SKILLS
Qualifications and Training – Choosing a Trusted Partner
» EMPLOYERS IN 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-forprofit 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 in-house 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 .
GQA 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
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APRIL 2024
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