Trustmark's skills and training category for NHIC

A National Home Improvement Council [NHIC] product story

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Jun 15, 2010

Raising standards in skills and training is the main focus of a new Trustmark- sponsored category in this year's National Home Improvement Council's (NHIC) awards scheme.

The category sponsorship is in conjunction with NHIC Educational Trust.

Part of Trustmark's remit is to encourage the raising of standards in training and skills within the domestic repair, maintenance and improvement sector.

This new category is for the best project which demonstrates an innovative approach to successfully raising standards within a sector or firm.

The award is open to both Trustmark Scheme Operators (Category1) and Trustmark Registered Firms (Category 2).

Awards will be given to the best entry and runner up from each category.

The brief is deliberately being left open to interpretation to encourage innovative entries.

For example, raising the standards in a sector by a Scheme Operator could be the introduction of new qualifications and the encouragement of firms to use them.

In the case of a firm, it could be putting all staff though a customer care training programme.

Amongst the other categories for NHIC 2010 Awards are those reflecting the current priorities and pressures affecting all housing providers.

There are the latest requirements for energy efficiency to help reduce households' carbon footprints, glazing and roofing excellence, fuel safety installation and usage and, of course, innovation of which there seems to be an abundance amongst the UK's local authorities and housing associations.

Winners and runners up are notified during October and the Awards are presented by a Government Minister at a luncheon in London on Thursday 4 November 2010.