New skills plan for Falkirk Council workers to tackle lack of trades

Falkirk Council workers are set to gain new skills to address the shortage of trades within the council. Joiners, plumbers, and plasterers will be trained to learn some of each other’s skills to improve the efficiency of council house repairs. This initiative is part of a comprehensive review of Falkirk’s Building and Maintenance Division (BMD), which has been facing challenges such as high absence rates, recruitment difficulties, high staff turnover, and an ageing workforce.

The BMD, which previously had around 350 tradesmen, now operates with just 195 staff members due to various factors including the impact of Covid-19. The plan to cross-train tradesmen was met with some scepticism, with concerns raised about tradesmen being asked to perform tasks outside their expertise. However, Falkirk Council’s head of environment and operations, Douglas Gardiner, reassured members that appropriate training would be provided to ensure workers can effectively carry out additional tasks.

The ultimate goal of equipping workers with additional skills is to streamline repair processes for council tenants. By having tradesmen capable of handling multiple aspects of repairs, the service is expected to become more efficient and responsive. Employees who acquire new skills will be eligible for regrading and higher wages to retain talent within the council, as many have been leaving for better-paying opportunities in the private sector.

In addition to upskilling existing staff, the council has taken on apprentices to bridge the skills gap. The use of private contractors for certain tasks, such as kitchen installations, has also been implemented to address backlogs and improve service delivery. Collaboration with external contractors has been successful in various projects, receiving positive feedback from tenants.

The plan also involves updating disabled adaptations in coordination with the health and social care partnership, aiming to support individuals in transitioning from hospital care to independent living. While some concerns were raised about the potential outsourcing of council services, assurances were given that service levels would be maintained, and staff would be transferred accordingly.

Overall, Falkirk Council’s proactive approach to addressing the shortage of trades and improving service delivery reflects a commitment to providing quality housing maintenance for residents. The ongoing efforts to enhance worker skills, collaborate with external partners, and prioritise tenant satisfaction demonstrate a forward-thinking strategy to overcome challenges and meet the needs of the community.

In summary, Falkirk Council is implementing a new skills plan to empower workers with diverse skill sets, address staffing shortages, and enhance service efficiency. Through cross-training, apprenticeships, and collaboration with private contractors, the council aims to improve repairs and maintenance for residents. This approach not only tackles immediate workforce challenges but also underscores a commitment to delivering high-quality services to the community.