Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/794736
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 5 MARCH 2017 II Property & Construction MDA Academy launched THE MDA Academy's first initiative is to team up with professional health and safety consultant to start offering an eight-hour basic health and safety train- ing, plus a one-hour assessment, leading to obtaining a Skill Card in the Construc- tion and Civil Engineering Industry. Skill Cards launched for the Construction and Civil Engineering Industry Malta Developers Association President Sandro Chetcuti was one of the speakers at the launch of Skill Cards for the Con- struction and Civil Engineering Industry, earlier this week. This is the first project of this nature in the country that is being led by the Building Industry Consultative Council, together with a several entities, among them the NCHFE, MCAST, the OHSA, the ETC, the BRO and the Department of Local Government. The Skill Card system aims to raise standards in the construction industry and improve health and safety practices, while also giving the necessary recogni- tion to the skills and capabilities of quali- fied workers. In the course of this year, Skill Cards will be awarded to painters and plaster- ers, tile layers, assistant electricians and plumbers. Others who already hold a cer- tificate of competence in other trades can also apply. It is planned that within five years all trades and professions related to the construction sector will be covered by this card. Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties Helena Dalli explained how the project was being launched after public consultation held last October when Government had launched a White Paper on the subject. "Thanks to this Card, we are making another step forward to having greater seriousness and discipline in the con- struction sector. At the same time, we are investing in human capital both on the level of training as well as through invest- ment in the workers' health," Dr Dalli said, adding that the Skill Cards are giving peace of mind to the consumer that the service being received was being given by qualified people. Minister for Education and Employ- ment Evarist Bartolo maintained that the introduction of the Skill Cards is an important step forward since the scheme is not only acting as a certificate of com- petence for those with the trade but is also a living proof of a genuine effort to give due credit for the work of those in construction. BICC Chairman Perit Charles Buhagiar explained that a certificate of competence issued by a recognised educational insti- tution, as well as a certificate of attend- ance for a health and safety course at the place of works needs to be presented so that one is given a Skill Card. In instances where a person does not have a certifi- cate issued by an educational institution, an application can be made to the ETC for a trade test to be conducted in that particular trade. Addresses were also made by Dr Mark Gauci on behalf of the Occupational Health and Safety Authority on the authority's contribution for the develop- ment of the course on health and safety at the workplace; Felix Borg of the Employ- ment and Training Corporation on the way the trade testing is to be conducted The Malta Developers Association has launched the MDA Academy aimed at providing members with a focused learning institution that offers a range of courses relevant to the construction industry. BASIC TRAINING REGARDING HEALTH AND SAFETY (This training is mandatory in order to be entitled the SKILL CARD from BICC) Venue GRAND HOTEL, MGARR, GOZO Who can attend? Anyone with experience in the construction field (architects, engineer, developers etc.) or any worker who operates machines such as fork lifters at whatever work place are obliged to attend. Date Friday 17 th March, 2017 Programme 14.00 – 15.00 Registration (bring your ID) 15.00 – 17.00 First session 17.00 – 17.30 Break 17.30 – 19.30 Second session Date Saturday 18 th March, 2017 Programme 09.00 – 11.00 Third session 11.00 – 11.30 Break 11.30 – 13.30 Fourth session 13.30 – 14.00 distribution of certificates Price €41.50 How to apply? Call Chris Farrugia (iz-zajbra) on 9917 5993 until no later than Thursday 16 th March, 2017. For more information call the coordinator of the Malta Developers Association Academy Mario Camilleri on 99454586