INDUSTRY FIRST:

DHF LAUNCHES A FUNDED APPRENTICESHIP, NVQ QUALIFICATION AND TRAINING PACKAGE FOR ITS MEMBERS

LAUNCHED ON 1 September 2026, the Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship Maintenance Pathway) is being delivered by DHF in partnership with Train’ d Up. It provides DHF members with a structured route to recruit, train and retain engineers, while incorporating the recognised NOCN Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Specialist Installation Occupations( Construction) – Door, Shutter, Gate or Barrier Installation, Maintenance or Repair and a choice of one of the DHF Level 2 theory-based Safety qualifications relevant to their sector.

For DHF members, the financial case is compelling. Eligible employers can save up to £ 11,300 per apprentice, making it significantly more affordable to recruit, train and develop the next generation of skilled engineers. By combining apprenticeship funding with an industry-recognised NVQ and specialist DHF training, the programme removes much of the financial burden from employers while providing a clear pathway to developing competent, qualified people with the skills the industry needs.

The package has been negotiated specifically for DHF members and brings together the apprenticeship, NVQ and DHF training, with a combined value of £ 11,300 + VAT per apprentice. So, members are potentially getting the NVQ and DHF training for FREE

For levy-registered members and those aged under 25, the package can be fully funded. For candidates aged over 25, employers contribute 5 % towards the apprenticeship cost only.

A route into the industry

The apprenticeship is intended to support both employers looking to bring new people into the sector and businesses seeking to develop existing employees. It is suitable for school and college leavers, new entrants, employees moving into engineering maintenance roles and existing staff undertaking substantial new learning. It can also support people already working in installation, servicing and maintenance environments. The programme runs for approximately 12 to 18 months and combines tutor-led online learning with practical, workplace-based development and assessment. Apprentices spend one day a week undertaking online learning with specialist engineering tutors, while their practical skills are developed and assessed in the workplace. This combination means apprentices are not simply gaining theoretical knowledge but are able to apply what they learn in a real working environment, building the skills and experience required for their role.

DHF’ s CEO Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens

Combining engineering and sector competence

The programme brings together five elements: the Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship( Maintenance Pathway), the EAL Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations( Knowledge), the EAL Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations( Skills), the NOCN Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Specialist Installation Occupations( Construction) – Door, Shutter, Gate or Barrier Installation, Maintenance or Repair and a fully accredited DHF Level 2 qualification of the learners’ choice, all in one package at no additional cost. The NOCN qualification remains the recognised competence qualification for the sector. It is delivered through DHF, and based on workplace competence, with apprentices demonstrating their abilities through real installation and maintenance activities. The qualification also provides the recognised route to applying for the CSCS Blue Skilled Worker card, allowing individuals to work independently on a construction site. The specialist pathway covers areas including servicing and maintaining systems, commissioning activities and the installation of door, gate and shutter systems, alongside repair and maintenance activities. For employers, this provides a way to develop engineering capability while maintaining the occupational competence standards already recognised within the sector.

> Continues on the next page >

Door Industry Journal Autumn 2026