GQA Helps ALUK Achieve Training Accreditation
A great example of the way that GQA’s ‘Accredited Training’ service operates is work done recently with AluK, specialists in the design and testing of aluminium products for the fenestration industry.
When AluK wished to achieve third party accreditation for its training courses the company turned to this specialist service from the fenestration industry’s leading awarding and qualifications writing organisation.
GQA’s Accredited Training service is aimed at employers in the industry who want to have their in-house training endorsed by GQA Qualifications and gives them the opportunity to deliver training that focuses on candidates’ particular needs specific to their role with the employer.
Darren Burford, Training Manager of the ‘AluK Academy’ explains:
“The AluK Academy presents workshops in fabrication, installation, product awareness and the use of the company’s design system called ‘Logikal’. GQA has provided third party accreditation for the workshops and our training days. The organisation offers a professional service, providing invaluable guidance and support, especially in the development of our training programmes. I would say GQA is a real advocate for the aluminium industry. Its auditing process ensures that all of our courses are consistent, and GQA has helped us get to where we are today as a GQA Accredited Training Centre.
“The fact that the organisation offers recognised qualifications and is one of the few bodies specialising in the fenestration industry made this a good fit for us. The whole process of working with GQA, right from the outset, was a true partnership.”
Commenting on its Accredited Training service, GQA’s EQA/Technical Officer, Martin Sadler says:
“Using our Accredited Training service means that employers can develop their own training to suit their employees or their customers’ needs with the GQA stamp of approval to show the quality of the training delivered. The GQA-branded certificate we offer is an important tool and highlights the third party endorsement we bring. We can also help to develop specific courses in the consultation phase of our collaboration.”
In addition to its Accredited Training service, GQA also offers a ‘Bespoke Qualification’ service. Together, the two specialist services are helping the fenestration industry to develop training solutions tailored to the specific needs of employers and their staff. The two initiatives mean that employers can create and accredit in-house developed training courses and learning programmes in addition to utilising existing qualifications.
GQA’s Bespoke Qualification service is aimed at employers who wish to be able to offer those staff and customers undertaking very specific roles the opportunity to work towards gaining a qualification where one does not already exist. The service is perfect for niche specialist areas, which do not lend themselves to meeting the required content of a standard regulated qualification. GQA has close to 200 qualifications covering a broad variety of sectors. The fenestration industry, just like any other, needs training solutions tailored to its specific needs. The organisation’s services are helping to facilitate this, and are contributing to raising standards and assisting in shaping careers.
More information on GQA and its accredited training and qualifications service is available at www.gqaqualifications.com.
Darren Burford
