Sam Toasts Qualification Success with National Windscreens

Sam Heather, a vehicle glass technician at the St Austell branch of National Windscreens at Holmbush Industrial Estate, St Austell, Cornwall, is celebrating achieving his GQA QCF NVQ Level 2 in automotive glazing through the company-wide training and assessment scheme.

Sam, seen here receiving his GQA Qualification certificate from National Windscreens Regional Operations Manager Steve Perring, has been with the company three years and is among a group of engineers who are benefiting from the staff training scheme which covers the company’s 35 branches in the South and West regions.

Sam, 23, is a talented sketch artist who lives in Bodmin with partner Amy and son Noah, and says his most unusual task recently was reglazing a crane 40ft above the ground.

GQA’s QCF qualifications help staff further their careers and maintain the high quality assurance standards which award-winning National Windscreens offers its customers.

National Windscreens Regional Operations Manager Steve Perring said: “We would like to congratulate Sam on the success which he achieved through his own hard work and commitment.”

GQA External Verifier/Technical Officer Sean Hayes said “It is always good to see qualifications used to develop and recognise individuals and I would like to add my congratulations to Sam".

Derby College Assessors add H&S to their repertoire

Andy Carrington and Dave Naylor of the GQA Approved Centre, Derby College, recently added to their already extensive list of skills with the achievement of the NEBOSH Level 4 Certificate in Environmental Management and Sustainability.

Andy told GQA "the course was very intensive and covered all areas of pollution from land, air and water pollution, we also went into great detail on how we manage the removal of Nox and Sox within industry. We were taught how to carry out environmental risk assessment and how to apply current law and legislation.” With the 2 candidates being assessed through a combination of a written 2 hour examination and a workplace audit, achievement was not straightforward.

Andy added “The benefits are substantial with the impact that the Green Deal will have on our industry, and the inclusion of sustainability within our assessments”.

Congratulations to Andy and Dave from all at GQA.

If the learner can’t come to the classroom...

All Assessors will have come across the situation where they and the student have had to make do with a far from ideal environment to carry out assessment activities. Although most Employers are more than happy to provide suitable facilities sometimes logistics and operational issues make this a challenge. Balancing a portfolio and the relevant assessment paperwork on a reel of paper or trying to carry out a Professional Discussion in a corner of a canteen are issues that have to be managed and overcome. Additionally the practicalities of getting students into a College or other Training Centre can be a logistical nightmare particularly where Apprentices are involved as many are not able to drive.

 Jon Bray from Learn2print covers the whole of the UK in offering Print qualifications and has a novel solution to this-he has invested in a specially adapted vehicle that can be used as a classroom or quiet place for carrying out Professional Discussions in a relaxed environment. The sign written vehicle allows Jon the flexibility to visit students on site and also helps Jon keep his costs down by reducing outlay on meeting rooms and overnight accommodation when seeing students in some distant parts of the UK.

Jon said “In the current climate anything that can give us the opportunity to deliver qualifications in a cost effective manner and cause minimum disruption to the Employer has to be investigated and this has proved a benefit for Learn2print and the addition of Learn2print and GQA logos is a great form of advertising. “ 

GQA Technical Officer and External Verifier Sean Hayes said “Jon’s initiative in overcoming the issues that can arise when delivering training and qualifications on site is to be applauded. When Jon asked if he could display the GQA logo on the vehicle it took all of 2 seconds to agree - keep a look out for the big green Q  travelling around the country!”

To find out more about Learn2print visit their website www.learn2print.com

GQA Welcomes B&J as First Construction Training Centre

After the launch of their construction qualifications, GQA Qualifications Ltd welcome their first construction training provider, B&J Assessment Services LLP.

B&J are a private training provider based in Kent offering a range of qualifications and tailored training for the construction industry.  Sandra Baker, B&J Centre Co-ordinator said “Our sister centre, IVS, have delivered GQA’s well respected glass qualifications for years and highly recommend working with GQA, so it was a natural progression”.

GQA Construction related qualifications were approved from the 1^st of October 2012 and cover occupations such as Painting and Decorating, Plastering, Wood and Trowel occupations and Site Supervision. These qualifications are all work based qualifications, which help to prove the competence of construction workers.  Gaining a GQA qualification can lead to an industry competence cards such as the CSCS card and the GQA Q-Card -the holder of a Q Card can clearly prove that they have skills and competence to carry out their job to a nationally recognised standard.  Mick Clayton said “Whilst we are known for our expertise in glass, centres have been requesting that we offer construction related qualifications for some time, so that they can continue to benefit from the same level of advice, support and guidance across a wider range of qualifications”.

B&J will start to offer the range of construction qualifications in November and are keen to introduce them to the construction companies who they work closely with.  B&J don’t need to advertise their training, which is testament to the good rapport they have built with their construction customers over the years.

What are Minimum Technical Competencies?

Required by Competent Person Scheme Operators and also detailed within PAS2030: 2012 'Improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings.  Specification of installation process, process management and services provision', the Minimum Technical Competencies were developed by representatives of Competent Person Schemes and membership bodies operating within the fenestration sector in conjunction with GQA, Proskills and the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

 

This group used the existing National Occupational Standard (NOS) and GQA developed QCF qualifications to devise appropriate minimum requirements for installers and surveyors involved in the installation of windows and external doors.

 

GQA Qualifications meet the requirements of the MTCs and holding a Q-Card is the beginning of the journey in terms of updating and recognition of ongoing skill and competence.

 

For more information on the MTCs contact GQA on 01142 720033 / info@gqaqualifications.com, or alternatively speak to your Competent Person Scheme Operator.

 

The MTCs are available from : http://www.gqaqualifications.com/competence-cards/
 

The FIT Show - Master Fitter Challenge 2013

The Ultimate test for Window, Door and Conservatory Installers has been launched to be held at the FIT Show exhibition in 2013.

 

The FIT Show, to be held at the Telford International Centre on the 16th – 18th April 2013 is about the people in the front line – those that sell, make and fit windows, doors and conservatories. And in the ultimate test of the skills, commitment and sheer pride of Britain’s installers, The FIT Show is introducing The MASTER FITTER CHALLENGE, managed by GQA Qualifications and in association with FENSA, with cash prizes totalling £10,000!

 

Entrants will go through a series of tough examinations carried out by the GQA team, with 8 finalists chosen to compete in a series of LIVE installation challenges on a specially constructed pavilion at The FIT Show next April.

 

Do you have a candidate or a client that would fit the bill? Do you have a potential Master Fitter working with you right now?

 

For further information visit: http://www.fitshow.co.uk/news/the-fit-show-master-fitter-challenge-10000-in-cash-prizes-the-ultimate-test-for-window-door-and-conservatory-installers/2012/11/

 

To enter the Master Fitter Challenge visit: www.fitshow.co.uk/master-fitter-challenge

 

If you would like to discuss the Master Fitter Challenge further then please contact Sean Hayes at GQA 01142 720033 / sean@gqaqualifications.com.