LABC Building Control Apprenticeships: Everything You Need to Know
17 Oct, 20241-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- What Local Authority Building Control is.
- What the Local Authority Building Control’s Building Regulations are.
- What an LABC Building Control Apprenticeship entails.
- How to get onto an LABC Building Control Apprenticeship.
- The skills required to join the LABC Building Control Apprenticeship.
- Where the latest planning jobs are and how to apply for them.
Want to know more about the LABC Building Control Apprenticeship and what it entails? You’ve come to the right place! In our latest guide, we’re uncovering everything you need to know about Local Authority Building Control and its apprenticeship for aspiring building control professionals.
What is Local Authority Building Control?
Local Authority Building Control (LABC) represents all local authority building control teams throughout England and Wales who are independent and not for profit. LABC must ensure the performance and standards of their teams. Their network of around 3,500 professional surveyors across multiple local councils are on hand to provide their expertise and ensure the performance of buildings within a variety of communities.
Local Authority Building Control believes that by aligning the design, specification, construction and completion phases of a project, all new buildings and extensions can be delivered to a high standard.
LABC works alongside a number of professionals from property owners and building contractors to architects and developers to guarantee that buildings are safe, efficient and inclusive to all, whilst meeting standards set by the Building Regulations.
What are the Building Regulations?
The Building Regulations are designed to set standards and ensure the safety and structural security of buildings, extensions, conversions and renovations. The Building Regulations oversee certain areas such as fire protection, energy performance, electrical and gas safety and accessibility.
Alongside covering the above topics, the Building Regulations set out the standards for drains, ventilation and the protection against contamination such as radon gas or methane.
It is the Building Regulations Advisory Committees job to advise the Secretary of State in England on setting the standards for construction of different buildings. The English and Welsh Governments are responsible for defining the building regulations.
What does the LABC Building Control Apprenticeship entail?
An LABC Building Control Apprenticeship is a great way for professionals to learn the practical and theoretical elements of building control, whilst practising on the job.
Typically working as part of a team, who have varying expertise and experience, an LABC Building Control Surveyor will be employed by a local authority in order to enforce the Building Act and Regulations.
Planning recruitment specialist, Joel Khambay, says “Spending every day surrounded by professionals with a higher level of experience is the perfect opportunity for Apprentice Building Control Surveyors to expand their knowledge and develop the key skills they need to progress within the role.” LABC Building Control Surveyors typically report to the Building Control Manager.
Day to day, Building Control Apprentices might be tasked with checking what jobs are booked in for the day, shadowing Building Control Surveyors on site, communicating with other building professionals and making sure site work is up to standard.
It is essential for Building Control Surveyors to provide an impartial and independent third party service in order to guarantee that any building work has complied with safety standards. They may also be responsible for typing up notes once they have returned to the office.
In order to fulfil their responsibilities, a Building Control Surveyor must have up to date knowledge of the Building Regulations and any other legislation related to building work. Such regulations might be associated with fire hazards, ventilation and the inclusivity of buildings and their design.
Building Control Surveyors must possess strong communication skills as the role involves conversing with clients and being able to showcase impartiality should they need to use the powers granted to them to protect the health and safety of individuals within a community.
What skills are required to take part in the LABC Building Control Apprenticeship?
To take part in the LABC Building Control Apprenticeship, a mix of technical, interpersonal and foundational skills are required. For example, attention to detail is crucial for building control professionals who must inspect sites closely to ensure compliance with regulations and maintain accurate records from site visits. Therefore, precision is of utmost importance to mitigate any chance of mistakes or risk to a person’s health and safety.
The ability to adapt efficiently and navigate change is also essential for building control professionals. For example, members of the LABC apprenticeship must be able to adapt to updated regulations and advancements in technology in order to ensure they are compliant at all times and able to fulfil their apprenticeship to the highest standard.
Good physical fitness will also enhance an aspiring building control professional's performance as site visits can frequently involve walking, climbing ladders and standing for extended periods of time.
How to get onto an LABC Building Control Apprenticeship
For aspiring building control professionals, they can visit the LABC website to apply. The LABC recruits a number of trainee Building Control Surveyors throughout England.
Planning jobs
If you’re searching for your next interim planning job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Planning recruitment services
As planning recruitment specialists, we support local authorities and private sector businesses nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent recruitment needs.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with our planning specialist, Josh Draycott, on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re a vibrant and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West.
We continually reimagine the recruitment process to challenge convention and defy expectations; from creating a better recruitment experience to remodelling employee engagement, we thrive off doing things differently and turning heads along the way.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
