Pro Installer April 2024 - Issue 133 | Page 44

Skills
44 | APRIL 2024

Skills

Read online at www . proinstaller . co . uk

FIRST BESPOKE INDUSTRY FESTIVALS ARE GREAT SUCCESS

Fenestration , Glass and Glazing – 50 Careers in one day
Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration , Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice reports an excellent level of support for its two pilot bespoke industry careers festivals held last week .
“ We ’ re so grateful to everyone who backed this new initiative ,” says Mark Handley , Building Our Skills ’ Partnerships Manager . He adds :
“ In the end , we had over thirty companies take part on each day and just under 700 students visit . It ’ s been wonderful to see the industry take up the cause of attracting new talent . We ’ re hoping that these two events will be the first of many .
“ Employability skills clinics played a part in enticing schools
and students to the festivals , with local authorities having highlighted just how helpful these clinics were going to be in getting students to think about their careers generally , and the fenestration , glass and glazing industry specifically .
“‘ Career Families ’ were another facet of the careers festivals that helped students understand the many career options open to them as they get closer to the world of work .”
The eleven ‘ families ’ together encompass over 100 individual roles , demonstrating career progression opportunities , training , qualifications and how students
can start out on their career journeys in the industry .
It is expected that the events will now expand into additional areas of the country where Building Our Skills is already working with other local education authorities .
The two pilot events were held last week as part of National Careers Week . The first was in South Yorkshire at the Oakwell Stadium , home of Barnsley FC , and the second in Manchester at the Etihad Stadium , home of Manchester City Football Club . Building Our Skills worked in conjunction with the education bodies in South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester to bring these events to fruition .
www . buildingourskills . co . uk

BUILDING OUR SKILLS SIGNS UP JOHN FREDERICKS

GQA HELPS DROYLSDEN GLASS TO UPSKILL EMPLOYEES

A partnership between GQA , the awarding and qualifications writing body and IVS Training & Assessment has resulted in the formal upskilling of thirteen members of staff at Droylsden Glass . The employees have succeeded in achieving a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Fenestration Installation . This GQA qualification is suited to those leading a team of installers or undertaking complex projects .
Operating mainly in the Greater Manchester and Cheshire areas , Droylsden Glass was founded in 1982 , and offers a range of award-winning , bespoke
windows and doors for both retail and commercial projects . Managing Director Kevin Thackeray says :
“ We ’ re a company that values its staff . We insist on professionalism across every aspect of our work . We place a great emphasis on staff development , and it ’ s been great to see thirteen of our employees gain their new qualifications . Our thanks go to GQA and IVS for their involvement in this initiative .”
Nick O ’ Brien , Director of Operations at IVS Training & Assessment adds :
“ Congratulations to Kevin Thackeray and his staff at Droylsden Glass . I ’ d also like to thank Phil
Douglas , GQA ’ s EQA / Technical Officer for his support throughout this project .”
With GQA Qualifications being part of the CSCS Alliance , IVS were also able to assist the successful candidates with obtaining their GQA CSCS gold Q-card as Supervisors . In addition , Droylsden Glass ’ s Operations Manager also achieved a Level 3 Diploma in Occupational Works Supervision . GQA Qualifications is the only organisation issuing CSCS cards for the Glass and Glazing industries .
www . gqaqualifications . com
Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration , Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice has secured John Fredericks Plastics Ltd as a supporter .
Mark Handley , Building Our Skills ’ Partnerships Manager says :
“ The name John Fredericks is synonymous with innovation and a loyal customer base . The company ’ s enviable and long track record of success in the fenestration industry is well known . We ’ re very proud to have such a key organisation join us .”
Andy Wadham , Head of Training & Development for John Fredericks adds :
“ We ’ re dedicated to ensuring our staff are given the right opportunities for career development through access to appropriate accredited training and helping to attract newcomers to the industry aligns perfectly with that of Building Our Skills . We have
also developed our new Apprentice Pathway 2024 to attract and recruit young people into the industry . “ Accordingly , we are looking forward to assisting the Building Our Skills ‘ Inspiration Days ’ initiatives , bespoke careers fairs , and taking part in Advisory Panel meetings . I would definitely recommend that other employers in the industry join forces with Building Our Skills , thereby helping to preserve the success of the industry long into the future .”
John Fredericks is a manufacturer of PVCu and aluminium windows and doors that was established in 1970 . The company employs 190 staff , servicing over 220 installers throughout the UK . The company ’ s product range is branded the Ultimate CollectionTM .
For more information on becoming part of the Building Our Skills ‘ family ’ please email markhandley @ buildingourskills . co . uk