Clearview 244 - March 2022 | Page 6

INDUSTRY NEWS

Key role of apprentices

» 7TH-13TH FEBRUARY 2022 marked ‘ National Apprenticeships Week ’, an annual celebration of apprentices and the difference they can make to UK businesses . In recognition of the event , the Glazerite UK Group is highlighting the contribution made by two of its own employees who have been through the fabricator ’ s apprentice route .
Company Accountant , Amanda Newman , is currently undertaking her Level 4 CIMA Apprenticeship . Based at Glazerite ’ s head office in Wellingborough , 56-year-old Amanda seized the opportunity to further her training via an apprenticeship . She says : “ Though it does feel harder studying as an adult , I am really lucky to have been given the opportunity , and I ’ ve been well supported by Glazerite . It has been challenging at times , but it ’ s really helped me to fill in the gaps in my knowledge , much of which had been previously ‘ self-taught .’”
Amanda Newman and Mia Harrison
Amanda adds : “ The apprenticeship has made me feel better able to carry out my role and love my job even more . I want to continue to challenge myself and develop even more skills . I ’ ve proved that it ’ s never too late to learn and it is always worth giving it your best shot , whatever your age .”
Mia Harrison has just completed her Customer Service Level 3 apprenticeship with a Distinction and is now a trainee Customer Advisor at the fabricator ’ s Wellingborough site . Mia , 19 , who joined Glazerite after sixth form , says : “ I knew that university wasn ’ t the right path for me . I wanted to continue to learn and work towards more qualifications however , so an apprenticeship was very appealing .
“ It has enabled me to learn new skills , and I ’ ve become much more confident in my abilities . Being able to actually put my learning into practice in a working environment has really helped as I ’ ve been able to learn so much about the industry firsthand . I ’ m really enjoying my new role as a Customer Advisor ; it shows what opportunities are out there and I would definitely encourage more people to consider an apprenticeship .”
www . glazeritewindows . co . uk

Real homes and real stories

» HOME TRANSFORMAtions and improvements have been a major outcome of the events of the last two years . Homes have become places of work and leisure . People want to make their homes more spacious , convenient , comfortable , low maintenance and attractive , and many have used funds normally spent on travel and holidays on home improvements .
To illustrate this trend Freefoam Building Products have developed two new cases studies , featuring cladding and fascia products , to highlight how a large number of homeowners all over the UK are using low maintenance , cost effective PVC to update and reconfigure their homes to ensure they are fit for purpose now and in the future .
The first case study features Freefoam Fortex weatherboard cladding in subtle Misty Grey fitted on two refurbished and extended dormers .
With teenage children , the homeowner needed more space so decided to extend the dormers to create larger , more adaptable bedrooms . He explained : “ We looked at replacing with tiles , and also thought about render , but then found information about cladding . Cost was a factor and we liked the Freefoam cladding as it was suitable for our budget .”
The second case study shows Freefoam PVC fascia , soffit and gutter fitted on a property in Yorkshire , installed by a local Freefoam Registered Installer .
The homeowners , both recently retired , bought their
home from new over 20 years ago . Built with PVC windows , but featuring wood fascia and soffit , the roofline had over time degraded , and needed regular maintenance . Part of their retirement plans were to update and modernise the house , and to make sure the maintenance was kept to a minimum to allow more time for travel .
Louise Sanderson , Freefoam UK Marketing Manager summarised :
“ Our marketing team know how valuable homeowner testimonials and case studies can shine a light on the excellent work that is happening throughout the UK . We focus on generating good quality , relevant case studies to showcase our range of products and illustrate how they are being used to transform and improve homes around the country .”
www . freefoam . com
6 MARCH 2022
CLEARVIEW-UK . COM