IVS Training & Assessment LTD, created in 2004 by Mike White and Stephen Maguire, have added GQA’s Automotive Glazing and Windscreen Repair QCF Qualifications to their remit, adding to their already extensive GQA qualifications offer and becoming the only Training Provider (i.e. non-employer centre) in the UK to offer the GQA developed QCF qualifications.
In March 2011, IVS made the decision to branch into the Automotive Glazing sector and brought Ty Priestman into their team. Ty, formally of Auto Windscreens Training School, joined the team bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience gained over 13 years in the Automotive Glazing industry in a variety of roles. Ty is a qualified A1 Assessor, licensed by GQA to deliver and assess a range of Automotive Glazing qualifications, including NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Automotive Glazing and Level 2 NVQ in Windscreen Repair.
IVS have quickly developed an excellent reputation for delivery of Automotive Glazing qualifications and Ty has been working with a large number of Technicians, some are sole traders, others are from larger organisations and Ty has been able to tailor his delivery and assessment visits to minimize any disruption to the productivity and need to meet the demands of the customer.
Ty said “At first, leaving such a big company like AW was a shock to the system as I have always been used to working for very large corporate companies however, as the months progress I am really appreciating the smaller more personal business approach. The other thing you quickly notice is that there are a lot of people out there who want to progress and obtain recognition for what they do on a day to day basis.
My two most memorable candidates since working for IVS were a guy called Paul Ralhan from Glasstec Automotive and Ian Sprigg from GT Glass. Paul owns a windscreen replacement business in the East Barnet area of London and first approached me through his forum The Automotive Glaziers Guild which is set up for the Independent windscreen sector, it is well worth a look at www.tagg.lefora.com.” Ty added “It was great to see a guy with so much enthusiasm and professional pride in every aspect of not only his own business but also in trying to promote working practices to his peers. I assessed Paul for his GQA NVQ Level 2 in Automotive Glazing and have to say he really impressed me with his skill and commitment to delivering the best possible experience for his customers”.
Paul, pictured below right working on a windscreen replacement, said “It was an absolute pleasure to be assessed by Ty; he clearly has a lot of knowledge of Automotive Glazing and a really friendly but professional approach to assessing”.
Ian Sprigg owns GT Glass, a Windscreen Repair business in the Lincoln area, which not only involves him repairing windscreens, but he also markets a range of Glass Technology repair kits for which he offers free training.
Ian is pictured above left, carrying out a windscreen repair, Ian said “When IVS approached me I was delighted that I could get a formal qualification assessed against nationally agreed standards and have to say I found Ty, the whole team from IVS and GQA extremely knowledgeable and supportive and would encourage anyone in this industry to speak to them about getting qualified”
Ty said “The level of enthusiasm shown by Ian and his genuine passion for repairs is unrivaled by anyone I have ever met, and of course his skill and knowledge along with his great personal and communication skills has made Ian a success, the recognition he now has with his GQA Level 2 NVQ in Windscreen Repair is thoroughly deserved. “
NOTE: IVS are in the fortunate position of having funding available for NVQs and Apprenticeships in Automotive Glazing, they can be contacted on 0161 477 7667 if you would like more information.
