Consort , the supplier of PVCu windows , doors and conservatories to retail installers and residential developers signed up a number of employees to the two-day ‘ Introduction to Window and Door Installation ’ practical training course offered by Building our Skills , and praised the organisation afterwards for the course content and highly professional delivery .

Consort ’ s Sales & Marketing Director , Mark Handley , said :

“ Here at Consort we recognise the importance of investing in the skills development of our workforce : our company is only ‘ as good as ’ our staff . I have been very impressed with how much our employees gained from the Building Our Skills practical training course and would have no hesitation in recommending it to other fenestration industry employers and employees seeking a thorough introduction to installation .

“ Three employees who attended gave me particularly great feedback on the course , and I ’ m confident that their value to our business has risen significantly as a result of the training . The first has been with the company for many years , has had various roles , and currently is part of our technical department . She found the content of the course helpful as she now has a better understanding of building regulations ,

finishing , window and door terminology , installation and glazing techniques . She has already used some of the knowledge gained on the course to advise customers how to glaze products correctly .

“ The second works in a sales and marketing admin role . She has benefitted from the course as she now has a much better understanding of the window and door industry and what is involved to ensure a quality installation . Her greater knowledge allows her to prepare more focused marketing material for our customers .

“ The third is a Sales Manager with many years of sales experience . Part of his role is to go to site to represent the company to resolve customer service issues . Following the course , he can more confidently carry out his role .”

It was a similar story for North Yorkshire based NYG who sent their young installers onto the scheme . Speaking about their involvement Lisa Pullan , NYG ’ s Office Manager said :

“ Our fitters found the course useful and enjoyable . The course has been great for enhancing basic knowledge and has given

the staff a good level of training on windows installation , which I know has really boosted their confidence . In addition , they really liked the course leaders , finding them down to earth and great to work with . I found it all easy to organise since the course leaders kept us well informed . This initiative is going to benefit our company , and I ’ d have no hesitation in recommending it to other fenestration industry employers .”

The Building Our Skills practical training course is two days of tuition about window and door installation , building regulations

and industry knowledge , incorporating one day online and two days of practical , hands-on activity . The training is pitched at young installers with limited experience , fitters ’ mates getting ready to take the next step up , and others with no experience who have a desire for skills training . It is also perfect for employees who work in an in-house technical role and who might benefit from first-hand exposure to product installation .

Mark Simpson , Building Our Skills ’ trainer said :

“ This introductory installation course is ideal for anyone interested in gaining a grounding in the industry . We ’ ve had staff from a very broad variety of roles attend , including office personnel , trainee installers , professional installers , joiners and also unemployed people looking to develop their skills and gain entry to the industry . All successful attendees are awarded a GQA Qualifications skills card and certificate at the end of the accredited training , which is an added bonus .”

More information on Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration , Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice practical training courses is available at www . buildingourskills . co . uk or by emailing sayhello @ buildingourskills . co . uk