Decorative paving – a learning curve

JOHN GRANT, PICS LTD.

Publication: Concrete
Publication date: Nov/Dec 2003

The decorative paving industry is to develop a recognised National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) to benefit installation companies, sales companies and, ultimately, the customer. This can be achieved by specifying a minimum standard of knowledge and practical competency, forming a basis from which to improve and develop. Those individuals who achieve an NVQ are presented with a document to certify that the required standard of knowledge and practical skills have been attained. They will have acquired the necessary skills to avoid the faults and imperfections that can be found on many imprinted concrete paved areas around the UK. This will help to differentiate between the 'cowboy' element and truly professional installation companies.

The qualification
The central feature of NVQs are the National Occupational Standards (NOS) upon which they are based. NOS are statements of performance standards which describe the tasks that competent people in a particular occupation are expected to perform. They cover all the main aspects of an occupation, including current best practice, the ability to adapt with future requirements and' the knowledge and understanding which underpin competent performance. Holding an NVQ indicates competence in the work to national standards as:

• NVQs are work-related, competence based qualifications
• NVQs reflect the skills and knowledge needed to effectively undertake a job
• NVQs represent national standards recognised by employers throughout the country.

A marketing perspective
During the last five years, key figures in the decorative concrete industry have held meetings to discuss the formation of a nationally recognised association to promote the wider benefits of decorative concrete paving. A key issue was the requirement for an agreed standard of installation, which could be accepted by installers and suppliers alike. To this end, a steering group of experienced contractors, training professionals and industry bodies, including the Construction Industry Training Board (CITE), formed the working party for a National Vocational Qualification Level 2 (NVQ2) in Decorative Concrete.

During a two year period, the working party agreed a specification for the installation process. Certified assessors and assessment centres can now make this qualification available to the industry. The details and infrastructure for delivering these assessments will become available in the near future. During the formulation process, it became clear that there were many competent contractors with years of practical experience and many satisfied customers working hard around the country. Whilst differences in individual skills and techniques exist, the principles of installing decorative and imprinted concrete are understood and agreed by most experienced contractors. However, very few had the opportunity to share or exchange views and knowledge, except through suppliers who regularly visit sites.

The introduction of NVQ Level 2 gives experienced contractors the chance to make a recognised qualification available to their skilled workforce and differentiate themselves from other contractors within the industry who have less experience. Commercial clients and designers are able to confidently specify decorative and imprinted concrete with the knowledge that subcontractors are working to an industry standard installation process.

Participation in the NVQ Level 2 scheme will show domestic and commercial clients that work is installed to a quality standard and may prove to be better value for money than cheaper alternatives. Individual operatives in the industry will have a recognised qualification to identify on their CV in the future. This enables employers to gauge their experience, as with other trades within the construction industry.

Quality, lifespan and cost
To many architects, engineers, clients and 2 homeowners, decorative and imprinted concrete is a new concept, although it has been used in the UK for over 15 years. Potential clients often ask how long the product can be expected to last. Longevity depends upon correct product specification and installation evaluated in terms of quality rather than initial cost. Often the client or architect will design a paving scheme with quality regarded as being very important. At the point the main contractor begins to negotiate with the specialist imprinted concrete contractor, the quality threshold is often replaced by 'the lowest price' syndrome.

The initiation of standards, such as the NVQ, will establish benchmarks by which contractors can be evaluated. Increasingly stringent specifications will make it possible to achieve installation by competent contractors. This will greatly reduce the risk of poor workmanship. Two projects that PICS contractors laid several years ago illustrate the quality of work achievable in decorative concrete. Approximately eight years ago, Sunley Homes specified imprinted concrete for a new housing development near Horsham, Sussex. Over 2000m2 were laid in driveways and estate hammerheads in all types of weather. None of the driveways or roads have received any type of maintenance during the intervening years.

A second project was installed six years ago in Eastergate, Sussex and has received a biennial reseal from the property owner, maintaining the same aesthetic characteristics as the day it was completed. Both examples highlight the fact that prioritisation of the specification/materials and contractor quality paid dividends. The advent of the NVQ can only assist in developing the decorative concrete market and establish standards by which potential clients can select their contractors.

Concluding remarks
PICS is only one of many companies that will be able to offer the NVQ to its staff and as part of its on-going training programme for operatives. It has invested heavily in time and provision of staff to enable the NVQ to reach the current stage. Two staff members will soon become qualified assessors, helping contractors benefit from this positive step forward in the industry.