Pearson, the world’s learning company, has signed a new contract to provide the Health, Safety & Environment Test for CITB – the training board for the British construction industry.
The benchmark test means workers in the construction sector have the requisite level of health, safety and environmental knowledge before going on site.
Pearson VUE, the professional assessment business of Pearson and global leader in computer-based testing, has run the contract since 2012 with the aim of continuing to raise safety standards across the industry through providing a high quality, quick and efficient computer-based test delivered through its network of hundreds of UK testing centres.
Matthew Poyiadgi, VP EMEA at Pearson VUE, said: “Maintaining health and safety standards is important, and this new agreement with CITB will play a big part in maintaining the knowledge and skills required to stay safe on site. CITB is about improving the skills of construction workers in the UK, and in turn opening up job opportunities which improve the lives and careers of those working in this industry, encouraging broader economic growth in the country. This programme is a major contributor to that effort.”
Braden Connolly, CITB’s head of product management, said: “This new, multi-year deal with Pearson VUE is good news for the construction industry. It means that we not only continue working with a market-leading company, but we have also secured access to their world class facilities and technology.
“We intend to use this contract to develop even more effective assessments, to ensure the construction industry continues to develop the skilled workforce it requires.”
A key feature of Pearson’s bid is its extensive network of test centres – enabling candidates to locate a centre close to home or work, removing the need to travel long distances to sit the test. The test is designed to be safe, highly secure and efficient with an online booking system allowing tests to be booked on-demand, and walk-in facilities also available.
Results are given to candidates instantly, enabling CITB to issue construction site access cards to successful candidates immediately, whilst a Pearson-run customer service centre ensures candidates have quick access to high quality customer support.
Established in 2001, the Health, Safety & Environment Test has been improving safety and competency on works sites ensuring employees are working in a safe environment. As safety standards continue to rise across the industry, the test is seen as a benchmark for health and safety programmes both in the UK and increasingly around the world.
