Specialist Applied Skills Programme (SAP)

The SAP is an 18-month training programme designed for new entrants to the concrete repairs industry. It combines formal off-the-job instruction with supervised on-site training, leading to an NVQ/SVQ Level 2 Diploma qualification. The programme is approved by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and recognised as a sector apprenticeship.

The programme addresses a critical skills shortage in the concrete repair sector by providing a structured, cost-effective route for employers to recruit, train and qualify newcomers in specialist skills. It ensures the industry has a pipeline of qualified professionals equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.

The programme runs for 18 months from start to completion.

Successful completion leads to an NVQ/SVQ Level 2 Diploma in concrete repairs, which is an industry-recognised vocational qualification.

The programme is open to new entrants including:

• Career changers
• Current workers with no formal training in concrete repairs
• Career progressors
• Young people entering the construction industry

Trainees must be at least 16 years old. There is no upper age limit.

Trainees must be:

• Employed full-time (minimum 30 hours per week)
• On a PAYE contract with a CITB-registered employer
• NOT on zero-hour contracts
• NOT self-employed or subcontractors

No. Trainees cannot be enrolled in another CITB grant-assisted apprenticeship for the same qualification.

No prior qualifications in concrete repair are required. However, trainees must be willing to complete all required health and safety certifications and attend all training modules.

All trainees must apply for a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) Trainee Card within the first three months of training.

The programme uses a modular format combining:

• Formal off-the-job classroom and workshop instruction (20 days total)
• Supervised on-site practical training
• Final assessment by a CRA-approved assessor

Training days are non-consecutive to accommodate real-world site conditions.

The 20-day training schedule includes:

• Health and safety (CITB awareness, asbestos, manual handling, fire safety, HAVS, noise awareness, first aid)
• Equipment training (small tools, PASMA access)
• Technical skills (surveying and testing, breaking out, repair preparation)
• Steel protection and replacement
• Repair techniques (hand-placed, shutter, flowable applications)
• Protective coatings and waterproofing
• Fairing and levelling
• Crack injection methods
• Corrosion protection systems
• Materials handling and COSHH
• Mental health awareness
• Environmental awareness

• Classroom and workshop elements: 1 instructor to 8 trainees
• On-site training: 1 instructor to 3 trainees

Off-the-job training will be held at approved training centres. Locations will be confirmed on the scheme schedule. On-site training takes place at the employer’s work locations.

Each module requires trainees to demonstrate competence through:

• Practical assessments
• Professional discussions
• Results logged in workbooks or industry-approved formats

A final assessment is conducted by a CRA-approved assessor.

The programme is designed to support trainees throughout. Additional support and reassessment opportunities can be discussed with the training provider and NVQ assessor.

The pilot programme has capacity for 8 trainees.

Companies can put forward as many candidates as they wish, but only one candidate per company will be accepted onto the scheme.

The programme is exclusively open to companies that are members of:

• Concrete Repair Association
• Corrosion Prevention Association
• Sprayed Concrete Association

Candidates are chosen through a strict approval process. Successful applicants will be notified by email.

Please check back for confirmed dates.

The registration form requires:

• Trainee details and employment information
• Employer details and CITB registration
• Confirmation of employment status and contract type
• For trainees under 18: a young person’s risk assessment

Contact the CRA for current application deadlines.

Employers must ensure attendance at all off-the-job modules to claim achievement grants. Contact CITB or the CRA for details on available funding support.

Employers must:

• Provide full-time PAYE employment for the trainee
• Ensure attendance at all off-the-job training modules
• Provide supervised on-site training opportunities
• Assign a competent person as workplace trainer
• Support the trainee through the assessment process

The workplace trainer must be a competent person with:

• At least three years of sector experience
• Understanding of the NVQ system
• A relevant CSCS card
• Completion of Work Based Recorder training

The training provider will support the competent person with necessary instruction.

Training is delivered by industry-approved instructors who:

• Have minimum three years of practical experience in concrete repairs
• Have at least two years in a supervisory or management role
• Are qualified NVQ Assessors in concrete repairs
• Are approved by the CRA
• Have experience in designing and delivering construction training courses

Specialist training providers include:

• Resapol & Weber (technical modules)
• Now Get Qualified (qualification administration)
• CITB (health and safety)
• HSS Training (PASMA)
• Speedy Asset Services (tools and equipment)
• Lighthouse: The Construction Charity (mental health)
• Supply Chain Sustainability School (inclusion and respect)

Graduates will:

• Hold an NVQ/SVQ Level 2 Diploma qualification
• Possess comprehensive practical skills in concrete repair
• Be qualified for long-term careers in the concrete repair industry
• Have industry-recognised health and safety certifications

This is a pilot programme. Subject to successful completion, the CRA aims to offer future cohorts. Contact the CRA for updates on future programme dates.

Concrete Repair Association Unit 14, Base Bordon Innovation Centre Broxhead House, 60 Barbados Road Bordon, GU35 0FX

T: +44 (0)1420 471615 E: Training@structuralconcretealliance.org.uk W: www.cra.org.uk