The first nationally accredited environmental training programme for people working on construction sites, the Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS), was officially launched at an event in London on 28 February.
SEATS has been developed by leading construction and engineering solution providers Costain, Skanska and Wates Group, with support from CITB-ConstructionSkills. It is fully endorsed by the UK Contractors Group (UKCG) and the Environment Agency (EA).
The training initiative will provide site workers with the knowledge needed to drive environmental best practice, as well as a common, transferable training programme for the UK construction industry. This will reduce the costs and duplication of large contractors having to develop their own in-house training schemes and providing a programme that can be used across the supply chain.
The one day SEATS course provides knowledge in managing typical site environmental issues, including sustainability, water management, resource efficiency, contamination and hazard awareness.
Four pilot courses were operated in September and October last year by UKCG members, Costain, Skanska and Wates Group. Individually, the companies intend to gradually roll-out SEATS as a mandatory requirement for all site supervisors and managers within their organisations.
There are now 24 trainers qualified to deliver SEATS, including the National Construction College and other accredited Site Safety Plus training providers.
Director of the National Construction College (NCC), Andy Walder, said: 'We have a responsibility to help employers manage the impact their activities have on the wider environment - equipping the industry with the skills and training it needs to deliver long-term beneficial change.'
Simon Nathan, head of Policy at UKCG, added: 'UKCG members recognise their responsibility to take a leadership role in promoting environmental best practice. The SEATS course will provide a common benchmark for those working on site and will be a recognised programme that can be utilised by firms large and small.'
For more information on the training courses visit
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