Total Glass Ltd, based in Liverpool, are celebrating the success of its 31 employees who achieved their GQA level 2 NVQ certificate in the Fabrication of Glass Supporting Structures (QCF) in partnership with Absolute Training Solutions Ltd. Representing nearly 17% of the 185-strong workforce, it’s one of the biggest-ever groups to have gained workplace qualifications in one year at the award-winning uPVC and aluminium fabricator.
Total Group Managing Director Frank Deary, pictured presenting the certificates to some of the employees, praised their success saying: “As part of our serious commitment to staff training, we encourage all our employees to participate in skills programmes that lead to industry-recognised qualifications. Their hard work and dedication is a credit to themselves and the company.”
Michael Hurst, HSEQ Manager at Total Glass, explained that two-thirds of the NVQ group were new employees, mostly with previous window industry experience with several having also joined after leaving the Armed Forces.
Michael Hurst, HSEQ Manager at Total Glass, explained that two-thirds of the NVQ group were new employees, mostly with previous window industry experience with several having also joined after leaving the Armed Forces.
“All, including our existing employees, have shown a strong interest in pursuing these qualifications. Investing in training helps us to stay ahead of the competition through more motivated staff as well as increased productivity and efficiency,” he added.
Mike Smith (NVQ Assessor at Absolute Training Solutions Ltd and pictured presenting the certificates to Total Glass Ltd) stated “Total Glass Ltd are an ideal Employer as their commitment to training and to the GQA QCF qualifications has made them a pleasure to work with”. Mike continued “I have known Total Glass for around 2 years and their commitment to staff development has been exceptional. They truly value the impact the GQA qualifications can have on their workforce and the benefits they bring. A special mention must go to Diane Newton as she was the ideal candidate and I am very pleased she achieved her full Apprenticeship in the fabrication department’’
Mike Smith (NVQ Assessor at Absolute Training Solutions Ltd and pictured presenting the certificates to Total Glass Ltd) stated “Total Glass Ltd are an ideal Employer as their commitment to training and to the GQA QCF qualifications has made them a pleasure to work with”. Mike continued “I have known Total Glass for around 2 years and their commitment to staff development has been exceptional. They truly value the impact the GQA qualifications can have on their workforce and the benefits they bring. A special mention must go to Diane Newton as she was the ideal candidate and I am very pleased she achieved her full Apprenticeship in the fabrication department’’
However, this success would not have happened if it wasn’t for two GQA Approved Centres working together. Due to the collapse of Absolute Training Solutions’ funding provider, over 100 Learners (including the 31 employees at Total Glass Ltd) were unable to continue with their GQA qualifications until a new SFA registered provider took over the existing contract. Luckily for the candidates, The Vocational College (who are very experienced in taking over SFA contracts from troubled providers) and Absolute Training Solutions Ltd (who were the main subcontractor to the collapsed provider) were able to work together to ensure that all candidates had the opportunity to continue assessment and go on to achieve their qualifications.
Sean Monaghan, Director at Absolute Training Solutions Ltd, spoke of the uncertainty surrounding the collapsed training provider but was full of praise of the partnership with The Vocational College. Sean stated ‘This was a huge story in the local press in Liverpool at the time. There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the continuation of the GQA qualifications for a lot of candidates and there was a danger of them not completing at all. However, through the hard work of the staff at The Vocational College and Absolute Training Solutions Ltd, companies like Total Glass Ltd are able to celebrate this success and further develop their commitment to staff training.’
