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 BAB- SI , GQA is developing three oneday essential knowledge courses leading to a GQA / BABSI skills card in addition to a new NVQ Level 2 in Balustrading and Railings . The three courses include :

• Essential Knowledge of Balustrading Installation

• Supervising Balustrading Installation Projects

• Designing & Specifying Balustrading Installation Projects

The Essential Knowledge of Balustrading Installation course will cover topics such as an overview of the industry ; product range ; quality standards ; building regulations relating to the industry ; installing the product ; and identifying problems with installations .

Representing designers , manufacturers , installers , raw material suppliers , distributors , contractors , component and specialist product and service suppliers throughout the sector , BABSI ’ s mission is to be the recognised voice of the balustrade and balcony sector . The organisation aims to establish stringent standards of quality and service in order to set a professional benchmark for the industry .

Commenting on the collaboration with GQA , BABSI ’ s CEO , Justin Ratcliffe said :

“ Qualifications are a standard against which everyone can be

benchmarked equally . GQA ’ s Bespoke Qualification Service is helping us to prove competency not just through the development of specialist courses , but through the end-of-course testing procedure . We are anticipating that the new , bespoke qualifications will be available from quarter four this year .

“ By joining BABSI and getting involved in the courses and the qualifications they offer , members are demonstrating their commitment to best practice , collaboration and improving the quality and understanding of the value of balustrades and balconies for their customers .”

Commenting on the Bespoke Qualification Service , GQA ’ s EQA / Technical Officer , Martin Sadler says :

“ It is disappointing when people in specific , specialist job functions are not able to develop

their careers by working towards achieving a qualification because a relevant regulated option is not available . This is where our Bespoke Qualification Service can help . Developing a qualification tailored specifically to them , which carries the approval of GQA , means that employees can fully prove their competency , and employers can put into place for them a career progression route . Once developed , the qualification is exclusive to the employers concerned .”

Mick Clayton CEO of GQA Qualifications added “ Both our

Accredited Training and Bespoke Qualification services are proving extremely popular . They demonstrate the need for a flexible approach to training . Here at GQA we have close to 200 qualifications covering a broad variety of sectors . The balustrade and balcony industry , just like any other , needs training solutions tailored to its specific needs . I ’ m proud that we are helping to facilitate this and contributing to raising standards and assisting in shaping careers .”

www . gqaqualifications . com