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Kawneer
Launches New CPD Seminar Presentation
Kawneer,
the manufacturer of architectural aluminium systems, has launched a
new CPD seminar presentation, entitled Aluminium Windows, Sustainability
and Specification to complement the existing Curtain Wall Classification,
Design and Testing CPD. Both CPDs have been successfully assessed to
conform to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) strict best
practice guidelines for CPD training.
The
Aluminium Windows, Sustainability and Specification seminar covers all
aspects of aluminium, including its production and life cycle. The seminar
also enables architects to understand the specification options for
aluminium windows and the associated testing and performance criteria.
The Curtain Wall Classification, Design and Testing seminar focuses
on the principles of weather tightness, the different classifications
of curtain wall and also offers an overview of current curtain wall
testing regimes.
Offering a comprehensive guide to an extensive range of aluminium architectural
systems, the seminars are invaluable sources of information and advice
for specifiers, offering participants two hours of CPD, with certificates
issued at the end of each seminar. Both CPD seminars can be arranged
within your workplace by contacting Kawneer via the company website
at http://www.kawneer.co.uk.
Dave Tanner, Training manager for Kawneer comments: 'CPD is about maintaining
professionalism and competence. It is also about enhancing career development,
business and sense of personal satisfaction. It ensures that specifiers
keep up-to-date with a rapidly changing profession, something Kawneer
is dedicated to supporting.'
'This is a positive step by Kawneer to develop its overall communications
strategy,' comments Sean Butler, Sales and Marketing Director of the
company. 'Recognition of our new seminars by the RIBA demonstrates the
value of the presentation.'
K2
Invests in Employee Training
K2
has been continuing to invest heavily into the on-going personal and
professional development of its staff.
Individuals
from the operations departments of both K2 Conservatory Roof Systems
and K2 Glass have enjoyed the opportunity to undergo NVQ Level 2 and
Modern Apprenticeship training. Both programmes result in a nationally
recognised qualification that helps to bolster the skills portfolios
of the employees concerned.
The NVQ in particular has proved highly popular. Designed specifically
for workers involved in producing fabricated products such as roofing,
conservatories and glazing systems, it leads to qualifications in the
'Production of Glass Supporting Fabrications' and 'Glass Processing'.
In order to pass, employees have to demonstrate a good understanding
of health and safety procedures, the ability to operate specialist equipment,
competence in the preparation and handling of materials, and skills
in a range of other fabrication processes. Their expertise and knowledge
in each area is evaluated by independent training assessors TEST (The
Essential Support Team), who visit K2's sites on a regular basis to
observe candidates at work and to conduct one-on-one reviews.
Speaking of the NVQ and Modern Apprenticeship programmes, K2's Operations
Director, Carl Grainger said: ‘These training initiatives demonstrate
the strength of K2's commitment to its staff and represent a real win-win
situation for all involved.
‘Our team now have the opportunity to gain qualifications of genuine
value that can help them further their own careers, while at the same
time, the business benefits from an increasingly skilled workforce.
Together it's a potent combination that can't help but contribute to
our future success.’
Eurocell
Staff Give Thumbs Up for NVQs
A
pilot NVQ programme introduced by Eurocell
for its extrusion staff has proved a real success - so much so that
the company is now looking to add another 90 candidates from areas like
Warehousing, Material Mixing and Goods Inward.
Of the 31 candidates who gained their NVQ Level 2 in Polymer Processing
and Related Operations, most had completed their course well ahead of
time.
‘This
demonstrates the knowledge, expertise and ability of Eurocell's Extrusion
Staff,’ said Staff Development Manager John Batten. ‘All the
candidates gained a wider understanding of the raw materials we use
to produce our PVC-u profiles and a better knowledge of the way the
extruder performs and processes.’
Polymer Internal Verifier Bob Potter and Assessor Rod Howard both paid
tribute to the enthusiasm and expertise displayed by Eurocell staff
involved in the first NVQ programme.
‘Everyone worked extremely hard. Our assessors were turning up
and finding there was almost too much work to assess!’ said Bob.
‘The lads had obviously already received all the help and encouragement
they needed from Eurocell's Staff Development Officer John Batten.’
‘The level of work put in was far in excess of what we have come
to expect,’ said Rod Howard. ‘Bob and I usually have to push
candidates to meet targets on time, but there was plenty of progress
here each time we came to do an assessment.’
He added: ‘The company has a good commitment to its employees and
this is obviously reciprocated.’
The following staff members were presented with their certificates by
Eurocell's Managing Director, David Leng: Paul Evans, Martin Forsythe,
Gareth Miles, Julian Palfreyman, David Mitchell, Desmond Lee, Stuart
Aston, Matt Cawar, James Miles, David Stone, Mark Shaw, Paul Renshaw,
Simon Sharpe, Leon Murphy, Alex Shipley, Lee Yoemans, Mark Shelton,
Marty Pearce, Ed Brown, Robert Nightingale, Richard Martin, Lloyd Jevons,
Earl Broughton, Dean Welch, Corrie Ford, Darren Martin, Danny Eaglesfield,
Philip Stapleton, Lee Pedroncelli, Kim Smith, Stephen Robinson, Ashilove
John and Tim Atherton.
Web: http://www.eurocell.co.uk
Proskills Sponsors BPIF Parliamentary Event
Key speakers at the House of Commons meeting, held on 16 November and sponsored by Proskills, the Sector Skills Council for five key process industry sectors - Coatings, Extractives, Glass, Building Products and Print - included Gerry Sutcliffe MP, Minister for Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs, Tony Burke, Assistant Secretary General of Amicus, Michael Johnson, BPIF Chief Executive and Terry Watts, Proskills CEO.
Over 150 MPs, Peers and representatives from industry organisations heard industry leaders challenge the government to deliver on its promises to improve training. Terry Watts, Proskills CEO, explained, 'by working with Proskills to identify necessary skills, employers are pushing at an open door: I've never encountered a training funding body that doesn't want to do the best job it can.'
He urged employers to get involved and seize the opportunities Proskills offers to work with Government and develop the skills that UK business so urgently needs.
Gerry Sutcliffe MP, told the meeting how much he owed to his five years in the printing industry, saying that the experience had been invaluable on his road to becoming a minister - he did not, however, elucidate on which particular skills had been the most beneficial!
Tony Burke, Assistant Secretary General of Amicus, and Michael Johnson, BPIF Chief Executive, both called upon the Government to support their joint efforts, with Michael Johnson concluding; 'We need to engage with Proskills. We need to engage with Government. We need to engage with each other to ensure that the training that we are getting in this industry is the best that it can be.'
http://www.proskills.co.uk
New
CPD Presentation from Securistyle Opens up new Possibilities
Window
hardware manufacturer, Securistyle Ltd,
has developed a CPD certified presentation specifically aimed at specifiers
and architects in the commercial sector.
The presentation covers the use of window hardware solutions in large-scale
commercial buildings with regards to creating pleasant and productive
working environments for occupants, as well as provision for smoke egress.
Securistyle says that it has been creating operational solutions for
some of the world's most prestigious buildings for many years.
Nigel Thompson, sales director at Securistyle says: 'It is often the
case that where large expansions of glass is used in a building‚s
design, architects are not keen to risk ruining the reflectivity of
the façade by specifying opening windows. However this often
has environmental implications, which must be addressed. Securistyle
hardware offers the solution.'
Covering how the correct hardware can solve environmental issues, maintain
a building‚s aesthetics, and provide provision for ventilation
and smoke egress, the presentation also provides details of Securistyle‚s
commercial hinge range, which includes parallel, top hung, bottom hung
and louver.
Presentations last just over half an hour, are given free of change
on your company's own premises and are CPD certified under the auspice
of the RIBA.
For more information on arranging a free seminar contact Maria Fatica
at Securistyle on 01242 221200.
In
line with its Investors in People accreditation, KAT
UK - the UK supplier of in-line patio doors and vertical
sliding sash windows - has enrolled 12 factory fabricators on the glass
supporting industries level two NVQ qualification.
The investment represents KAT UK's commitment to its customer base and
to continuous improvement in line with British Standards and the British
Board of Agrément requirements. It ensures that KAT UK customers
will receive first class service and high quality, fit for purpose products.
The qualifications are being studied at St Christopher's Learning Centre,
Derby College in Glossop where each KAT UK employee will be assessed
against industry best practice. The employees will be tested in October
for their qualification.
Manufacturing manager at KAT UK, David Morgan said: ‘It's our intention
to eventually enrol all of our fabrication workforce for this qualification
to further ensure quality of workmanship.’
Tel: 01625 412558
Email: sales@katuk.co.uk
Web: http://www.katuk.co.uk
Freefoam
Provides CPD Training Seminars
Freefoam
Plastics,
a specialist in lead-free environmentally friendly PVC roofline and
rainwater systems, is approved by the Royal Institute of British Architects
(RIBA) to provide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to architects,
specifiers and other professionals in the construction industry. Attendance
at CPD seminars is an industry-wide practice for leading professionals
striving to maintain professionalism and enhance their knowledge within
specified areas.
Entitled 'Design and Installation Considerations for the use of PVC-UE
for Roofline and Cladding', the Freefoam seminar takes approximately
45 minutes and covers key points in specifying cellular foam boards
for fascia, soffit and cladding for new build and refurbishment projects.
RIBA promotes Freefoam's CPD seminar through editorial in its RIBA Journal
and other trade press, on the RIBA website and intranet, through its
assessed material list, and through its annual CPD directory and direct
mailings.
If you are interested in receiving the above CPD seminar, contact Freefoam
on 01604 759871 or email marketing@freefoam.com
or cpd@feefoam.com.
Web: http://www.freefoam.com
Advantage
Employees Gain NVQ Success
Five
members of Advantage Windows and Conservatories
Ltd's staff have successfully passed their NVQ's - level
2, in the Production of Glass Supporting Fabrication.
All five employees work in either the window fabrication factories or
the roof division - located in three sites on the Poynton Industrial
Estate. They are: Mark Reedy, Paul Simkins, Andrew Robertson, Anthony
Cresswell and Keith Gaskell.
NVQ's (National Vocational Qualifications) recognise standards which
clearly describe what is expected in various occupations. They provide
a pre-determined framework of skills that are used to measure an employee's
competence in their chosen occupation and also identify any gaps in
these skills which must be filled to ensure full competency.
From
left to right: Glenn Fern, Operations Director, presenting Tony Cresswell,
Paul Simkins, Keith Gaskell, and Andy Robertson with their NVQ certificates
The
training and assessment was work-based and took place over a six month
period. It involved continual assessment through observation and questioning
and the gathering of supporting evidence.Advantage Windows and Conservatories
is one of Cheshire's largest trade fabricators. It employs over 170
staff and is committed to a programme of continual training and improvement.
Human Resources Manager, Cath Salt, is responsible for staff welfare
and training. She says: ‘we actively encourage all our staff to
gain new qualifications and improve their skills. A well trained and
motivated workforce is vital in keeping Advantage one step ahead in
today's competitive environment.’
Tel: 02625 856488
New
CPD-Approved Seminar Reveals Latest Legislation for Window Hardware
Specification
UK window hardware manufacturer, Securistyle, has updated its CPD-approved construction services seminar, aimed at architects and specifiers in social housing and new build to include the latest changes to British Standards and legislation in relation to the performance of window hardware.
The
free seminar, 'Safe and Secure Ironmongery for Windows'. has recently
been RIBA accredited. It addresses all of the important issues highlighted
in previous seminars as well as introducing new topic areas. Topics
include how to create a safe window, addressing the issues of security
against unwanted intrusion, complying with the fire and emergency egress
standards, specifying products which offer the lowest whole life costs
and dealing with common problems associated with performance as a result
of corrosion.
The seminar, which can be held at architects‚ practices or within
the offices of specifiers, reveals the most cost effective way to draw
up a good window specification.
National specification team manager for Securistyle, Ken Evans comments,
'The specifier will have a better understanding of drafting a specification
to meet the latest legislation for compliance to safety, security, emergency
egress, corrosion resistance and best value, after attending one of
these incredibly valuable information-based seminars.'
Also available to accompany the CPD seminar is a complete literature
pack, a best practice guide to specifying window hardware and a Window
Ironmongery Considerations wall chart.
For more information on arranging a free seminar contact Maria Fatica
at Securistyle on 01242 221200.
BFRC Simulator Status Attained
Eurocell Design Draughtsmen, Philip Parry and Paul Turner recently attained 'simulator status' from the British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC).
Simulator status is achieved after submitting numerous computer generated thermal simulations, all within a specified tolerance.
The thermal efficiency of window related products has become a major issue in recent years, and it is important for Eurocell to remain at the forefront of any developments in technology that can assist the efficient design of new products.
The BFRC rating is in essence very similar to the rating system you find on many household electrical items, where the item is rated from A-G depending on its energy efficiency. This advance will allow Eurocell to design and develop more thermally efficient products.
Tel: 01773 842395
Email: mailto:david.wigley@eurocell.co.uk
Glass Training Ltd News 80
The Glass Industry Training Board will next meet on the 2nd of November in the West Midlands at Pilkington, Kings Norton. The chairman Malcolm Berresford Dutton intends to discuss the strategy for GTL for the next three years. GTL will concentrate on being a membership organisation and provide a range of free and fee-paying services to member companies to help them enhance their workforce development. GTL will continue to develop its regional identity.
Changes to Regional Business Support
Transfer of responsibility for the Business Links networks have passed from the Small Business Service to the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). See GTL website for full list of RDAs in England http://www.glass-training.co.uk
Glass Industry Apprenticeships
The Glass Industry Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship Frameworks were approved by the LSC on 3rd March 2005. For more information please visit http://www.glass-training.co.uk/apprenticeships/index1.htm
Glass Mark Quality
The glass mark is making steady progress as a measure of a firm’s ability to be a quality company in the round both people, innovation and systems.
Skillset – Sector Skills Council for audio-visual industries
Skillset has been awarded the powers to raise a statutory levy on its employers in the audio-visual industries. ‘We need your help to increase the membership of the Glass Industry Training Board so we can continue to control any intervention from the Government to charge employers a compulsory levy. As you know we have a minimum subscription of £7.25 per individual employee which is enough to ensure the Glass Training Board accepts its obligation to review, at Board level, and improve education and training in the sector.’
Call for case-study material
There is a great danger that the Government will return to a compulsory levy through its newly formed Sector Skills Council network. There are reports in the press that the Government has failed to catch the imagination of employers who are not engaging in national initiatives. This is not the case in the glass industry as there are many examples where employers have taken advantage of government policy on education and skills. ‘Please let us have few sentences on your success stories where training and learning at work have met your expectations. The Glass Industry Training Board will discuss at its next meeting how employers already meet their obligations to educate and train their workforces.’
New role for GTL
GTL will concentrate on improving the efficiency of learning at work. Profits are made and lost by the amount of time and resources that are made in the skills needed to do a job that delights customers. GTL will concentrate on enhancing the training and learning provided by employers and their preferred training providers. It will remain a membership organisation as the capricious nature of Government will change the present education and training structure in England as it focuses on, and invests in, networking with very little in the way of practical value for employers. Successive Governments have managed to over institutionalise education and learning, and recent visits to Australia have reminded the policy makers there is a better way of doing things. The good news is that at long last the Glass and Glazing Federation is going to do something to make a difference. Future success will come when employers have their existing training and learning recognised for its current worth without it being quality assured to death by people who really haven’t a clue how business works.
Skills for Productivity
Skills for productivity is a document that presents in brief the Government’s plans for the education of 14 to 19 year olds and the improvement of adult skills. http://www.dfes.gov.uk/employers
Learning at Work
If we stop for a moment and think; ‘how did we become successful in what we do, time and again the answer is that we learned at work.’ Often there is someone that stands out as being a good coach who allowed us the freedom to do the job and was available to ask questions when required. Compare this with the complicated paper intensive systems created by the Government and its agencies. We need to get back to learning at work and establishing the trust that is needed to make sure the training and learning meets the needs of individuals and business. If individuals are motivated because they enjoy what they do, are trusted to get on with the job, that’s when business really benefits. GTL can discuss with you some of these simple principles of improving profit through people and help you make progress with growing and developing your business. 'Of course we have time to do this now because we have been released, for the time being, from all the bureaucracy that surrounds Government intervention with education and training, that does not add value. It’s interesting to note that the last SSC to form is the one related to the Civil Service, that tells us something about their controlling psychic.'
Glass Manufacture Open Learning Package
This is a self-learning course of study in the technology of the processes of glass manufacture. Covering 7 Sections. City and Guilds Examinations are available for The Nature of Glass and Raw Materials and Batch Mixing. It is available worldwide on DVD or VHS. For more information please visit http://www.glasstraining.co.uk/Learning%20Progs/GlassMan.htm. GTL is available to help you to produce video based material to support your workforce learning needs. A ten minute VHS video or DVD, featuring the key stages of learning a particular part of the process, may be a way to enhance your on the job coaching to get employees to change to a new safe procedure.
Management & Supervision Learning Programme
This is a blended learning approach tailored to each individual. The programme will commence with a personal interview with a GTL Advisor a programme will then be drawn up. For more information please visit http://www.glasstraining.co.uk/Learning%20Progs/Man&Sup.htm
Annual General meeting
At the AGM on 29th June the Glass Training Board celebrated with those individuals who contributed to training and education in our sector in 2004/2005.