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APRIL 2022 | 51
Skills
THE HOME-GROWN TEAM OF THE FUTURE
This February saw the 15th annual National Apprenticeships Week , a week-long celebration that shines a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals , businesses and the wider economy . This was particularly fitting for JD ( UK ) Ltd , sole UK distributor of Alutech sectional garage doors , automation and roller shutter components , which has looked to apprenticeships as an effective way to strengthen and grow its workforce .
The UK wide skills shortage in the industry has been well documented and also felt by many businesses looking to recruit but struggling to find the right people for the job . The team at JD ( UK ) Ltd has sought to encourage young people into the industry and make it their career path of choice by taking on several apprentices and supporting them through an NVQ in Business Administration or Customer Service . The programme has been a great success , with three apprentices , Bailey Doran , Rebekah Pilkington and Belle Cape , recently passing their NVQs , some with distinction , despite the difficult circumstances posed by Covid .
Managing Director , Steve Hudson , commented , “ We ’ re a firm believer that apprentices provide a company with fresh and innovative solutions to business challenges , which is vital to help us remain competitive and relevant in our market . We ’ re very proud of the achievements of our apprentices . They all received highly commendable feedback from the NVQ assessor .
“ We ’ d encourage any business struggling to recruit to consider taking on an apprentice and supporting them through their qualifications . Bailey , Rebekah and Belle are now skilled , valued members of our team , ready to progress through the company . In fact , Rebekah has decided she would like to work towards a BA honours degree in Business Management , which she ’ ll do parttime with our full support .”
Elsewhere in the business , two more apprentices were recruited towards the end of last year , Adam Brooks as Apprentice Accounts Assistant and Nathan Hirst as Apprentice Sales Co-ordinator of aluminium systems for doors and windows .
www . jdukltd . co . uk
ALL IN HOUSE AT ALUK – INCLUDING THE TRAINING ACADEMY
AluK has just announced the reopening of its training
Academy , with a full range of workshops available to book now . All the courses are free and fully GQA Accredited .
There are 35 workshop dates available and customers can also request bespoke training at their own facilities or at AluK ’ s London Design Studio .
The product awareness and LogiKal software workshops cover either : bi-folds ( BSF70 and F82 ), windows and entrance doors ( 58BW and 58BD ), sliders ( BSC94 and SC156 ) or curtain walling ( SL50 and SG50 ). Each lasts two days and includes a full brief on the relevant systems and their capabilities and then an introduction to the LogiKal processing software .
The one-day fabrication and installation workshops are all about learning best practice direct from the systems house , with the emphasis very much on practical training in AluK ’ s fully equipped , dedicated facility . The fabrication course guides delegates through how to manufacture windows , doors , and ground floor treatments in line with AluK ’ s approved processes and technical manual . The installation course is focused around the SL50 and SG50 systems and is designed for installers and site supervisors with any level of industry experience who have not previously fitted AluK curtain walling .
www . aluk . co . uk