The first nationally accredited environmental training programme for those working on construction sites, the Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS), has been officially launched.

Developed by leading construction and engineering solution providers Costain, Skanska and Wates Group with support from CITB-ConstructionSkills, the new course is fully endorsed by the UK Contractors Group (UKCG) and the Environment Agency (EA).

SEATS will provide those working on site with the knowledge required to drive environmental best practice – as well as a common, transferable training programme for the UK construction industry – reducing the costs and duplication of large contractors having to develop their own in-house training schemes and providing a programme that can be embedded across the supply chain.

Andy Walder, Director of the National Construction College (NCC), said:  “As the first nationally accredited environmental training programme to be developed for the sector, today presents an important step in raising the benchmark for environmental best practice across the wider industry. 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.”

Speaking on behalf of its members, Head of Policy at UKCG, Simon Nathan, said: “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.”

The one day SEATS course provides knowledge in managing typical site environmental issues, including site environmental sustainability, water management, resource efficiency, contamination and hazard awareness.

As part of the course development, four pilot courses were run in September and October last year by UKCG members, Costain, Skanska and Wates Group – individually, these 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 NationalConstructionCollegeand other accredited Site Safety Plus training providers. To book a place on the new course or to find out more about SEATS, click here.