Employers in the fenestration who wish to hone the skills of their workforce in order to improve their business ’ s competitiveness face two challenges : carefully managing training budgets whilst also addressing staff time constraints . How to choose a partner organisation who can help them achieve their goal at the same time as ensuring these challenges are met need not be difficult . Dan Brown , Strategic Relationship Manager of GQA Qualifications explains . Currently , there is a significant amount of work focused on establishing competency , with individuals often overlooking the expertise of an Awarding Body in this regard . In addition , I talk to many people in the fenestration industry who are well aware that plenty of training opportunities exist . However , they do not have the time to audit all the options available , and they certainly do not have big budgets to spend in this area . What they really need is assistance from a qualifications-writing and awarding partner that can also point them in the direction of accredited training that is delivered by an independently and rigorously

audited provider . All within the confines of limited budget availability .

I would recommend seeking out a partner that is a specialist in learning in the sector . A good indicator of this is the number of steering groups on which the partner sits , helping to shape the future qualifications being developed . In addition , working with a not-for-profit organisation assists with keeping spending down .

The chosen partner should have the ability not only to write industry-specific qualifications and facilitate accredited training , but to draw up bespoke qualifications for individual organisations . Employers can thereby create and accredit in house developed training courses and learning programmes in addition to going after existing qualifications .

GQA facilitates an Accredited Training service , offered through a nationwide network of approved training centres . It is aimed at employers in the industry who want to have their inhouse training endorsed by GQA Qualifications and gives them the opportunity to deliver training that focuses on candidates ’ particular needs specific to their role with the employer .

In essence , accredited training involves :

1 . Assessing courses for learning outcomes .

2 . Ensuring the existence of an appeals procedure . 3 . Maintaining a non-bias approach to assessment .

4 . Implementing ‘ reasonable adjustment ’ for individuals with learning difficulties . 5 . Introducing an end assessment to test learners ’ comprehension of course content , aligning with the Building Safety Act ’ s emphasis on a ‘ certificate of comprehension ’ rather than a ‘ certificate of attendance .’

6 . Undergoing regular external assessment by an Independent Quality Assessor to verify procedure implementation and ensure uniformity in course delivery .

GQA ’ s Bespoke Qualification service is aimed at employers who wish to be able to offer those staff undertaking very specific roles the opportunity to work towards gaining a qualification where one does not already exist . The service is perfect for niche specialist areas which do not lend themselves to meeting the required content of a standard regulated qualification .

In close consultation with the company concerned , GQA will develop a qualification that meets the needs of the organisation and the people who require it .

It is also worth checking out what a partner organisation can do in terms of providing reasonable adjustment for people with learning difficulties such as dyslexia .

Here at GQA we have close to 200 qualifications covering a broad variety of sectors . The fenestration industry , just like any other , needs training solutions tailored to its specific needs . GQA is poised to contribute to the development of competency-setting initiatives , leveraging our knowledge to position qualifications

and training appropriately . This involves identifying the level at which individuals are expected to perform their functions against an industry-recognised hierarchical framework of learning . In turn this provides synchronicity with qualifications from within the education system . Providing this link is critical to any competency assessment or training development to make it relatable to other forms of formal competency attainment .

Employers seeking advice on any aspect of qualifications-writing or wanting to find out about GQA ’ s network of approved training centre are welcome to get in touch . We can assist with an online assessment test through our GQA Online system . This system utilises a question bank to draw random questions , evaluate learners , and promptly grade assessments within a minute . Our accredited training programs come with the issuance of a plastic or digital GQA Skills Card . This card acts as a verifiable record of competence that can be produced on demand .

More information on GQA is available at www . gqaqualifications . com

The Glass and Glazing Federation ( GGF ) was pleased to promote the industry at the Apprenticeship and Education Event in Birmingham on the 25th of April . The event attracts over 6,000 school and college students who are looking to be inspired about their future .

John Mannell , Technical Officer & Training Manager at the GGF , explains why the organisation has decided to exhibit at the event : “ It is estimated that

the construction industry needs an additional 50,000 skilled workers , including from the glass , glazing and fenestration industries , to meet the Government ’ s

net zero objective , so it is imperative that we play our part in attracting new talent to the sector .

“ The Apprenticeship and Education Event will be

the first apprenticeship fair we are attending this year , with another following in October and is suitable for school children from the age of 10 years old , right through to college students who are considering the next step on their career path , whether that ’ s further education , training , or employment . The glazing industry has so many different jobs to offer across installation , manufacture , human resources , marketing , and sales , to name just a few , it is important

that we are represented at these sorts of events . And if students of school leaving age want more information about jobs available now , they can access the industry Jobs Board that sits on both the GGF and FENSA websites .

“ As the most influential trade association in the industry , with GGF members making up over 60 % of the sector ’ s £ 4 billion annual turnover , we are well positioned to raise awareness and represent the sector . Also , with our own Skilled

Pathways Scheme already in place , we have an inside working knowledge of apprenticeships that we can share with the young people attending apprenticeship fairs .

“ We ’ re confident we can play our part in helping the construction sector to meet the Government targets , but we do need to make the most of as many opportunities like this as we can to get there .”

www . ggf . org . uk