“ The Government ’ s objective to achieve net zero by 2050 will require an estimated 500,000 additional skilled workers in the construction industry , including the glass , glazing and fenestration industries ,” explains GGF Group Managing Director , John Agnew . “ We need to act now to get the right people in place and upskill so we can continue to be an important part of the green agenda in construction .

“ Working in partnership with Total Support Training and GQA Qualifications , this new programme is unlike any other apprenticeship scheme in our industry . We are funding training up to £ 4000 per GGF Member Company as part of the pilot scheme to aggressively attract more businesses to take part . The scheme will also have a very clear and focussed career trajectory for candidates , to ensure we keep the programme of upskilling on track .

“ We ’ re confident we can play our part in helping the construction sector to meet the

Government targets , but time is of the essence . Companies must act now , and the GGF Training Hub , including this new Skilled Pathway Scheme , is a great place to start .”

In the first instance the GGF Skilled Pathways Scheme plans to cover Glazing , Glass Processing , Fenestration , Fire Resistant Glazing , Window Film Application and Technical Administration , but

as the scheme builds in momentum , this list is set to grow .

John continues : “ We ’ ve been excited to see so many member companies showing an interest in our scheme pre-launch .

It requires long term commitment from companies as they move their trainees through the programme of both on-site and ‘ off the job ’ learning over the course of 18-24 months , but our members are clearly dedicated to doing the right thing .”

Among the first to take advantage of the Skilled Pathways Scheme is Prentice Glass , who has three candidates starting . Joanne Jackman , General Manager of Prentice Glass commented , “ We ’ re very pleased to be taking part in the GGF Skilled Pathways scheme . Being one of the oldest glazing companies in London , we know how important it is to get young glaziers trained in the industry . Being part of the GGF has meant that we have half of the training costs funded , providing an excellent opportunity for the apprentices and the company . Exciting times are ahead , we hope to support the GGF and see many more schemes in the future .”

www . ggf . org . uk

In 2019 , the Tamworth-based trade association launched its CSCS-approved card partner scheme in collaboration with the Automatic Door Suppliers Association ( ADSA ). The DHF CSCS ( Blue Skilled ) card provision is for those who work with industrial doors , domestic garage doors , automated gates & traffic barriers and metal or timber doors , and although not a legislative requirement , CSCS cards are supported by the government and provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job that they are doing .

“ DHF remains the only trade association offering this card for the industry and in order to obtain a Blue Skilled worker card ,

individuals also need the relevant NVQ for the industry they work in ,” explains DHF ’ s Head of Commercial Operations , Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens .

“ We are aware that there are some providers that will give an associated discipline card that is not specific to our industry . To Site Managers , we would say this : the best way to know that the person working on your site has the Blue Skilled worker card from the industry and for the industry is by their obtaining the NVQ level 2 in automated gates and door systems , the qualification that demonstrates their proficiency and that they have achieved the correct level of training .

“ The NVQ is a vocational qualification that assesses the learner over a period of time to ensure that they have the right

vocational experience and can do the job ,” continues

Patricia . “ It is important that they know the specific standards and legislation involved in installing a gate or door system . Detailed knowledge of the safety requirements for gate installations for instance , is a must ; evidence suggests that many historic incidents occurred on automated gates due to mechanical failure or design fault , not electrical issues . It is therefore important for the person working on the gate to understand what a safe gate looks like . The NVQ process not only involves a comprehensive assessment onsite , but learners are also questioned about the legislation and standards relating to the industry . It is a holistic approach that reassures the industry , and Site Managers

that the person presenting the CSCS card offered through DHF is qualified in their field .

“ DHF continues to drive standards in ensuring that construction site workers are appropriately trained , and as such , created a joint venture , Entrance Systems Alliance ( ESA ), with the ADSA to offer the industry specific NVQ . In this way , we are playing our part in improving safety on UK construction sites .”

www . dhfonline . org . uk