is a proposal at National level to modify the standards along the following lines which align with the Australian and European approach: i. NVQ’s L1 to 3 remain unchanged, ii. L4 it is proposed to divide into 3 ( ie L4, 5, & 6), iii. L5 it is proposed to divide into 2 (ie L7 & 8). The aim is to ensure the L4 Project Control NVQ achieves the equivalent of Level 6 in the new system.

The whole National Framework for Achievement (FFA) is under review and expected to be orientated towards a points system. The value / number of points will be reflected in the hours of course content, and there is a pilot scheme in place. This will mean a level of qualification will have “x” points, and a candidates will be accredited with the points / qualification upon achievement of the points and associated work. Using this mechanism the NVQ’s are being mapped against other qualifications such as a Degree, Chartered Engineer etc. ECITB Awards to update ProVoc at future meeting on any developments. Action RJ (Ongoing – Strategy not yet complete)

c. Certification Programme. NO discussion on this last meeting minute held over from June Meeting: On behalf of A Cost E Howard Malleson is developing a Certification Programme using the National Standards. It is in the early stages of development. Initial indications are now that the Level 4 NVQ meets parts “C”, “D” and “E” of UK Spec, ie in the non technical parts. Howard is looking at mapping parts “A and “B”, to establish how this can be achieved. He believes there is much in the qualification that can be mapped at a technical level.

Richard Dodd made the point that the initiative fits well with the ITB/ECITB Project Control Working Groups vision

It was noted at the June meeting that A Cost E Council have appointed Howard to chair a sub committee to implement C Eng status into the ACostE qualification structure, which means applying for royal charter, the 1st meeting is being held shortly

d. Capture of feedback.

Feed back from Assessment Centres, as more assessment centres become accredited / join the initiative, Feedback from the Centres will be normalised within ProVoc

9. New ProVoc Membership from Associated Organisations. NH to send a letter to employers to canvas their attendance at Pro Voc. Action NH – Complete June (attendance of Mike Walta, and Tony Cort, is in response to this action)

10. AOB

In a bid to launch the New Standards and qualification after approval: and achieve better publicity for the PC NVQ’s, NH has developed an interview questionnaire to survey the views of Candidates who have completed their NVQ’s. This has been trialled on 3 candidates to date for sample interview / feedback. The Editor of the A Cost E Journal has agreed to publish the articles providing we obtain/he sees agreements in writing from the candidates. ProVoc agreed these should be published in the A. Cost E journal and the ProVoc Website, but felt agreement should also be obtained from the candidates employers.

N H to obtain employers agreement for the candidates so far Action NH-Closed June Paul Clewes agreed to complete an interview questionnaire, and send to NH Action PC- Closed June

There is a need to have interviews from non BNG candidates HM/RP to provide possible candidates to approach Action HM/RP - Ongoing

14. Dates for the next two meetings

The next meeting will be at Tuesday 4th September at 10:30 IMechE, Birdcage Walk. The subsequent meeting at the same venue is planned for the 27th November 2007.

NB: Venue cannot be booked until 1 month before the meeting, Appendix 2 Project Control Apprenticeship Model Scheme

12 months 12 months Company defined on the job Level 2 Introduction to Project Control programme geared to Level 2 N/SVQ and Project Management (2 days/week) GCSE Induction ECITB courses (Safety Passport, 16 Primavera and Project Control) Off the job course + FE + Key Skills (3 days/week) FE

9 months

Introduction to Project Control A Level Induction and Project Management 18 ECITB courses (Safety Passport, Primavera and Project Control) Off the job modules + FE + Key Skills Job related coached in company training geared to 6 months Level 3 Level 3 N/SVQ Continued academic study Introduction to Project Control as appropriate and Project Management

Graduate Induction ECITB courses (Safety Passport, 20+ Primavera and Project Control

Optional AET and Key Skills

9 months

Introduction to Project Control and Project Management Craft Induction ECITB courses (Safety Passport, Primavera and Project Control FE + Key Skills Notes on the model

The core of the model indicates the route that 16-year old school leavers with acceptable GCSEs might follow in progressing towards a Level 3 N/SVQ in Project Control. It specifically incorporates the various elements of the ECITB apprenticeship framework, and as such may qualify for external funding. It offers flexibility for the other groups of possible entrant who may not require all elements of the apprenticeship framework, and for differing company needs. It combines introductory engineering related off the job training options with progressively more specific company based training. Key features include nomination of a company coach to oversee and guide training, maintenance of records of training and experience, and outcomes of appropriate academic qualifications and N/SVQs in Project Control.

Following company induction, and in parallel with an in company scene setting introduction to Project Control and Project Management, 16 year old school leavers might enter a variant of the off the job first year of the design technician programme currently offered at Richmond College. This is likely to be delivered over approximately twelve months, possibly on a 3 day a week basis to allow the programme to be delivered in parallel with in company training which would provide the necessary context. The in company training is likely to be of the form of an extended induction period providing an understanding of Chapters 1,2,3,8,9 and 10 of the APM Body of Knowledge and of the ECI Project Control Value Enhancing Practice.

One day per week of the off the job course would provide coverage of key skills and include FE, probably at NC level. There may be some scope for design technician entrants to transfer to this route.

On completion of this initial phase trainees would follow in company training designed to deliver the Level 2 N/SVQ in Project Control. In parallel they would continue their FE course probably on a day release basis and complete the ECITB Safety Passport, Primavera and Project Control courses. It is expected that throughout this phase evidence that might contribute towards the Level 2 N/SVQ in Project Control would be recorded such that achievement of the qualification might be an outcome The final phase of training is designed to deliver the Level 3 N/SVQ in Project Control. It could be directly linked to a specific job role, coupled if necessary with planned experience of aspects of Project Control that might not be covered by the scope of the role itself. It is likely to include periods of time both on site and in off site offices. It would particularly include familiarisation with construction operations normally provided through controlled site experience. This phase would provide the primary evidence of practical experience that might be collated for assessment against the Level 3 N/SVQ in Project Control. It would include continued further education study for an appropriate technical certificate and may be of two years or more in duration. Again a coach should be available to provide the necessary support throughout.

18 year olds with A levels may follow an abbreviated version of the early stages of the programme, omitting the Level 2 elements. Following induction they might follow a similar in company introduction to project control and project management but interspersed with blocks of off the job training focusing upon the appropriate elements of the design technician course, if this can be arranged locally. Further education in an appropriate technical certificate, probably on a day release basis, and coverage of key skills could be provided in parallel.

The scheme may well additionally provide a basis for training of graduates specifically seeking entry into project control careers. They are unlikely to undertake either the Level 2 element or the design technician modules, but may well follow an AET course. NC or HNC level entrants with limited industrial experience mat follow a similar route, possibly without AET, but incorporating academic studies at degree or foundation degree level.

More mature entrants who have previously acquired craft or technician skills either through an engineering apprenticeship or through employment experience, are also unlikely to require introductory off the job training. The in company introduction to project control and project management may well be delivered in parallel with study for an appropriate technical certificate, possibly on a day release basis, and coverage of key skills as required. FE or HE, possibly at National Certificate or Foundation Degree level, could be integrated for such entrants if appropriate.

Depending upon the type of entrant, the duration of the initial phase of training is likely to range from 6 months to 2 years. This phase would be supported by specific short courses including Safety Passport, an ECITB Project Control short course, Microsoft Project and possibly Primavera training delivered at an appropriate stage. Although very much dependent upon the individual the overall duration of the programme is likely to be of the order of 5 - 6 years for GCSE entrants, of 4 – 5 years for A Level entrants and of 3 years for graduates.

The continued education may be at higher level and may be delivered through distance learning. It may extend into or beyond the final phase of company based learning and could be supplemented by guided reading. The total duration of this phase is likely to be of the order of 12 months.

Examples of guided reading that might be incorporated into the programme are:

APM Body of Knowledge BS6079 Guide to Project Management Handbook of Project Management, Gower The Noah Project: The secrets of Project Management - Gower Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling and Controlling - Kertzner, Howard. ECI Value Enhancing Practice – Project Control ECI Value Enhancing Practice – Cost Estimating ECI Value Enhancing Practice – Risk Management