Secure your place at the GQA Conference 2013

GQA centres need to be quick to secure their place for this year's GQA Conference, with limited places left. The conference will be once again held at the impressive Schuco International Centre in Milton Keynes.

The 2013 conference will provide GQA Centres with the opportunity to network with the GQA team and rub shoulders with other GQA Centres from all corners of the UK. The 2013 Conference promises to offer GQA Centres:

• Up to date information from key speakers on issues which affect centres
• Opportunity to work through issues in the many workshops available throughout the day
• One to One consultation with GQA team members at the 'Centre Surgery'
• A chance to post a question on the 'GQA Sounding Wall', where everyone gets their questions answered and concerns addressed.
• A seat at the GQA Awards Ceremony, and a chance for winners to step up to receive their award 

Mick Clayton, Chief Executive Officer at GQA said, "We enjoy getting together with our centres and delivering information and support, which can make a difference to their business. Our Centres are our primary focus and this is one of the ways we can give something back to them and help them with any issues they may have." Delegates / Centres who have attended the GQA Conference in the past, have come away happy:

"Very good conference, well organised and excellent venue. Good presentations and interesting speakers." - Jemma Carmody, Everest. 

"Very good venue, first class, enjoyed all speakers." - Simon Saffin (Solagas)

          "Very good, will help me to focus on areas within my own Centre” – Schueco

          "Rewarding and informative, will use information gained in my job role”- NLTG

          "Interesting and informative, will definitely use the knowledge gained today”- Tony Green
       

View key speakers

See programme of events.

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GQA Conference 2013 - Key Speakers and Workshops

The GQA Conference on the 21st of November, will see four key speakers providing their insights and current information for delegates on a range of training topics. Here are the speakers and the topics they will be delivering at the conference.

 

Key Speaker

 

'Apprenticeship Initiatives – Future changes to Apprenticeships'

James Ayling – The National Apprenticeship Service

James joined the National Apprenticeship Service upon its launch in 2009, and is now the Head of Employer Accounts in the Central Eastern Area of England.

He has worked in post-16 learning sector for over 25 years. His work has involved him in; development and implementation of some of the earliest educational software for special needs students during the 1980’s; community engagement and lifelong learning in the most deprived areas of London during the 1990’s; and since 2001, working in the Essex for the Learning & Skills Council leading the funding and development of F.E.Colleges and work based learning training providers. In his present role he has responsibility for increasing the number and range of Apprenticeship places offered by large employers by leading a team of business engagement advisers working across the East of England, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire. .

As an advocate of Apprenticeships for the last 20 years, James has seen first hand how many businesses have benefited from employing apprentices and how the skills gained from an Apprenticeship can make a real impact on the lives of young people.

 

Workshops

 

'MTCs for Domestic Window and Door Replacement'

Austin Greene - Network Veka

Austin Greene’s career in the window industry started in the late Eighties with a HND in Building Studies, and has seen him experience a variety of roles in fabrication, installation and quality assurance before joining Veka in 2008 as Technical Services Manager. In 2012, Austin moved across to Network Veka to assist with the establishing of the Assure competent person scheme. Austin will be running a workshop at the GQA Conference, discussing the link between GQA qualifications and minimum technical competencies for domestic window and door replacement.

'Making Health and Safety work for your business!'

Declan Moore – Glass & Glazing Federation

Declan is a passionate Health & Safety professional, who joined the glass industry in 2005 as the National Safety Manager for the Glass Industry. He was the driving force behind the development of the “GLASS Charter”, which is the industries proactive health and safety management system and is now utilised in many locations around the world.

'Assessment: Purpose, value, responsibility of the assessor and assessment styles.'

Kevin Smyth - Principal of Project Management Training a training partner with R T Resources and  industry clients.

Kevin has 30 years experience in the construction manufacturing sector involved in steel fabrication, facades and aluminium systems both as an employee and employer. Kevin has qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Building and Queens University, Belfast. He is a member of the Institute of Directors and Institute of Occupational health and safety. And he is also a part time lecturer in Health and Safety at Belfast Metropolitan College.

'Why it is Necessary for all Installers to Understand the Building Regulations?'

Andy Carrington - GQA Qualifications

Andy has worked with glass for 30 years and has worked in most areas connected with this industry. Some of the work Andy has been involved with includes; glass cutting, glass processing, glazing maintenance, replacement window sector and contract management. For the last 11 years Andy has worked for Derby College as a teacher/trainer and now joins GQA has an external

verifier.

 

General Surgery

An opportunity to speak with GQA and Associates on topics including:
 - E-portfolio and GQA online
 - Innovative Marketing
 - MTC / CPS Competent Person Scheme
 - General Qualification Development and Implementation

See the Conference Programme for time slots.

Secure your place at GQA conference 2013

GQA Conference 2013 - Programme of Events

					GQA Conference 21st November 2013  Programme
	Start		Finish				Time Allocated
	9.00am		9.50am		Registration & Refreshments		50mins
	10.00am		10.10am		GQA Welcome / Introduction delivered by Mick Clayton		10mins
	10.10am		10.50am		Workshop Choice 1		40mins
					1) Andy Carrington
					2) Declan Moore
					3) Austin Greene
					4) Kevin Smyth
					5) General Surgery
	10.50am		11.20am		Refreshments & Networking		30mins
	11.20am		12.00am		Workshop Choice 2		40mins
					1) Andy Carrington
					2) Declan Moore
					3) Austin Greene
					4) Kevin Smyth
					5) General Surgery
	12.00am		1.00pm		Lunch / Refreshments/Networking		60mins
	1.00pm		1.20pm		James Ayling (NAS) - 'Apprenticeship Initiatives – Future changes to Apprenticeships'		20mins
	1.20pm		2.00pm		Workshop Choice 3		40mins
					1) Andy Carrington
					2) Declan Moore
					3) Austin Greene
					4) Kevin Smyth
					5) General Surgery
	2.00pm		2.30pm		Refreshments & Networking		30mins
	2.30pm		3.00pm		GQA Centre Awards – Presented by Mike Morris and Mick Clayton		30mins
	3.00pm		3.15pm		GQA Closing Address		15mins

Secure your place at GQA conference 2013

GQA Receives Certificate of Achievement for Health and Safety

GQA’s move into the new offices at 12 O’clock Court coincided with our annual Health and Safety review, and to add further to the timeliness I had just completed my IOSH Managing Safely course. One of the reasons for taking the course was to give me a greater understanding of the processes involved with a full Health and Safety review of a business operation, as I had taken over this responsibility for GQA, where in previous years this responsibility had been dealt with externally.   Until the move into our new office we were in rented premises, so the wider aspects of Health and Safety other than our immediate work area were the responsibility of the building owners.

Working with Peninsula Business Services we carried out a full review of all aspects of Health and Safety, writing new risk assessments and updating policies, processes and procedures to ensure we stayed compliant with legislation and had a safe working environment. The review saw us introduce a number of practices that as explained previously, had not been our responsibility, these included fire alarm testing and drills, checks on safety lighting etc. and a robust system to record information on visitors and sub-contractors coming on site.

It was very encouraging to receive information that GQA had been nominated for an award for its approach to Health and Safety and even better news when we received the Certificate of Achievement for commitment to workplace Health, Safety and Welfare. This is now proudly displayed in the GQA Office.

Sean Hayes, GQA

Unique Window Systems – 15 achieve Fabrication of Glass Supporting Structures Level 2

Unique Window Systems, based in Leicester, prides itself on their heavy investment into the latest technically advanced manufacturing of PVC-U windows and doors, together with the training and development of it’s employees.  Their facility in Leicester boasts an impressive array of fenestration machinery and a skilled workforce of 80 employees.  Chetan Lakhani the Quality Manager at Unique Windows recognised the need to put their employees through the qualification process, and after a considerable amount of research, chose to do GQA Qualifications through GQA centre Dianne Smith Associates. Chetan said, “I was searching the web for ways to get the staff qualified and I came across Dianne Smith Associates offering GQA Qualifications, and with the tremendous help of Dianne, Unique Window Systems can now sell our products stating we have a qualified workforce, which has made a huge difference”. 

The 15 workers at Unique Window Systems have successfully completed their GQA Level 2 Certificate in Fabrication of Glass Supporting Structures in June 2013 under the guidance of Dianne Smith Associates. 

Dianne Smith Associates based in Nottingham have been a GQA centre since 2004, they are a training provider who specialise in the Glazing industry. Chetan continues to say “The whole qualifications process with Dianne Smith was excellent, the guidance the staff received from Dianne Conroy was fantastic, in fact, I would go so far as to say, faultless.  The qualifications are well written and easy to follow.  I would like to thank both Dianne Smith and GQA for making the whole process an enjoyable one”. 

Unique Window Systems are one the many companies who have benefited from GQA’s work based qualifications.  When asked “what are the future plans for the company with regards to qualifications” Chetan stated “I have personally gone through both level 2 and 3 qualifications with Dianne Smith and it is a consideration for staff that show potential in the future to progress onto level 3”.  

To find your nearest GQA Training Provider go to www.gqaqualifications.com/approvedcentres 

Network Training Services Candidate Jason Hole wins VQ Learner of the Year Award

“his training has benefitted Windowbuild as a company and shows how apprenticeships as a whole are invaluable in the current climate”

Jason Hole was registered with Network Training Services on GQA Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Fabrication of Glass Supporting Structures in 2011.  Jason, a fabricator at Windowbuild in Cardiff, completed the qualification framework in April 2012. Jason’s assessor, Steve Kaged, of Network Training Services nominated Mr Hole for the VQ learner of the year award after being impressed by his commitment to and progress through the qualification process. Steve said: “It was a massive step for Jason to complete this qualification as his literacy skills were very limited and I am very proud that the first letter Jason wrote was about the framework we (Network Training) provided” Jason said: “I completed my course in April of this year and because Steve and I were always doing something it is now strange being off the course! I suppose I am missing learning, I would like to thank Steve and Network for all their help during my course”.

The VQ Learner of the Year Award recognises leaners who clearly demonstrate progression and excellence in vocational studies and finalists are selected using a set selection criteria.  After all nominations were considered Jason was named as Learner of the Year 2012 for Wales.  Jason achieved this recognition for the content of his portfolio and his continued improvement to his learning skills.  Jason received a framed certificate and a cheque for £100 presented to him by his employer who stated: “We are delighted that Jason Hole has been commended for work produced during his N.V.Q apprenticeship and how his training has benefitted Windowbuild as a company; this reinforces the message of how apprenticeships as a whole are invaluable in the current climate.  Jason is a tremendous asset to the company”.

Network Training Services based in Port Talbot, have been a GQA Centre for over 10 years, providing Vocational training for the Glass Industry within Wales.

GQA Qualifications have a wide range of work based qualifications for the glass and glazing industry: wwww.gqaqualifications.com/qualifications/

Use the following link to find your nearest training provider: www.gqaqualifications.com/approved-centres/

D&A Architectural - 41 Pass Curtain Wall Installation Level 2

D&A Architectural, based in London, are involved with all types of structural glazing throughout the UK and carry out assessment of their employees to spot potential for career progression and recommendations for further training. Senior Project Manager of D&A, Catalin Bostan said, “We have regular rotations of workers who come to us on a temporary contract. Each employee is assessed and put forward for GQA Qualifications if they show potential”. D&A are committed to qualifying the workforce with GQA glazing qualifications at Level 2 and above.

Recently, 41 employees at D&A Architectural have proven their potential and successfully completed their GQA Curtain Wall Installation Level 2. Catalin continues to say, “We have worked well with GQA Qualifications over the years to help strengthen and progress our workforce and will continue to do so in the future. We have already signed candidates up to continue to Level 3”. Catalin himself is GQA Qualified to Level 3 and is currently undergoing a Level 4 qualification through IVS Training and Assessment based in Stockport.

IVS Training and Assessment are a Glass and Construction Training Provider and have been a GQA Approved Centre since 2005. Nick O' Brien, Assessor at IVS said, ”We have worked closely with Catalin over the years. He has been invaluable for coordinating the development and recognition of D&A employees”

D&A Architectural are just one of the many companies who have benefited from GQA's work based fenestration qualifications. The company already have plans in place to register around a hundred more employees to undertake GQA qualifications through IVS Training and Assessment. To find your nearest GQA Training Provider go to www.gqaqualifications.com/approvedcentres

South Lanarkshire Apprentice Glaziers visit to Pilkington’s St Helens Glass production Plants

A recent visit to Pilkington’s, St Helens by staff and apprentices of South Lanarkshire College, was facilitated by Helen Thompson of Pilkington’s who provided hospitality and access to staff members for the students to ask any questions they had. All the Pilkington’s staff were really friendly and gave the students their attention and time.

The apprentices were able to see for themselves the production of glass including rolled glass production at Watson Street and all the processes and a tour of Cowley Hill which took in the float glass production line and the new, state-of-the-art coatings processing line.

George Pendlebury, assessor and lecturer at South Lanarkshire College said “I would really like to thank Helen and her team for today’s tour. It was really beneficial for the apprentices to see how the material they will be using on a daily basis is manufactured from start to finish and it was very interesting to see the state-of-the-art technology of the coatings line also”.

Apprentice Liam Fullerton said “I didn’t realise the effort that went into glass production. It was great to see how what we are taught in theory lessons is put into practice. When I told the men back at my firm I was coming here to Pilkington’s they were really jealous”

Phil Douglas GQA EV said “Today has been a very successful visit thanks to Helen and all the staff at Pilkington’s who have been first class in giving up their time to talk and explain the glass production processes to the glazing apprentices. Also special thanks should go to George and his team who gave up their time to bring the lads all the way from Glasgow to St Helens for the trip. The thing that stood out for me was the apprentices were all very keen and proud of the chosen trades and used the occasion to their advantage and they are a credit to the College and to their respective employers.”

Recognising 25 Years' Service for GQA Employee

“From 4 glass related qualifications to now having more than 80 over 4 different sectors shows just how GQA has changed”.

Caroline Kershaw this year celebrates 25 years’ service to the glass industry with first GTL and subsequently, GQA, and additionally celebrates 10 years in her current position as GQA Office Manager.

Caroline joined GTL in September 1986 on a YTS scheme to carry out administration duties, she was offered a full time position within GTL on the 1^st April 1988.  She progressed from administration into finance and then onto be the commercial manager for GTL.

When GTL and GQA split in 2001, and GQA became a separate incorporated organisation, Caroline divided her time between both companies in a financial capacity.  Caroline eventually joined GQA full time in 2002 as financial controller taking up her present role as Office Manager in 2003.

Caroline has seen GQA go from strength to strength and has seen a great deal of changes in her 25 years in the industry, she said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with both GTL and GQA and have worked with some lovely people - it’s like having an extended family.    When you look at us having just 4 glass related qualifications to now having more than 80 over 4 different sectors, it shows just how GQA has changed”.

GQA CEO, Mick Clayton said “25 working years is a great landmark for anyone, but to serve that term in the Glass Industry involved in training, development and qualifications with continuing service with GTL and GQA is to be lauded.” Mick continued “Caroline understands GQA, understands what our centres and the industry wants and has played her part in GQAs success over the years. She is to be congratulated on this landmark”

GQA Receives Certificate of Achievement for Health and Safety

GQA’s move into the new offices at 12 O’clock Court coincided with our annual Health and Safety review, and to add further to the timeliness I had just completed my IOSH Managing Safely course. One of the reasons for taking the course was to give me a greater understanding of the processes involved with a full Health and Safety review of a business operation, as I had taken over this responsibility for GQA, where in previous years this responsibility had been dealt with externally.   Until the move into our new office we were in rented premises, so the wider aspects of Health and Safety other than our immediate work area were the responsibility of the building owners.

Working with Peninsula Business Services we carried out a full review of all aspects of Health and Safety, writing new risk assessments and updating policies, processes and procedures to ensure we stayed compliant with legislation and had a safe working environment. The review saw us introduce a number of practices that as explained previously, had not been our responsibility, these included fire alarm testing and drills, checks on safety lighting etc. and a robust system to record information on visitors and sub-contractors coming on site.

It was very encouraging to receive information that GQA had been nominated for an award for its approach to Health and Safety and even better news when we were received the Certificate of Achievement for commitment to workplace Health, Safety and Welfare. This is now proudly displayed in the GQA Office.