Skills
40 | AUGUST 2017
Skills
Read online at www. proinstaller. co. uk
APPRENTICES LEARN FROM A MASTER
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Ayrshire glazing company and Independent Network * member Andrew Wright Windows has put 18 fabricators through their Scottish Vocational Qualifications( SVQs)- in a year that also sees the company celebrate 80 years of trading.
The family-run company is already one of the most prominent employers in Irvine and the surrounding areas, with almost 100 employees across its head office, showroom and manufacturing plants. Each year Andrew Wright supports a growing number of modern apprentices through levels
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VEKA Group’ s Amy Grundy presents Charlie Berry of Andrew Wright Windows with a gift to celebrate 80 years of trading.
two and three SVQ coursework and exams, where budding window and door fabricators can learn the trade‘ on the job’ alongside their official college assessments. The 18 pupils chosen to take part in the scheme this year receive their results
this month before deciding how to use their new qualifications in the fenestration industry.
Last year two apprentices, Jamie Mullen and William Malcolmson, gained Levels 2 and 3 SVQ qualifications – in Fabrication of Glass and
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Supporting Systems respectively – and have since put their diplomas to good use as they both now hold permanent positions at Andrew Wright within the production and quality departments.
Double celebration Established in 1937, Andrew Wright Windows marks its 80th birthday this year and has developed from a modest, family-run company into a well-known and respected business in the area. Its two manufacturing plants and fleet of 20 company vehicles fabricate and deliver PVCu windows, doors, conservatories
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and roofline for domestic and commercial customers across West Scotland, including local authorities contracts.
Karen Lund, Head of Partner Programmes for VEKA Group said:“ As Independent Network has also been officially launched this year – continuing the ethos of its predecessor Network VEKA – we also know the importance of progression in business and never resting on our laurels. I can’ t think of a better example of the past, present and future of fenestration in action.”
Charlie Berry, managing director of Andrew Wright
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Windows added:“ We too often hear of young people struggling to find jobs after graduation or lacking a career focus, so a modern apprenticeship scheme seems to be the perfect solution. SVQs in the workplace mean apprentices learn both the theory and the practical side of fenestration at the same time. Whilst there is no substitute for the‘ factory floor’ when it comes to this type of work, getting the official qualification associated with it indicates that you have a tangible qualification along with the necessary handson experience.” |
* Independent Network is a national group of independent window companies that share a collective brand identity in return for upholding a series of rules governing quality, service and guarantees. Its members share the common bond of using materials manufactured by VEKA Group.
BENEFITS OF APPRENTICESHIPS
GCSE exam results out after an anxious wait for teenagers and their parents in millions of households across the UK.
Sitting on average 15 exams in a range of subjects, as well as facing exam pressure, school leavers must contend with making some big decisions regarding their future. Options post-16 include staying on at school, going to college or pursuing an apprenticeship.
While each path has its merits, apprenticeships are enjoying somewhat of a resurgence, with the government putting an emphasis on creating new apprenticeships for youngsters through the apprenticeship levy which provides funds for employers looking to invest in apprenticeship schemes.
Five reasons to choose an apprenticeship:
1. Young people can start earning straightaway
Apprenticeships are paid training courses which involve on the job learning and typically day release to attend college. Apprentices are paid an hourly rate which varies depending on industry and the type of apprenticeship they are doing. With many young people keen to start earning as soon as possible they are a great way to learn and earn.
2. Get insider knowledge on an industry
When deciding on a career many of us do so without any real idea of what it is like to do the job. An apprenticeship gives young people an insight into their chosen industry, helping them to decide whether it’ s the career path for them.
3. Build transferrable skills
Whatever industry the apprenticeship is in, from day one apprentices are building workplace skills that will carry them through their working life. Skills such as time management, teamworking and communication skills are always desired by employers.
4. Career kick-start
For those lucky enough to know which career path they wish to take, an apprenticeship gives young people a helping hand into their chosen career.
5. Train up to degree level
An apprenticeship offers a young person a recognised qualification and there is a choice of levels to train up to, including intermediate which is equivalent to five good GCSEs, advanced – two A levels and higher which can be studied up to degree level.
With rising student debt and a potential skills shortage on the horizon, particularly within engineering IT and care work, apprenticeships are a great choice for both ambitious young people and businesses across all sectors.
Working with thousands of local trades, Checkatrade understands the value a committed apprentice can bring to a small business. Along with bringing fresh ideas, apprentices can help to boost productivity, ease recruitment issues and help businesses of all sizes grow their talent pool and invest in their staff, in turn boosting morale.
Visit www. checkatrade. com / and to find out more about adding an apprentice to your team visit www. gov. uk / take-on-anapprentice / overview
NEW FIRE APPRENTICESHIP STANDARD
Skills for Security is among the first of the training providers to offer the new Fire, Emergency and Security Systems apprenticeship standard.
The new apprenticeship focuses on employer designed standards to ensure that the training and assessment apprentices receive meets precise industry standards. It is at Level 3 and mapped out as a three-year programme, replacing the previous Security Systems frameworks, which were offered at both Levels 2 and 3.
Skills for Security aims to continue as an industry leading performer in apprenticeship delivery. Data analysis shows that the organisation performs well above industry averages in areas such as overall and timely achievement rates and retention rates in all age bands.
Peter Sherry, interim director of Skills for Security, comments:“ I believe that the changes brought in with the new Fire, Emergency and Security Systems apprenticeship standard will result in many positive outcomes for our industry; not least, ensuring that all apprentices complete at Level 3, following a comprehensive programme that builds and improves on the previous framework.”
Peter adds:“ It is important to me that Skills for Security leads the way in adapting to and embracing changes to apprenticeship delivery. This is why I am delighted to invite both levy and non-levy paying employers to contact us to arrange the sign up of their new apprentice recruits.”