In 2013, ECITB withdrew the NVQ Qualifications, leaving the industry without an industry recognised way of formally qualifying the workforce, but after months of lobbying, the UKMDA stepped in to develop the National Occupational Standard with the support of CITB.

The qualification enables holders to obtain a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card in Metal Decking and Stud Welding.

Tony Seddon, UKMDA’s Company Secretary ssai: “There’s been a huge hole in the metal decking and studwelding training sector for almost half a decade now and we are thrilled to have developed this excellent formal qualification, which sets a new standard for those working in this busy sector.

“It’s now up to the construction industry to get behind the NVQ, with support from UKMDA and CITB.”

UKMDA Chairman Joe Gaughan added: “We are very proud of what we have achieved since the association was launched in June 2015. This NVQ now means the industry has a formally recognised and thorough qualification and there is a career path for those entering the industry.”