t ra i n i n g
step 1
Step one should include both soft (people
and communication) skills and hard
(technical) skills. Take a good look at how
your business is managed and operates
– what are the top three issues you need
addressed? Chances are these could
become a training opportunity.
step 2
Step two includes a review of your current
workforce competencies and skills. Are your
staff in the right roles? Are you using their
skills and knowledge to the best possible
effect? Could you upskill your team and
achieve better results? Do you need to
recruit in new skills?
step 3
Once you have completed the organisational
and individual skills review it is time to
identify the training needs and training
providers. Take your time in finding the
right training provider – they will need to
understand your industry and be able to
provide the type of training you require
when you need it in the format required to
make a difference to your business. A fact
sheet on how to choose a training provider
is available to download from the Australian
Skills Quality Authority1.
Several nationally recognised qualifications
have been designed and developed
specifically for the windows and doors
sector, which include:
• Factory Staff
Certificate III in Process Manufacturing
(Fenestration Specialist)
• Onsite Staff
Certificate III in Glass and Glazing
• Support Roles
Certificate IV in Glass and Glazing
The Certificate III in Process Manufacturing
(Fenestration Stream) has been designed
to meet the needs of operational staff
fabricating windows and doors, and
includes training fabrication, AS 1288 and
AS 2047 standards, and contemporary
lean manufacturing concepts to help
streamline the manufacturing process. This
qualification also includes working with glass,
understanding shop drawings and schedules,
factory safety and soft skills such as team
work and communication. This program is
funded in some states.
The Certificate III in Glass and Glazing is
designed for staff requiring a glazing license
and includes both fabrication and installation
in a range of glazing applications. Residential,
commercial and architectural glazing
units can be selected to suit an individual
company’s needs. We recommend discussing
your specific requirements with your chosen
training provider. This course is provided in
block course format (via TAFE) or onsite (via
private training providers and some TAFEs).
As the Certificate III in Glass and Glazing is
a formal apprenticeship, employer incentives
of $4,000 are available. Additional ‘Mature
Age’ (over 25) incentives are also available to
employers. In Western Australia, the Building
and Construction Industry Fund provides an
additional incentive of $8,000 per glazing
apprentice.
The Certificate IV in Glass and Glazing
is intended for estimators, sales
representatives, factory and site managers in
the windows and doors sector. This program
is delivered using a blended delivery model
and subsidies are available in New South
Wales, Northern Territory and Tasmania.
Other qualifications such as leadership and
management may also receive subsidies in
some states. The Department of Industry
also provides a free skills analysis and
training subsidies under the Industry Skills
Fund program.
1 http://asqa.gov.au/verve/_resources/Fact_sheet_Choosing_a_training_or_education_provider.pdf
For more information on Glass Skills Australia, visit www.glassskills.com.au or phone 1800 886 269.
Autumn 2016 Windows Magazine 9