BUILDING OUR SKILLS LAUNCHES PRACTICAL TRAINING PROGRAMME

Building Our Skills has announced the launch of a practical training programme in line with its twin aims of bringing more new people into the fenestration industry and upskilling existing industry employees in order to raise standards and support career development.The new programme includes an introduction to the principles and practicalities of window and door installation; guidance on how to adhere to the relevant Building Regulations; and optionally a health and safety qualification leading to the provision of a CSCS card.Other courses offered include working at height, materials handling and asbestos removal.The new training programme is to be delivered initially via Building Our Skills' Sheffield academy and then will be rolled out to a network of centres throughout the country delivering consistent content.In the light of findings from a recent YouGov survey commissioned by GQA Qualifications, the introduction of the new training programme is very timely. The survey results reveal a clear desire for more vocational training opportunities amongst parents with school-age children.Commenting on the programme development, John Ogilvie, Director of Building Our Skills said:"This is a great step forward for the industry. The new programme, coupled with our plans for a nationwide network of practical training centres demonstrates our commitment to raising standards in fenestration. In addition, it is good to know that we have the backing of parents who, as revealed by the YouGov survey, agree that vocational training, careers and/or vocational qualifications can be beneficial to young people as an alternative path to going to university. Clearly the new programme also represents a great ongoing learning opportunity for existing industry employees who can use it as part of their Continuing Professional Development. It's gratifying that we are able to offer training to support industry employees to do their jobs to the highest standards."Additions to the new training programme are expected soon in the form of training for surveyors, Tilt 'n' Turn maintenance, advanced installation techniques and curtain wall installation.More information on Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration a Career of Choice - is available at www.buildingourskills.co.uk.