GQA Welcome Back Familiar Face

GQA are delighted to welcome back Martin Sadler to the Technical Team here at GQA.

 

Martin was part of the EV team with GQA prior to leaving to take up a full-time position in the public sector around 3 and half years ago. Whilst moving out of the glass and related industries, Martin’s new role saw him continue in accreditation and qualifications, looking after the quality of training delivery, records and associated course documentation, and trainer development

 

Martin, who was also previously Training Manager at Building Envelope specialists, Schueco, has over 25 years of experience in training, development and assessment as a trainer, training manager, assessor, internal verifier and external verifier and joins us in the position of Technical Officer and External Quality Advisor (EQA). He joins the existing team on supporting and advising the GQA network on delivery of our qualifications to a high standard.  This will involve Martin taking on responsibility for external quality assurance of a number of Approved Centres, primarily in the South of England. Martin will also be heavily involved in the development of supporting material for centres, including putting together a series of CPD events for centres which will help them with both assessment and internal verification and also with industry and technical knowledge.

 

On his appointment, Martin said, “It’s great to be back under the #BigGreenQ banner, with the opportunity to get back into the fenestration and construction industries that I have spent most of my working life. Having been involved for over 25 years in training on a range of subjects from health and safety to solar panel installation and from effective assessment practices to building regulations, I will be able to pull on this experience to be able to help centres to develop by putting on CPD events in these areas.  I am looking to put together some really interesting sessions, some of which will be live events, some will be webinars and also developing resources to help centres where necessary”

 

Sean Hayes GQA Technical Manager said” I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with Martin again, he will bring a fresh pair of eyes to the business and his skillset will complement that of others within the team. After a couple of weeks’ relatively gentle reintroduction we have some projects in mind for Martin to get his teeth into”

 

GQA CEO, Mick Clayton, said of the Martin’s appointment, “I’m really pleased that we had the opportunity to bring Martin back into the team, he has a wealth of experience in our core industries, and he has remained a believer in what we are trying to achieve here at GQA. He will undoubtedly add to the skills and experience we already have within the Technical Team and I look forward to him beginning work with our network of centres”

 

Final Workshop confirmed for GQA Approved Centre Conference

GQA are delighted to announce that Dave Mechem of BBA will join the line-up in Milton Keynes at this years Approved Centre Conference on the 26^th of November 2015 to share his knowledge regarding MTC’s and Building Inspections.

Dave Mechem, is the Inspection Manager for Fenestration and manages a team of inspectors for the BBA. Dave started in the window industry as the sole fabricator in his father’s small family business, before moving into fitting, then servicing, finally surveying working on domestic and small to medium housing contacts for local authorities. He started with the BBA at the start of FENSA in 2002 where he was one of the first FENSA inspectors – covering the North London area for approximately six months before moving to the south west of England, becoming the Inspection manager in 2008.

With MTCs being approved by DCLG in 2012 and mandated for Competent Person Scheme members in 2014, the role of assessor has become more prominent as we look to recognise and improve the skills and knowledge within the domestic sector. With inspections being common place within the industry for some time now, with homeowners seeking to gain their completion certificates, this topical workshop will discuss Building Regulation Compliance and MTCs, highlighting the role of an inspector in both disciplines, with Dave offering his thoughts on the process.

If you haven’t yet booked your place, What are you waiting for?  Book your place by contacting Emma Barnsley on Tel: 0114 2720033 or simply email emma@gqaqualifications.com 

Don’t be left wondering what you missed out on this November!

GQA welcome South Lanarkshire College to the line up for this years Conference

GQA are delighted to announce that South Lanarkshire College will join the line-up at the Approved Centre Conference in Milton Keynes on the 26^th of November 2015 to share their approach to delivering Apprenticeships.

“Apprenticeship Delivery – South Lanarkshire College Style”

South Lanarkshire College’s Faculty of Construction is one of the largest training providers in Scotland and is considered a flagship centre of excellence. Since gaining approval as a GQA Centre in 2010, the College has consistently delivered an excellent 2 year Apprenticeship in Glazing.

The workshop will be delivered by George Pendlebury who will explain their approach to Apprenticeships, a blend of on the job and off the job learning. The College’s practical glass workshop is unique among Colleges in the UK and George will explain how their links with employers, manufacturers and suppliers have helped in creating a superb practical training environment, making this workshop a great opportunity to share best practice.

George Pendlebury has been delivering the Level 2 Glazing SVQ to Apprentices for South Lanarkshire College for the last 5 years. He has worked in the Construction Industry for 39 years, mainly as a Joiner / Glazier with small companies and also some of the best known larger companies fitting Conservatories, and Double Glazed windows and doors. George also spent some time self-employed, and has worked on shop fronts for Industrial units and carried out Curtain Walling.

As well as delivering training in the purpose built workshop at the College and on site assessment and training , the Students and George have been involved in the Maintenance of the College building, glazing windows and doors as required and carrying out glass related  work for various Departments within the College, including cutting glass and mirrors for Leisure classes.

To show an example of ongoing CPD George has recently gained new experience through attending Stained Glass and Glass Fusing Classes.

If you haven’t yet booked your place, What are you waiting for?  Book your place by contacting Emma Barnsley on Tel: 0114 2720033 or simply email emma@gqaqualifications.com  Don’t be left wondering what you missed out on this November!

GQA Conference 2015 - 4th Workshop Confirmed

GQA are delighted to welcome Neil Hartis MBE of CITB to the Workshop delivery line-up for our Approved Centre Conference to be held at the impressive Schueco Network Centre on the 26th of November 2015.

“Trailblazers-the route from conception to completion and delivery”

Neil Joined CITB after 30 years’ service in the Royal Air Force Regiment in 2000, and worked for the construction Awarding Body as the Responsible Officer for competence assurance and introduced awareness seminars for all assessors and verifiers. The forming of the Sector Skills Council (SSC) brought a change of role, with Neil now responsible for the apprenticeship frameworks for Construction across the UK including the management of completion certificates using Apprenticeship Certification England (ACE), Apprenticeship Certification Wales (ACW) and MA Online 2 (Scotland). Going forward Neil is taking on the challenge of Trailblazer for Apprenticeships.

This workshop will present the Government’s Trailblazer initiative for Apprenticeships, with Neil being involved in the Trailblazer scheme from it’s very early days he will give an explanation of the process that has to be followed to turn the idea into reality. This includes information on the important part that Employers have to play, and update on what Trailblazers are approved and in development, the delivery methods and an indication of the funding mechanisms”

If you haven’t yet booked your place, What are you waiting for?  Book your place by contacting Emma Barnsley on Tel: 0114 2720033 or simply email emma@gqaqualifications.com  Don’t be left wondering what you missed out on this November!

GQA Welcome back a Familiar Face to this years Conference

GQA are delighted to welcome back Kevin Smyth to the line-up for our 4th Approved Centre Conference to be held at the Schueco Network Centre, Milton Keynes on the 26th of November 2015.

Assessment: Keep it simple, make it effective

Kevin will deliver a workshop delving into the world of assessment: offering thoughts and stimulating discussion on how to be an effective assessor using an effective assessment cycle. 

Kevin has worked in the construction manufacturing sector for over 30 years and been involved in steel fabrication, facades and aluminium systems both as an employee and employer.  Qualified 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, in addition to running his own business, is a GQA Assessor and Internal Verifier and part time lecturer at Belfast Metropolitan College.

If you haven’t yet booked your place, What are you waiting for?  Book your place by contacting Emma Barnsley on Tel: 0114 2720033 or simply email emma@gqaqualifications.com  Don’t be left wondering what you missed out on this November!

Workshops added to the line-up at this year’s GQA Conference

GQA are delighted to confirm further workshops that will be available to delegates at the GQA Conference, to be held at Schueco’s impressive Network Centre in Milton Keynes on 26^th November.

I’ve already got my NVQ, What’s Next?

A GQA qualification is for life, but legislation and customer demands have seen the need for proof of current competence. GQA introduced its first qualification specifically developed as a means of meeting these requirements without going through the “traditional” portfolio building assessment process, in 2011, the GQA Level 3 Award for Continued Competence in Automotive Glazing.  The workshop will give delegates an overview of the success a GQA Employer Centre has had with this as a robust, cost effective way of proving competence. The MTC scheme brings the need for updating proof of competence to the Fenestration Industry and the workshop will explain GQA Competency Update qualifications for Installers, Surveyors and those who carry out both roles. This is a great opportunity to hear about a solution for Industry and how to deliver it.

This workshop will be delivered by Denis Reed of National Windscreens and our very own Sean Hayes

Denis has been working in the automotive glazing industry for over twenty years with Mobile Windscreens Ltd (part of National Windscreens) where he is currently the Compliance Manager. He heads up a small audit team looking after stock control, health & safety and product development as well as induction, training and assessments.  He first became involved with Automotive Glazing NVQs back in 1996 and has been active in this field ever since. Many of you may recognise Denis from previous GQA Conferences, he was the recipient of the GQA Best Practice in Internal Verification award in 2011.

Sean Hayes, Technical Manager for GQA has worked in the Glass Industry since leaving school and joined GQA in 2009. Many of you will know Sean as the EQA for your Centre; others may know him from his work in qualification development, CPD events, previous GQA Conferences or the MTC scheme.  Automotive Glazing has played a big part in Sean’s career so he was particularly pleased to come up with the concept of the competency update qualification for that industry, and building on from this, Sean has been instrumental in the development of the suite of Competency update qualifications.

If you haven’t yet booked your place, What are you waiting for?  Book your place by contacting Emma Barnsley on Tel: 0114 2720033 or simply email emma@gqaqualifications.com  Don’t be left wondering what you missed out on this November!

GQA Conference 2015 – 1st Workshop Confirmed

The GQA Conference, held at Schueco’s impressive Network Centre in Milton Keynes on the 26th November 2015, will give attendees the opportunity to attend workshops, discussing topics relevant to our qualifications.  GQA are delighted to confirm the first of 6 workshops available to approved centres:

Asbestos Update

The Government and the HSE have issued regulations to protect workers from the threat posed by asbestos. These regulations include a statutory requirement to provide awareness training for all at risk employees. In this workshop Steve Shutler will explain the content of the required training and other important legal provisions, providing details of recent prosecutions of companies who failed to provide asbestos awareness training or inadvertently disturbing asbestos without taking the necessary precautions.

Steve Shutler is a Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner and a Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner. He has worked in asbestos consultancy for the past 30 years during which time he has served as a governing councillor for the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) and is an examiner for The Certificate of Competence in Asbestos awarded by The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS).

If you haven’t yet booked your place, What are you waiting for?  Book your place by contacting Emma Barnsley on Tel: 0114 2720033 or simply email emma@gqaqualifications.com  Don’t be left wondering what you missed out on this November!

Further partners announced at the GQA Approved Centre Conference

Have you booked your place yet? 26th November 2015 at The Schueco Network Centre, Milton Keynes

GQA are delighted to announce two further partners at this years Approved Centre Conference.  The Independent Ratings Company and My Trade TV have been added to the agenda.  They will be available throughout the day, including the workshop sessions, giving Approved Centres opportunities to discuss their business and potential working relationships.

The Independent Ratings Company

The Independent Ratings Company (www.theindependentratingscompany.co.uk) collects customer feedback and comments from across all sectors of industry.  It is working alongside GQA to find out how those who undertake learning through their Approved Centres feel about the process and the importance of GQA qualifications and MTC’s to them in their day to day jobs. 

Gathering and understanding customer feedback is a key driver for improving business performance and supporting customer retention.

The Independent Ratings Company will be showcasing their findings from the work they have done with GQA and will be inviting centres to explore how obtaining feedback for their individual operations can help to drive further improvements and success.

My Trade TV

My Trade TV (www.mytrade.tv) are the official video contractors for the 2015 GQA Conference.  In addition to filming the event they will be interviewing delegates throughout the day to ask about their relationship with GQA as well as getting their views on the conference itself.

My Trade TV produces video from first concept to completion and this includes the showcasing of  products, training and educational material.

Don’t be left wondering what you missed out on this November ‘Book Your Place Now’ by contacting Emma at GQA Qualifications – emma@gqaqualifications.com or 01142 720033

Have you booked your place yet? 26th November 2015 at The Schueco Network Centre, Milton Keynes

The date of the GQA Approved Centre Conference is fast approaching and GQA will be releasing information on both Conference Partners and Workshop speakers over the next couple of weeks.

GQA are delighted to announce that Chase Taylor Installer Resourcing and Multi Point Locksmiths will be attending the Conference in a partner capacity and will be available throughout the day, including the workshop sessions, to discuss their business and potential opportunities for working together with our Approved Centres.

Chase Taylor Installer Resourcing

Chase Taylor Installer Resourcing (http://www.chasetaylor.co.uk/) is a partner to GQA offering potential employment opportunity for surveyors and installers with GQA qualifications and MTC’s.

Working alongside key industry names CTIR specialises in placing installers into contracts or full employment with clients looking for resources across a number of sectors – with a particular emphasis on the Fenestration and Construction industries.

Their partnership with GQA extends to all of its Approved Centres and they will be attending the conference to discuss what they can offer and to give centres the opportunity to sign up to be part of the process.

MPL Locksmith Training

MPL has recently entered into partnership to provide GQA Accredited training for locksmiths who want to add formal recognition to their skills development.

Operating from a bespoke training school (http://www.mpl-locksmith-training.co.uk/) which caters for a national intake, MPL train would-be and time-served locksmiths in the latest techniques for gaining entry into every type of locking device.  

In partnership with GQA they are now offering formal training to those who want industry recognised learning in addition to core skills to their trade.

MPL will be available to the conference to discuss their offering with any Approved Centre wanting more information.

Contact details are available for both the above companies if you wish to contact for more information prior to the conference.

Don’t be left wondering what you missed out on this November ‘Book Your Place Now’ by contacting Emma at GQA Qualifications – emma@gqaqualifications.com.

GQA Vehicle Stickers

GQA are pleased to announce the arrival of the new GQA Vehicle Stickers. 

The GQA MTC vehicle stickers for MTC Compliance are for individuals who have achieved Fenestration and / or Surveying qualifications or have achieved MTC Compliance with a GQA Approved Centre. We also have alternative vehicle stickers that include the Be Better Qualified stickers for achievers of all other GQA qualifications.

We intend to send these stickers out to centres with all certificates; if you would like to discuss distribution or if you require further stocks please do not hesitate to contact Emma on 0114 272 0033 / marketing@gqaqualifications.com

Are GQA Centres really getting the most out of GQA On-line?

It just hit me – like a truck – Are our Centres really getting the most out of GQA On-line?

Confused with certain areas?  Want to save time? Want to know the benefits of using GQA On-line?

Q.  What is GQA On-line?

This web-based system was built for our GQA Centres to access live information on their centre activities.  It is the only method of registering, certificating and administering candidates.

Our GQA On-line system went live in May 2013; there are guidance notes available but are you really getting the most out of our on-line system?

There continues to be changes to the system as we continuously look to improve functionality of the system (and implement the required changes for fenestration MTC) but the basic premise will remain the same.

Over the next few months I will be targeting certain areas to show you how to access a variety of functions and to show you just how you can get the most out of our system. 

If there is a certain part of the system that you would like me to deal with first then please do let me know; similarly please don’t hesitate to get in touch with myself or Jodie if you would like individual help on the system.

Amanda Fearnehough, GQA Systems Supervisior

Work wanted for experienced GQA people!

Every so often we receive requests from our centres who are looking to add to their teams. We know it is not an easy task sourcing qualified assessors who understand our industries and our qualifications; there’s not many with the right knowledge and experience out there, and those that fit the bill tend to already be working within one of our Approved Centres.

 

There is the option of ‘growing your own’, those with the right experience and people approach, that you can work with to achieve their assessor qualifications, but this does take time. We do get contacted from time-to-time by people who are looking for other / additional opportunities to work within GQA related sectors, and as always, we try to put these people in touch with our centres who have told us that they are looking for additional resource.

 

We currently have info on a couple of individuals with extensive experience of working with GQA qualifications who are looking for opportunities – please do get in touch with us if you are looking to add experience to your team.

GQA Apprentices Recognised with Axia Solutions

On March 4th 2014, GQA Apprentice Josh Sheldon was awarded the 2014 Staffordshire Apprentice of the Year Award at a Ceremony at the Staffordshire Fire Brigade Headquarters near Stone, Staffordshire.

 

Josh is an Apprentice at Tungate Labels Ltd., Cheadle, Staffordshire and is working towards the GQA Level 3 Apprenticeship in Digital Pre-Press with Axia Solutions Limited, an Ofsted Grade 1 training provider, based in Stoke on Trent.  His assessor, Henryk Szor, said, “I nominated Josh for this award because of his enthusiasm and the way in which he embraced the introduction of new technology in the platemaking room”. Tungate’s print-runs can be in the millions, which often causes excessive plate wear before a print-run is complete and can result in very expensive machine down-time. His manager Phil Johnson, said, “Josh’s diligence and ability to learn new techniques, such as plate baking to increase the hardness of the surface, has resulted in a reduction of plate ‘re-makes’ by up to 50%”.

 

This is the second year in a row that one of Henryk’s GQA Apprentices has won the coveted Staffordshire Apprentice of the Year Award. Last year, Amy Ann Birchall of Personalised Gifts, Hanley, was presented with the 2013 Apprentice of the Year Award at a Ceremony at the Kings Hall, Stoke-on-Trent.

 

Henryk commented, “Amy’s contribution to the development of the Company’s design department, her ability to create new ranges and her flair for promoting products at trade shows, such as the Spring Fair, made her an ideal nominee for the award”.

 

Henryk is now looking for ‘three in a row’, and already has a number of excellent GQA Apprentices he hopes to nominate for the 2015 Staffordshire Apprentice of the Year Award.

Allan Murray: in Memoriam

It has been a sombre and sad end to 2013 and start of 2014 with the news of the sudden and shock passing of Allan Murray on the 23rd December. Family, friends and colleagues said a final farewell on the 8th January in a private ceremony in Warrington, the town of his birth.

 

Allan was instrumental in setting up Glass Qualifications Authority within the then Glass NTO, Glass Training Limited, eventually overseeing the official split from the parent organisation in 2001, and running the Awarding Body as Chief Executive until his retirement in 2010. Allan continued to contribute to GQA beyond his retirement, first as a contracted External Verifier and then additionally as a Director of the Board.

 

Allan was very well respected, not only by his friends and colleagues at GQA, but also by Approved Centres and those within the wider realms of the glass and related industries and the Awarding Body community. Many of you will have a connection with Allan, whether directly as one of the centres he was EV for, or indirectly through his work in the early development of standards and qualifications or through his development of Glass Qualifications Authority as the glass industry’s specialist Awarding Body; and I am sure you will have had the benefit and influence of Allan’s experience, knowledge and fervour for learning.

 

Our thoughts are with Allan’s family and friends at this time, his presence within and around GQA will be sorely missed.

 

Please do get in touch with us with your thoughts and comments on Allan as we will be putting together an online remembrance book that I am sure will highlight the breadth of Allan’s influence and the regard in which he was held.

AMCOR step forward for qualifications

AMCOR Flexibles, based in Evesham, have recently committed to developing more than 25 staff with a formally recognised qualification programme.

Anna-Marie Al-Khayat, AMCOR’s HR Officer, and Jon Bray, Education Director of the GQA Approved Centre, Learn2print, one of the country’s leading print training providers, have developed a training programme that will be recognised nationally through the use of GQA qualifications.

The AMCOR programme will begin with 25 printers working on both Level 2 and Level 3 QCF qualifications provided by GQA, with a plan to extend further qualifications to those in print finishing.

The programme is being delivered by qualified Learn2print staff and is designed to meet company operational needs. Jon welcomed AMCOR’s decision to invest in their staff and as the photo demonstrates, the candidates have encompassed this great opportunity.

Payment Changes for English Apprenticeship Certificates

Applications for English Apprenticeship Certificates will be made to a central point from the end of September, instead of to one of 25 certification bodies.

The Federation for Industry Sector Skills and Standards is the certifying authority for Apprenticeships in England and hosts Apprenticeship Certificates England, to whom applications for certificates and payments will be made with effect from 30 September. The assessment of applications will continue to be carried out within ten days.

The change will generate greater consistency in terms of how applications and payments are received, providing a ‘one-stop-shop’ for individual applicants, employers, training providers and colleges.

Payment rates will not change but will normally be made with the application, although some of the larger training providers will be able to purchase ‘credits’ in advance to simplify their own processes.

The change follows a period of consultation with the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills and the National Apprenticeship Service, as well as with employers, training providers and colleges.

The Federation is piloting credit card and BACS payment systems in the early summer and welcomes training organisations and employers who would be interested in participating.

The original article can be found at http://www.mps-academy.co.uk/news/changes-in-payment-for-english-apprenticeship-certificates For more information please contact The National Skills Academy for Materials, Production & Supply/Proskills on 01235 432030 or info@mps-academy.co.uk

First Print Industry Level 4 Qualification Candidates

Manchester College School of Printing is the first Centre to register candidates on the GQA Level 4 Diploma in Print Leadership. Eight candidates, including Production Managers and some of the Shift Leaders at Mediaco in Manchester have been inducted onto the qualification and are aiming to complete the qualification within the next 12 months. 

Mediaco are the leading Manchester based out of home advertising agency, specialising in roadside media. They have built a strong working relationship with the assessment team at Manchester College, and the company sees the qualification as an ideal opportunity to allow its employees to develop and progress.

Simon Hirst, Manchester College School of Printing’s Programme Team Leader said” We have been looking for the ideal company and candidates to trial the qualification and Mediaco have certainly taken the opportunity. As to be expected of a Level 4 qualification the content is challenging to the candidates and the assessment team. The initial  feedback is very positive and although it is still early days we see there are possibilities in delivering one or more of the units for those who may not have the opportunity or desire to complete the whole qualification”

The Assessor for the candidates, Jeremy Ogden, has been developing the support and assessment materials for the last few months and has now begun delivery.  Jeremy said “We feel the Level 4 Print Leadership qualification is ideally suited to those who wish to progress beyond a Level 3 qualification because it is specific to the Print Industry. The flexibility the qualification structure gives makes it available to a wide range of candidates”

The candidates were equally enthusiastic about the qualification and the links with Manchester College; Shift Leader Ian Lewis said” I feel this qualification will improve my prospects for promotion and future proof my employability”, with Outdoor Production Manager Richard Barnes adding “The broad range of this level 4 qualification and the unfailing support of Manchester College has helped the supervisory members of the production team to acquire the necessary skills and confidence to progress to a level expected of a first line manager at Mediaco”

GQA External Verifier for the Centre, Sean Hayes said “I am delighted to see the first candidates registered and know how hard Simon and his team has worked on getting the programme mapped out for the qualification. I look forward to seeing the candidate’s progress over the coming months”

For more information on the GQA Level 4 Diploma in Print Leadership visit www.GQAqualifications.com, contact the GQA Office on 01142 720033 / info@gqaqualifications.com or contact GQA External Verifier Sean Hayes on 07884433626

GQA and Print Centres

As part of GQA’s continued commitment to work with Approved Centres, we recently held the first group meeting of Centres delivering Print qualifications. The meeting was hosted by GQA Technical Officer and EV Sean Hayes and took place at More Training in Stoke on Trent. Although not all GQA Approved Print Centres were able to attend, partly due to weather conditions and the needs of students and deadlines, those that did attend found the meeting informative and interesting. The meeting gave Centres a chance, as a group, to discuss the current suite of Print qualifications developed by GQA and also consider other areas of the Print Industry who may not be entirely suited to those currently available. The group were on the whole very happy with the qualifications with just a couple of suggestions that will be considered further.

Other agenda items included discussions on beneficial changes to Centres on costs and registration options, recent guidance given to Awarding Organisations on qualifications, forthcoming events including Northprint and the GQA Conference. Of particular interest was the demonstration Sean gave on the GQA e-portfolio system that is available at no extra cost to GQA Centres.

The Centres present at the meeting were able to leave commercial aspects of delivery outside of the discussions and happy to exchange ideas to overcome differences in interpretation of the standards and also share thoughts on assessment methodology and material without giving away anything of a sensitive nature. Richard Moore gave the group an update on the changes and future focus for Proskills.

Sean said “I was delighted the Centres took time out of busy schedules to take part in the meeting, however this did not really surprise me as my experiences with the Print Industry have shown me a real passion to deliver quality. The Centres were generally very happy with the Print qualifications but there were still some matters that generated interesting discussions, it was refreshing to see Centres actively working together to find solutions and clarity where there was any need”

The meeting was seen by all as a positive move and one that all are keen to see become a regular occurrence. Philip Owens from More Training said “GQA has always been very keen to build good working relationships with Centres and the move to get Centres talking and sharing best practice is a very welcome one, we and our students particularly like the flexibility the GQA Technical Certificate delivery allows”

Simon Hirst from Manchester College School of Printing said “We have looked at the GQA e-portfolio system and are using it as a pilot with a small number of students so the demonstration by Sean was useful and timely, we are currently delivering a good range of Print qualifications through GQA and find them supportive and willing to work with us”

Pete Shaw from BPIF said “We are delivering a number of qualifications through GQA, the qualification Standards Book provided is excellent and the e-portfolio is certainly something we will be discussing further within BPIF”

Plans are being put in place to hold meetings twice a year as a minimum.   This is just part of GQAs plans to work closely with Centres and follows a similar initiative Sean organised for Centres delivering Automotive Glazing qualifications and accredited training. Watch out for plans to introduce these types of meetings across other sectors using GQA qualifications.

GQA Centres - Free Workshop - Green Deal

Have you heard about The Green Deal but don’t really understand what it is and the potential benefits to Assessment Centres and Industry?

GQA are holding a seminar to give you the facts and help you understand how your business can benefit from The Green Deal. This interactive event is being run by Neil Whitfield who has over 38 years experience in the Construction Industry and has been working with GQA Qualifications for many years.

The event will focus on:

What is Green Deal?
What are the financial aspects of Green Deal?
How is Green Deal likely to work in practice?

The event will take place at GQA's Sheffield office on January 29th and is available to you FREE OF CHARGE as a GQA Approved Centre and, as we expect demand to be high, early booking is recommended.

You can reserve up to 3 spaces for your Centre by e-mail to emma@gqaqualifications.com or by calling 01142 720033

Girl Power at More Training with GQA Qualifications

Amy-Ann Burchall - Aged 19

Employer: Personalized Gifts Hanley

Amy-Ann is working towards her level 3 GQA apprenticeship in Digital Pre-Press.  Although Amy had already completed a National Diploma in Art and Design, she was keen to join an apprenticeship scheme, knowing that this would add value to her National Diploma, and help develop and underpin her role at work

Sophie Duran - Aged 17

Employer: CPL Print Limited Derby

Sophie is working towards her Level 2 GQA qualification in Digital Pre-Press, she works as part of a busy design studio designing a wide variety of jobs for print.  She is also encouraged to expand her role and outputs work on CPL's state of the art digital press and digital plate-makers.

Katie King - Aged 20

NM Creations, Peterborough

Katie is working towards her level 3 GQA qualification in Digital Pre-Press.  She works as part of a small team producing a wide variety of digital format work, from print and signage to web page design.  Katie's role is constantly developing at work and Nick Thulbourn, her manager, is encouraging Katie to visit and liaise with customers as well as getting involved in production using their variable data digital press and print finishing equipment.

Kate Froberg - Aged 18

E Venture Print Limited Mansfield

Kate is working towards her level 3 GQA qualification in Digital Pre-Press.  Kate is E Venture's newest recruit and is really enjoying her role there.  When she was made redundant from her previous job, Kate wasted no time in ringing around printers and designers in the Mansfield area looking for work.  When Mark Ingham of EVenture interviewed Kate he was immediately struck by her enthusiasm for the industry and shortly after taking her on, enrolled her with the GQA Approved Centre, MoreTraining, on the Digital Pre-Press apprenticeship.