Minimum Technical Competency, for those that don't know, is a
new set of requirements that the DCLG have introduced in an attempt to improve
both the installations facet of our industry as well as surveying. I'll refer
to these from now on as MTC's as it's a bit much to write!
There has long been talk within our industry at the lack of
quality installers. In fact it has been one of our biggest frustrations and its
what has contributed to the negative perception our industry has created for
itself with the general public. But the MTC's that have been introduced have
come as part of the overall Competent Persons Scheme with the aim to teach new
window and door installers to do the best and correct job from the outset. As
well as new installers, experienced installers will also be required to meet
the new requirements.
This is something we did ourselves as a company. We're not a
huge business by any stretch of the imagination, but we are lucky enough to
have installers who are already qualified joiners and take a great deal of
pride and time in their work. When we were made aware of these impending
changes and MTC's, we were highly motivated to make sure our own fitters
benefited from the new requirements and achieve a qualification to meet the
MTCs. Time for a bit of detail...
The NVQ for installation comes in level 2 and level 3
qualifications and is very thorough. It requires the fitter to know more than
just how to fit a window and door properly. For installers to achieve the
qualification, they have to know how to adopt a safe system of work and know
their own responsibilities on site. They also have to know the relevant
building regulations that apply to that job, something which most only see
sales people and surveyors needing to know. It does cover the simple stuff like
knowing how much of a material that particular job requires, how to prep a
window or door for installation, accurately check the window is the correct
size for the opening, know which type of sealant is best for that job, know how
to repair and maintain a window and door and so on. This is probably the most
detailed standard for installation I have come across. The NVQ qualification
for surveying is equally as detailed. Both qualifications were developed by GQA
Qualifications Ltd who are the specialist body for window and door
qualifications and they are the body that issues the certificates for fitters
once they have passed. Specifically for surveying, to obtain an NVQ Level 3, a
surveyor must understand fully how the relevant buildings regulations apply to
that particular job, know what type of window and door is suitable for that
job, keep a correct record of the right information needed for that job, know
what – if any – additional products are required for that job and spot any
potential problems with the job that has been sold.
All those points above may seem simple and straightforward,
but these MTC's exist because there is a significant proportion of installers
and surveyors that don't follow that information above, hence problems further
down the chain. As a company, we were keen to be able to say to potential
customers that our installations staff were qualified to the highest possible
standard. Peace of mind is a valuable commodity in this sector, and that is
something we wanted to give to our clients.
Our own experience was through the qualifications delivered
by The Fenestration College, who are approved by GQA and speaking from the
perspective of the company, we found the process with our staff pretty much
straightforward. Inspections on site were planned well in advance so that our
fitting schedules weren't negatively affected. Our fitters weren't made to feel
under pressure. The staff we dealt with were great and we were very proud to
give our fitters their certificates once they passed and I think they were
quite pleased with themselves too!
Speaking from a personal vantage, I knew that there were
other ways for our fitters to meet the MTCs,however, when I considered that
working with The Fenestration College would meet the MTCs and give our fitters
nationally recognised qualifications, I chose the GQA route . Given how easy
the process was and the high quality of the qualifications themselves, I
wouldn't hesitate in recommending them to others who are looking at how to meet
the MTCs.
There is also the wider picture to consider here. Minimum
Technical Competency schemes are now a requirement for members of the Competent
Person Schemes. The fenestration sector has been highly unregulated in some
areas and quite frankly I'm shocked at how long it has taken to bring out a
Government backed scheme and now we have the MTC's for our current and new
fitters. At some point, every fitter and every surveyor, new and existing is
going to have to qualify in their field of work. Yes it may require some of
your sterling and time to do so. But put your stereotypical money thoughts
aside and consider the wider implications for the industry. If our sector in a
few years-time can go to the consumer and proudly say that every fitter is
qualified to fit their new windows and doors to a level 2 and 3 standard, then
surely that can only do good things for our image?
I have written previously on my blog about such schemes and
the feedback left by commenters has generally been positive. I really do hope
that MTC's and GQA's qualifications (NVQs) are embraced by our industry before
they become a standard regulation.
Double Glazing Blogger can be found at www.doubleglazingblogger.com
