Click Here to go to the Training Archives
K2 'Installs' Knowledge at QUBK2, UK conservatory manufacturer, has hosted a series of lectures at Queens University Belfast as part of the European Masters Course in Polymer Processing.
The
European Masters Course is hosted by the Pau and Doui Universities in
France, the Zaragoza University in Spain and the Queens University Belfast.
It entails 17 students from Spain, Mexico and the Dominican Republic studying
different aspects of polymer processing for a period of three months at
each of the participating institutions. This is the second year that K2 has been asked to host a series of lectures on the European Masters Course and is a direct result of its progressive Knowledge Transfer Partnership Scheme (KTP) with Queens University's Polymer Processing Research Centre. As part of the scheme, K2's technical department is able to utilise the skills of some of the UK's most talented academics to conduct extensive research on potential new products, while the academics at Queens University gain knowledge from K2 on the challenges that businesses face.
Keith Halliwell, Extrusions Manager at K2, and Jonathan Yap, an Associate on placement at the company, conducted a series of four lectures on the processes involved with profile extrusion.
On completion of the lectures, the students were able to gain 'hands-on' experience of extrusion processing through a practical workshop, which involved the students working together in groups to construct three miniature sized K2 conservatory roofs, while examples of K2's extrusion equipment were on display around the lecture room.
'We were delighted to be invited back to Queens University for the second year, to take part in such an innovative course, including students from a range of countries', commented Keith Halliwell, Extrusions Manager at K2. 'We hope that the students were able to gain both theoretical knowledge of extrusion through the lectures, but also practical experience through the erection of miniature conservatory roofs.'
Professor Raymond Murphy, Director of the Polymer Processing Research Centre comments: 'We are pleased that K2 has returned to give a second series of lectures at Queens University Belfast, after the popularity of their workshops last year. They are able to demonstrate to students how the theory of extrusion can be applied in practice to a company, as well as providing information on the real world challenges and issues faced by businesses.'
Tel: 01204 554554
Email: mailto:enquiries@k2conservatories.com
Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com
Sapa
Doubles Commercial Training Days to Cope with Demand
A
series of training days designed to bring customers up to date with
the latest developments in the company’s commercial range has proved
successful for Sapa Building Systems.
The increasing demands that Part L placed on specifiers, contractors
and installers has meant an almost never-ending stream of changing information
for customers to deal with. Alongside this, Sapa’s intense product
development of its commercial fenestration systems over the last 18
months has heightened the need for customers to be brought up-to-date
with how the new products meet Part L requirements and how they will
benefit their business.
Five initial training dates were arranged at Sapa’s training facility
in Cheltenham, but heavy demand from customers has doubled this with
all of the further five sessions now fully booked.
Jon Palethorpe, Sales & Marketing Director commented: ‘The
success of our commercial training days reflects the strong growth we
and our customers are seeing in this sector. We invested heavily in
our new training facility that opened in 2002 and this has meant that
we have been able to train a great number of our customers on all of
our new product range including our Dualframe suite, MRV curtain walling
and the Dualframe roof system.’
Tel: 01684 853500
Email: mailto:janet.oneill@sapagroup.com
Modplan
– Raising the Standard
Modplan
Limited
says that being committed to a culture of continuous improvement means
providing substantial investment in training, as well as in plant and
machinery.
Responsible
for the company’s training programme is quality manager, Tony Williams,
who believes that quality can only be enhanced through working in a
systematic manner to formalised procedures. ‘We have always provided
a comprehensive training programme for our employees’ explains
Tony, ‘but this year we have taken it one step further by introducing
the opportunity for staff to take advantage of additional training and
gain National Vocational Qualifications.’
Encouraging the workforce to undertake NVQ training not only equips
Modplan with a skilled workforce, providing greater efficiency, but
also motivates and rewards the individuals taking part. Tony continues,
‘This in turn provides many benefits for our customer base. New
and improved skills, together with a greater awareness and pride in
one’s own skills, automatically enhance the quality of product
and service.’
For five employees who were recently presented with their NVQ Level
2 certificates in the Production of Glass Supporting Fabrications, the
reward is not simply receiving a nationally recognised qualification,
but a sense of pride in their own achievements.
Amongst the successful candidates was twenty year old Claire Fear, who
commented, ‘Having this type of recognised qualification will help
me progress my career within the company. I have really found the challenge
enjoyable and am keen to progress to Level 3.’ Now working her
way through a further three skill units, Claire hopes to become the
first female in Wales to achieve a full national traineeship in this
particular field of study.
‘Our investment in training plays a core role in the company’s
success,’ concludes Tony, ‘enabling us to provide a quality
of product that is way above average and helping us to not simply meet,
but exceed customer expectations’.
Tel: 01495 246844
On
21st January the Glass and Glazing Federation
(GGF) Training Forum met in London to discuss the way forward for the
industry on training matters including energy efficiency, funding and
the training needs of both the fenestration and glazing sides of the
industry.
The Forum received a presentation from Nick Jones of the Building Research
Establishment (BRE) on a draft training programme for sales people on
the benefits of energy efficient windows. It was designed to enable
sales people to impart the energy efficiency message to the consumer.
Chairman Barry Chilvers welcomed Andrew Abazza from Proskills –
the proposed glass industry Sector Skills Council (SCC) – to the
Forum. Attendees were interested to hear about the development of SCCs
– the employer led organisations funded by Government now responsible
for training. Andrew also made available to GGF members 30 free training
modules covering everything from team building to finance for non financial
managers linked to Learn Direct (University for Industry).
‘Training is a very pertinent issue for the whole of the industry
at the moment. Today’s meeting was very positive, we have set up
Working Groups to tackle what the industry training requirements are
and that all avenues for funding these requirements are explored. Anyone
who wants to get involved in these discussions should contact our Training
Advisor Peter Dunn for further information.’ Said Barry.
Tel: 0870 042 4255
Email: mailto:pdunn@ggf.org.uk
Web: http://www.ggf.org.uk
Combilift’s
Cage Enhances Health and Safety
Omnico,
the plastic building product specialists has for the second year running
won the ‘Training Initiative of the Year Award’ at the Builders
Merchants Awards for excellence 2003. The ceremony was held on November
28th at the Savoy Hotel, London.
Winning the award for the second consecutive year is an achievement
for Omnico and is representative of the importance that the company
places on investment training and development. Colin Evans, Managing
Director of Omnico, said: ‘I am thrilled to win the award again
– customer service is the key differentiator in our business, which
makes staff training essential rather than optional –it underpins
virtually everything we do. Investment in this area enables us to develop
and consistently improve our service offering, giving us an advantage
over the competition, and creating a capable and well-motivated workforce
whilst at the same time improving our staff retention rates.’
The Builders Merchants Awards judges were impressed by the way Omnico
placed training at the forefront of its business. With a proactive and
methodical approach, training needs for all staff are identified and
recorded centrally on a colour-coded skills matrix. The staff appraisal
process automatically creates an annual review, although in practice
the matrix is updated monthly, with details by branch and by individual
of all courses requested, arranged and completed.
The judges also praised Omnico for doubling its training output, with
the main objective being to maximise the level and scope of training
available to all its people, regardless of their position in the company
- creating a skilled and cross-functional workforce.
To further reiterate Omnico’s commitment to its workforce the business
has recently been successful in retaining its status as an ‘Investor
In People’ following a statutory three-year review.
Contact: Spencer Priestley
Tel: 01473 461461
Email: mailto:spencer.priestley@omnico.co.uk
Web: http:// www.omnico.co.uk
As
part of Sarnafil’s £300,000
training and development investment programme, the company has recently
installed a state of the art, interactive Smart Wall in its Norwich
HQ training centre.
Incorporating part of the training package for all new Sarnafil Roof
Assured installers, it’s a good way to learn hands on how the roofing
system fits together.
Using the latest digital technology in the form of an interactive screen,
installers actually draw on the image of a roof on screen where and
how they think the system fits together.
Contact: Andy Ball
Tel: 01603 748985
Email: mailto:andy.ball@sarnafil.co.uk
The
process of learning how to build a new conservatory roof system is being
simplified, following major investment by Aztec
Conservatory Roof Systems.
The company has founded the Aztec Training Academy, based at its Haydock,
Lancashire, head office, to provide both practical and theoretical training
for new and existing customers, in the core assembly of the Aztec system,
and developments and refinements to the component range.
The purpose of the Academy is to give customers a facility where they
can send staff for a ‘hands-on’ intensive programme on the
system, taught by Aztec’s technical team. It includes a fabrication
area, where students can produce and assemble a roof using the dedicated
cuttings lists produced by the First Degree or Roofwright software.
The separate seminar room provides what Aztec claims is the ideal working
environment for teaching all the theoretical elements of roof design
with working models and visual aids.
Gordon Cooke, Aztec’s sales and technical manager, says, ‘Our
system has been designed to be incredibly simple to fabricate and install-
to the extent we find some customers who switch to us from a competitor
are sometimes concerned that they are doing it right, because it is
so easy to design and put together! The Academy aims to give them the
‘hands on’ experience to reassure them they are doing it properly,
and to give new customers in-depth training not only in actually producing
a roof, but designing it to ensure it meets all requirements in terms
of Building Regulations, weatherproofness, and structural integrity.
It also gives existing customers an opportunity to train new staff on
the system, and to learn about new refinements to the component range.’
The Aztec Academy will offer a range of courses to encompass all customer
requirements, from a bespoke training course for a new customer and
its staff, to ‘refresher’ courses for existing customers’
staff and short sessions on new components, regulations etc.
Full details of each course, and costs, are available from Aztec Conservatory
Roof Systems.
Tel:
01942 720044
Fax: 01942 720066
Email:
mailto:enquiries@aztecsystems.co.uk
Web: http://www.aztecsystems.co.uk
MPH
Windows Wins National Training Awards
Lancashire-based
MPH WIndows, manufacturer of Sheerframe
windows, doors and conservatories, has won two National Training Awards.
Sponsored
by the Government, the National Training Awards (NTA) are the UK's most
prestigious awards an organisation can win for excellence through training.
NTA winners are exemplars of training and development in the UK, who
have achieved success through training and work-based learning.
MPH Windows was chosen from entrants all over the North West region
as one of
eight winners to receive a North West National Training Award and one
of only two to win a Special Award for Outstanding Achievement made
through training from
the Department for Education and UK Skills, an independent organisation
which champions skills and learning for work, for collaboration and
success in training and development.
The firm picked up its awards at a glittering awards ceremony in Manchester
Town Hall on Wednesday 15th October presented by guest celebrity, former
England cricket captain, David Gower.
Jack Poston, MPH Windows' human resources manager, says he was thrilled
at the firm's success at the awards: 'We have recently undergone a huge
change in our team working by providing instructions at each workstation
and giving one-to-one training as well as NVQ-based learning.'
He adds: 'Everyone at MPH Windows from directors to factory personnel
has worked hard to make our training programmes work and enable newly
skilled operators to maintain quality standards on all of our manufactured
products. As a result of this programme, and of course, other operational
initiatives, we are now well recognised in the construction industry
and domestic markets as a provider of quality PVC products, delivered
on time and at the right price.'
Tel: 01772 463694
Web: http://www.mphwindows.co.uk
Teaching Glaziers New Tricks
The first Bohle International Glass Workshop in the UK has opened at Blackburn College. Hailed as the best Art Glass facility in the country, the state-of-the-art Workshop is housed in the College’s new Construction Technology Centre.
Offering
a wide range of courses in Creative Glass, Bohle believes this latest
initiative will open up exciting new opportunities for the glass industry,
including glaziers who may be looking to diversify.Bohle UK’s partnership with Blackburn College marks a further step in the company’s bid to develop the growing art glass sector. Gary Dean, Managing Director of Bohle UK, feels this market could provide an ideal solution for glaziers faced with reduced margins, increasing competition and stricter regulations relating to sealed unit production, ‘Art glass offers them the chance to continue working with the material they understand, but in a new and potentially more profitable way.’
Established in 1888 Blackburn College has always taken a progressive approach to changing educational needs. Today it has over 25,000 students and is the largest education provider in East Lancashire with an impressive portfolio of training options. Creative Glass courses were previously held in a dark basement building – far from ideal when working with glass where light and reflection are especially important. Now the new Glass Workshop sponsored by Bohle provides students with a modern and dynamic environment to stimulate their imagination.
It is equipped with all the latest glass processing technology, much of which has been donated by Bohle, including a fusing oven and a comprehensive range of glass tools and accessories.
At the official opening ceremony, Peter Heyes, the College’s Head of Creative Glass, referred to the new facility as a dream come true, ‘We are proud to have formed a partnership with a world famous company like Bohle and thank Gary Dean and his team for their foresight in recognising this opportunity. Their support and advice has been invaluable to the success of this project.’
Indeed, Bohle UK’s Lisa Tooth had a personal interest in seeing the Workshop become a reality. In addition to managing Bohle UK’s Art Glass division Lisa is a keen glass artist in her spare time and a student at Blackburn. Given her close association with the College Gary had no hesitation in asking her to assume overall responsibility for getting the Workshop off the ground. ‘She’s very helpful and knowledgeable and a real credit to Bohle,’ adds Peter.
Blackburn College runs a variety of Creative Glass courses in the new facility to cater for different needs and levels of expertise. They are held two days a week, which gives students the flexibility to attend on a day release scheme or to combine courses. A two-year programme of study is available leading to NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Glass Processing. Peter Heyes is keen to stress that no formal qualification is required to join the Level 2 class, which has a high practical content.
‘It covers all aspects of working with glass, including surface removal, glass painting, computer aided design, sand blasting and bevelling. Students also learn a variety of skills for assembling glass products,’ he explains. There is also a non-vocational option, plus a purely recreational night class. According to Peter, qualifying to NVQ Level 2 can open up a number of new career opportunities in art glass, for example with specialist companies producing ornamental objects such as Tiffany-style lamps or stained glass panels. NVQ Level 3 is more technical and would enable a student to obtain a job in glass manufacturing, for example, or perhaps set up their own business.
Bohle is also hoping that the new Glass Workshop will provide a specialist training resource for staff from glass companies as well as individual glaziers, as Gary explains, ‘To take advantage of this developing market glaziers need to go back to their roots and become true craftsmen again. At Bohle we’re keen to play our part in reviving the skills of the qualified ‘glass master’ which can be found all over Continental Europe – and the opening of our first International Glass Workshop at Blackburn College is an exciting step towards this goal.’
Web: http:// www.bohle.ltd.uk
Glass
Training Ltd Newsletter 61
The
Editor of the GTL newsletter made
the following comments:
Last week I explained about a new scheme for ordinary employees with
some potential to gain a degree in leadership in process and manufacturing.
We have not received one application for the £1000 grant towards
a degree in the workplace in leadership in process and manufacturing.
Is this because there isn't a need for higher level skills in the glass
and related industry or is it you are still thinking about the proposal?
GTL will support this scheme by helping your candidate do the study
programme and use his or her experience to understand more fully how
to add value and improve performance. Can you let me know if any company
out there is considering asking one of their employees to take advantage
of this programme? Those who take up the programme do not have to leave
their place of work just to have access to a computer to relate to an
academic tutor to allow them to convert their current experience into
a BSc.
Just think of the opportunity this provides for one of your employees
to start to think how you could improve your productivity or solve a
problem that has concerned you for sometime and you haven't got anyone
to work on it.
This is a really cheap method of getting some internal consultancy done.
You might want one of your employees to become the workplace learning
supporter, a person to get everyone really switched on about learning
in your organisation? The leadership in process and manufacturing could
help you develop such a person. If I was working for your company I
would be biting your hand off to develop skills that could be used in
a variety of ways to improve your business. Please talk to me on this
subject? mailto:alan@glass-training.co.uk
Other highlights of this issue include the following:
Workers Complain Of Damaging Appraisals
Far from boosting morale, appraisals often have the effect of demotivating
workers, a new survey has revealed. The study by learning resource group
Video Arts shows that 43% of appraisals leave workers feeling dejected.
For more information visit this
link
Managers
Spotlighted In Productivity Solution
UK businesses could be more productive if managers change their approach
to target-setting, a new report claims. For more information visit this
link
Bosses
Ignoring Staff Development
New research has uncovered a big difference in the way bosses and staff
view how their workplace is run. According to a poll of 906 businesses
by Investors in People UK (IIP), nearly three-quarters of managers think
that workers are made to feel 'involved', but only 44% of workers agree.
For more information visit this
link
Glass
Training Ltd Newsletter 60
The
highlights of the latest GTL Newsletter
include the news that there is up to £1000 funding towards a learning
at work degree In leadership In process and manufacturing and also that
the first definitive national profile of adult literacy and numeracy
skills published by the Department for Education and Skills demonstrates
the need for the Government to continue its sustained drive to improve
adult basic skills training and school standards, particularly in maths.
New GTL Website
Have you visited the new website http://www.glass-training.co.uk?
Let GTL know what you think mailto:lisa@glass-training.co.uk
Improving Adult Basic Skills
The first definitive national profile of adult literacy and numeracy
skills published by the Department for Education and Skills demonstrates
the need for the Government to continue its sustained drive to improve
adult basic skills training and school standards, particularly in maths.
For more information visit http://www.dfes.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2003_0219
Up To £1000 Funding Towards A Learning At Work Degree In Leadership
In Process And Manufacturing
The full degree is likely to cost £1400 with the award of BA or
BSc in leadership in process and manufacturing. It is a degree level
course, designed for people with experience and those have already achieved
an NVQ at level 3 in any occupation, or an equivalent qualification.
Those who do not have an NVQ at level 3 can start on the programme but
need to achieve the level NVQ level 3 first.
The award of BSc will be through Derby University. The broad programme
is being currently designed and will commence before April 2003. The
programme is linked through the Internet by a novel access method developed
by Learndirect and delivered through Derby University. The programme
allows each learner to identify what they want to learn about leadership
in process and manufacturing. If a candidate is about to start to implement
a project to do with improvements in the workplace or something general
related to taking the lead to improve process and manufacturing with
an internal or external focus. External might mean an internal development
directed by a change required by customers.
Those who will benefit most from this programme are those who are already
taking a lead to improve things or who have the potential to do so in
the future. This is not a programme suitable for employees under 30
years, although all applicants will be considered. It is a programme
suitable for people with experience in our industry. It could require
up to 5 days release from the workplace in a year, although where release
from work is difficult GTL will visit the candidate at work. The programme
is likely to last for up to three years. The first 10 places will be
funded by GTL where successful registration takes place through the
University of Derby. In the first instance please contact mailto:alan@glass-training.co.uk
ELWa Announces Extra Funding For Work Based Learning
ELWa announced that an extra £3.8 million will be invested
into training an additional 5000 young people this year following a
mid year review of its activities and funding arrangements. For more
information visit http://www.elwa.ac.uk/elwaweb/elwa.aspx?pageid=2834
CSCS
Cards
Those of you who do installation work on main contractors sites will
need a CSCS card for your management team not just those who install
your glass units on site. All your managers need an NVQ in management.
GTL has developed a simple way for your managers to achieve an NVQ in
management. GTL does everything for you. Interview your staff, prepare
professional discussion statements, observation reports, and testimony
statements and generally put together the paperwork that is needed.
You do the talking GTL does the writing. Now it really is simple, all
your mangers have to be is competent in order for GTL to record the
evidence. Of course if you are doing the business you must be competent.
Contact: mailto:mike@glass-training.co.uk
Funding Doubles To Help Young Firms Grow
Small and growing businesses are set to benefit from a huge increase
in support for an innovative venture capital scheme. The successful
£20 million Scottish Co-Investment Fund (SCF) is to receive an
additional £24.7 million from the European Regional Development
Fund. For more information visit http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/2003/10/SEEL135.aspx
Employment Policies Helpline - 07816 766326
Glass Training Limited has introduced a service for employers in our
industry. A telephone helpline now provides advice and guidance on a
wide range of employment policy issues which affect people at work.
This means that employers can tap into the many years’ experience
of expert human resources advisors. Mike Firkin is co-ordinating the
service; he has been an appointed Lay Member of the Employment Tribunal
Service since 1995.
For more information contact Mike Firkin – mailto:mike@glass-training.co.uk
or the helpline number above.
Kids Reject Manufacturing Jobs
A new report released claims British industry is under threat as children
are shunning manufacturing careers as too much hard work. For more information
visit this
link
Glass
Training Ltd Newsletter 59
The HEFCE has announced an additional
10,000 full-time equivalent places to be made available exclusively
for Foundation Degrees in 2004/5 and Skillsactive UK, Skills for Logistics
and Skillset being granted full SSC licenses by the end of December
2003. The remaining 13 SSCs will be licensed by June 2004.
Alan Johnson Confirms Faith In Foundation Degrees With 10,000
Extra Places
Following the early success of Foundation Degrees the Minister for Lifelong
Learning, Further and Higher Education Alan Johnson together with the
Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) have announced
an additional 10,000 full-time equivalent places to be made available
exclusively for Foundation Degrees in 2004/5. For more information visit
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2003_0202
Modern Apprenticeships
The Government would like all companies to take on young people to provide
for the next generation of employees for our sector. It makes good sense
to train your own future employees and there is government assistance
to do this. GTL has a number of training providers who can help you
complete the paperwork and monitor the training also help you develop
your own staff to become better supporters of learning. Modern Apprenticeships
offer you an opportunity to provide a different type of employee for
the future one used to multi-skilling and able to cover all the practices
needed in a flexible working environment. Contact mailto:julia@glass-training.co.uk
Work Smart
Mini programmes with a big impact. A series of video shorts. The 45-second
mini-documentaries feature employees' and employers' stories about accidents,
near misses, hazards and risks to health and safety in the workplace.
For more information visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/campaigns/worksmart/main.htm
LSC
Funds Initiative To Improve Training And Skills
An initiative to increase standards and quality in post-16 education
and training has been launched by the LSC and the Learning and Skills
Development Agency (LSDA). It is aimed primarily at colleges and work-based
learning providers and seeks to help those colleges and providers engage
employers as partners. For more information visit http://www.lsc.gov.uk/National/Media/News/lsclsdajoint.htm
Seven More SSCs By Christmas
The SSDA has set out its vision for the next three years in a recent
publication ‘Raising Performance Through Skills – Strategic
Plan 2003-2006’. In the paper, the SSDA gives an anticipated timescale
for the licensing of SSCs. The documents states that Hospitality, Leisure,
Travel and Tourism, Automotive Skills, Energy & Utility Skills.
Skillsactive UK, Skills for Logistics and Skillset will all be granted
full SSC licenses by the end of December 2003. The remaining 13 SSCs
will be licensed by June 2004. These will include the remaining SSCs
currently in development with the addition of the Lifelong Learning
SSC and the Social Care SSC. For the full report, please visit: http://www.ssda.org.uk/pdfs/raise-full.pdf
Workers
Call For Four-Day Week
Three-quarters of UK workers feel they would work better under a four-day
working week, a new survey shows. The survey, by computing company Microsoft,
shows that 75% want a shorter week, while just over half said they would
like to organise their day around peak business times rather than the
traditional nine-to-five. For more information visit http://www.chamberonline.co.uk/cmn/viewdoc.jsp?cat=all&docid=BEP1_News_0000058443
Investors
in People
It won’t be long now when contracts are awarded to companies who
hold the Investors in People national standard. Professional organisations
at least are working towards the Investors in People standard. It is
not just the badge you get from achieving the award it is the opportunity
to review how good you are at getting things done through other people
that will give you the confidence that you are a quality company with
quality people in it. It will also identify what you could do to improve
your productivity and profitability. Investors in People national standard
isn’t a soft touch, it is for all you macho companies out there.
Why not let GTL help you get the standard.Contact mailto:mike@glass-training.co.uk
for more information.
Small Firms Risk Data Disaster
Thousands of UK small businesses risk disaster by not backing up important
data stored on laptops, computer experts claim. Software giant Microsoft
calculates that roughly 100,000 laptops will be damaged and 67,000 will
be stolen in the UK next year alone. For more information visit this
link
Glass
Training Ltd Newsletter 57
A survey into the attitudes of owners of small businesses was today
published by the Scottish Executive. The message was generally a positive
one with the majority of businesses saying they were doing well. The
‘Small Business Service Omnibus Survey 2003 Report’ was commissioned
by the Scottish Executive to provide information on the views of owners
of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) on a wide range of issues.
It is a large scale survey with a representative sample of all SMEs
in Scotland. For more information visit http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/2003/09/SEEL081.aspx
Investors in People
Investors in People is the National Standard that all organisations
want to achieve to demonstrate their commitment to quality. If you want
to get started on this initiative, or if you’d just like to know
more about it, contact mailto:mike@glass-training.co.uk
New Service To Attract Fresh Talent
Plans to give practical help to people and companies who are considering
relocating to Scotland were announced on 24th September. A new one-stop
advisory service will be established by the Scottish government to assist
those who are interested in living and working in Scotland. The aim
is to create a fast, tailored service that makes Scotland not just the
easiest choice for fresh talent, but the most attractive. For more information
visit http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/2003/09/SEfm160.aspx
SMEs 'Struggle' To Find IT Funding
Two thirds of entrepreneurs believe obstacles to securing funding for
computer equipment poses the biggest threat to their firm, a new study
has claimed. For more information visit http://www.chamberonline.co.uk/cmn/viewdoc.jsp?cat=all&docid=BEP1_News_0000057701
Females
'More Likely' To Be Poor
Women are significantly more likely than men to be poor, according to
new research from the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC). For more
information visit http://www.chamberonline.co.uk/cmn/viewdoc.jsp?cat=all&docid=BEP1_News_0000057670
Union
Demands Manufacturing Minister
A leading trade union has urged the government to appoint a dedicated
minister to deal with job losses and skills shortages among the UK's
beleaguered manufacturers. For more information visit http://www.chamberonline.co.uk/cmn/viewdoc.jsp?cat=all&docid=BEP1_News_0000057663
Llandrillo
College - Supporting the Welsh Glass Sector
Llandrillo
College, based in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, is an active GQA
approved centre offering NVQ qualifications.
The college is gearing up to offer the full range of GQA NVQs with a
particular emphasis on those related to buildings and construction.
A high profile launch was undertaken at Pilkington Special Glass at
St Asaph involving the college Principal, the MP for the Vale of Clwyd,
GQA's Chief Executive and company management.
The college is offering Pilkington Special Glass Ltd a standards-based
solution to the company's training needs and is leading the implementation
of the GQA NVQs at St Asaph. Premier Windows is another organisation
working with the college.
Web: http://www.glassqualificationsauthority.com
Glass
Training Ltd Newsletter 56
I am always puzzled by the number of companies that just soldier on
without doing something about reducing the waste that can occur through
employees and contractors not being properly trained to do the job'
says the latest issue of Glass Training's Newsletter. Fortunately most
of the employers who are members of GTL are doing something about re-skilling
their workforces. Of course it will happen on its own just like weeds
grow in the garden and take over the healthy plants. Not to suggest
that we should overlook the natural development habits of an organisation.
When the hurricane occurred in the South East sometime ago, particularly
in Kent, and up-rooted all those beautiful trees it wasn’t long
before the planners had planted new trees. Interestingly where it was
just left to nature the forestation grew quicker and denser than it
did where ‘man’ had planted his trees. If you are a good gardener
you will of course know that for best results it is a good thing to
plan. But don’t lets under estimate the contribution made by ordinary
folk to the development of skills in the organisation. If you support
them, perhaps even train them a little better to be trainers, they will
do all that is necessary to make sure your workforce is ready for all
you business needs. Of course you will need to communicate to them on
the skills you require for the future how else will they find out that
you need people to change. Contact mailto:alan@glass-training.co.uk
for more information.
Other highlights of this issue include the following:
Manual Handling
HSE has developed an online Manual Handling Assessment Chart Tool (MAC
Tool) to help identify high-risk workplace manual handling activities.
For more information visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/index.htm
New Centre For Manufacturing Research
Enterprise Minister Jim Wallace launched Scotland's first ever Manufacturing
Research Institute on 17th September and said that it would help us
‘bridge the gap’ between the world class excellence of our
research base and companies that need to do more to capitalise on technology.
For more information visit http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/2003/09/SEEL067.aspx
Employment Policies Helpline - 07816 766326
Glass Training Limited has introduced a new service for employers in
our industry. A telephone helpline now provides advice and guidance
on a wide range of employment policy issues which affect people at work.
This means that employers can tap into the many years’ experience
of expert human resources advisors. Mike Firkin is co-ordinating the
service; he has been an appointed Lay Member of the Employment Tribunal
Service since 1995.
For more information contact Mike Firkin – mailto:mike@glass-training.co.uk
or the helpline number above.
The
Editor of the GTL newsletter made
the following comments:
‘It is good to reflect on the freedom GTL has created for the glass
industry over the last 21 years. Freedom from a statutory levy, freedom
to manage its own affairs in education and training at sector level.
This has not been achieved without a lot of effort from a number of
employers who have worked hard on behalf of the sector as a whole. I
would like to thank them on your behalf for the work they have done.
You will have the opportunity to recognise what they have achieved on
your behalf by attending our AGM on Wednesday 1st October 2003 at Bibby
Sterilin Ltd in Stone, Staffordshire.
‘There are many employers who take advantage of GTL without making
a contribution to its work; to those I would hope that the Proskills
agenda will catch their imagination. We will need to get, at least,
all the larger employers to contribute to Proskills even though they
may not have contributed to GTL in the past. By contribution I do not
just mean cash.
‘It was interesting to talk to a printing company who had visited
Rexam Glass, who make glass containers and who have developed particular
skills in implementing world-class manufacturing. I felt quite proud
that I knew of this company and the work they have done to remain competitive.
Bibby Sterilin Ltd, where we are holding our AGM, have also visited
Rexam to share their experience of team manufacturing and the cooperation
they are gaining from their employees to achieve a common purpose and
to tackle issues that would not have been considered in the past.
‘Interesting to note that GTL has played its part in supporting
the concept of sharing best manufacturing practice and how it has helped
many employers to review how they can improve productivity in the future.
All these initiatives start from someone developing the knowledge and
skills to be best in class.
‘GTL has over 1,000 learners currently working on a skills agenda
where something different is being experienced by ordinary people who
want to support their employers improve performance. We need more good
cases where business growth training is making a difference.
‘S Murray & Co Ltd at Old Woking and Sheffield is transforming
its whole workforce with a new agenda for skills. These are not isolated
examples; GTL is working with many companies to improve productivity
and performance. Are you missing out? Please give me a call on 0114
2632431 or email me at mailto:alan@glass-training.co.uk’
Glass Training’s AGM
'Come along to our AGM this year and meet key figures in our industry.
The meeting will be held at Bibby Sterilin Ltd, Stone on Wednesday 1st
October 2003. We are delighted that John Hillier, FHP Consulting has
agreed to be the keynote speaker. Contact mailto:lisa@glass-training.co.uk
to book your places.e-learning courses.'
Other highlights of this issue include the following:
Proskills and Learndirect are working together to offer Proskills' member
companies the opportunity to access 300 free of charge Learndirect courses
from a specially selected portfolio. The work being undertaken is currently
at pilot stage with the offer running for a limited period.
Find out how you and your colleagues can benefit from this opportunity
by visiting http://www.prosel.org.uk
or contact Julia Warne mailto:julia@glass-training.co.uk.
Investors
in People
Investors in People is the National Standard that all organisations
want to achieve to demonstrate their commitment to quality. If you want
to get started on this initiative, or if you’d just like to know
more about it, contact mailto:mike@glass-training.co.uk
Workers 'Unhappy' About Work/Life Balance
As 'Work/life Balance Week' draws to a close, new research has revealed
that almost half of UK workers are unhappy about the balance between
their work and personal lives. For more information visit http://www.chamberonline.co.uk/cmn/viewdoc.jsp?cat=all&docid=BEP1_News_0000056970
Initial Assessment Often Inadequate Say Inspectors
Initial inspection is four times more likely to be identified as a weakness
than as a strength during an inspection, according to a report from
the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI). The report explores issues around
initial assessment and offers examples of good practice. The ALI will
also hold a seminar about initial assessment on 17th October. This is
the first in a series of survey reports which judge different aspects
of learning in England. To order a copy of Initial Assessment in Adult
Learning, ALI, September 2003, please send an email to: mailto:jackie.domingue@ali.gov.uk
GTL
Newsletter Issue 52
'We have broken the 7,000 barrier and are accelerating towards 8,000
employees in the glass industry who have an NVQ/SVQ qualification in
a glass related occupation. Those employers who do work in the construction
industry will soon realise that Construction Skills Cards are needed
for management positions and the NVQs in Management are required to
meet this regulation.'
'Proskills continues to be in development which shows the importance
that the Government is placing on making sure that Sectors are not licensed
unless they meet all aspects of the Government’s requirements.
When Proskills is licensed the first requirement is to produce a sector
agreement to deliver what the UK needs to avoid future skills shortages.
A sector agreement will involve all employers in the industry and will
require some effort to provide the statistics needed to show that the
sector does have plans in place to avoid future skills shortages.’
Other highlights of this issue include the following:
Assessment Strategy For The Glass Industry
The Assessment Strategy to cover the glass industry NVQs/SVQs has now
been approved by QCA and SQA for implementation. You can download a
copy from the GTL website http://www.glass-training.co.uk
under qualifications.
Phil Tufnell Knocks ‘Get On’ Gremlins For Six
Former cricketer and celebrity King of the Jungle, Phil Tufnell, marked
the arrival of the new Get On campaign TV adverts by wrestling with
his own Gremlin, played by Harry Potter and Willow star, Warwick Davis,
at the Oval cricket ground in London. The latest celebrity supporter
to join the campaign, Phil urged the millions of adults across the country
that have difficulties with reading, writing and maths to get rid of
their Gremlins. For more information visit http://www.dfes.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2003_0164
New Grants To Help Young Adult Learners
Thousands of young adults starting college courses this autumn could
get a new weekly grant to help meet the costs of improving their qualifications
as the Government began piloting the Adult Learning Grant. For more
information visit http://www.dfes.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2003_0162
Investors in People
Investors in People is the National Standard that all organisations
want to achieve to demonstrate their commitment to quality. If you want
to get started on this initiative, or if you’d just like to know
more about it, contact mailto:mike@glass-training.co.uk
Glass
Training’s AGM
Come along to our AGM this year and meet key figures in our industry.
The meeting will be held at Bibby Sterilin Ltd, Stone on Wednesday 1st
October 2003. We are delighted that John Hillier, FHP Consulting has
agreed to speak at the AGM. Contact mailto:lisa@glass-training.co.uk
to book your places.
Alternative to NEBOSH Qualification
An NVQ level 4 in Occupational Safety is equivalent to the NEBOSH qualification
and recognised as such by the regulatory bodies. The NVQ also ensures
that you can demonstrate competence to 100%, rather than working on
a 40% pass mark in an exam. You can achieve the NVQ via traditional
workplace assessment or through a distance Learning Pathway. Contact
mailto:mike@glass-training.co.uk
Pension Complaints Up By A Third
Complaints about company pension schemes have reached there highest
ever number and are up a third on this time last year, says the UK Pensions
Ombudsman. For more information visit http://www.chamberonline.co.uk/cmn/viewdoc.jsp?cat=all&docid=BEP1_News_0000056230
Glass
Industry Labour Market Intelligence Report 2003
A sample of companies has been contacted in the glass industry to prepare
a labour market intelligence report. The report can be downloaded from
the website http://www.glass-training.co.uk
under foresight.
Glass Industry Skills Foresight Report 2003
A selection of companies and other partners has contributed to glass
industry skills foresight report. The report can be downloaded from
the website http://www.glass-training.co.uk
under foresight.
Understanding Glass
Do you want your employees to have a better understanding of glass?
Our Glass Manufacture Open Learning Course is perfect for busy people
who need to study at their own pace. Contact mailto:elaine@glass-training.co.uk
for more details.
Glass
Training Ltd Newsletter 55
'I read a research report last week that shows that informal learning at work is as important as formal learning through off the job courses. A lot of employees hate attending courses because they feel they are a waste of time and are generally not relevant to their work. Perhaps they are right. Even if they are not if they go into the course with this attitude they are not going to learn much.
Experts
are now realising, at long last, that people learn in a variety of ways.
What’s the point in putting someone back in a classroom when they
hated being in a classroom at school? We may say that was a long time
ago but it is amazing how people remember. All the time they are on
the course they are thinking back to that bad experience at school.
What is relevant is that we all learn by reflecting on what we already
know and can do. We shape our future skills by relating our present
situation to something we know and can do. A child learns to walk by
experiencing a few steps, remembering the previous practice and then
relating to this to make a few more steps, a bit better next time.
So what? GTL can help you develop your employees in the workplace. The
quality gurus say that most companies could improve their bottom line
by around 20% through an improvement in quality workmanship that delights
your customers. All you need to do is let us talk to your employees
for 15 minutes and get them to learn from what they already know and
can do and you will start to see your performance get better. It has
to be a whole group, team or the whole company involved for it to work.
If you are a member of GTL it doesn’t cost you anything to get
started. When it gets going the Government will consider funding our
services for it to continue. It has to be a regular contact for it to
work.
The learning is self directed by the individual but it does need the
general support we should expect in any case to make sure the work gets
done to the right standard. It doesn’t require a major change in
the way you do things, as it will be the change in the way your employees
do things that will make the difference. If you really feel that it
is working then you will want to continue with the investment in the
development process. Now its over to you. Your needs will be dealt with
on a first come first served basis. Already we have a number of companies
that have made this step change in the development of people in the
glass industry. For more information contact mailto:alan@glass-training.co.uk
Other highlights of this issue include the following:
National Occupational Standards
Following 15 months of consultation the new national occupational standards
have been approved by the regulatory authorities. They can be downloaded
from the GTL website under ‘new standards’. They will form
the basis of new qualifications from GQA from March 2004. For more information
contact mailto:julia@glass-training.co.uk
Glass Training’s AGM
'Come along to our AGM this year and meet key figures in our industry.
The meeting will be held at Bibby Sterilin Ltd, Stone on Wednesday 1st
October 2003. We are delighted that John Hillier, FHP Consulting has
agreed to be the keynote speaker.' Contact mailto:lisa@glass-training.co.uk
to book your places.
Glass Training Videos
GTL has an extensive range of videos both for sale and for hire on a
wide range of subjects. If you want to train a member of your workforce
on a particular subject why not see if GTL has a video that can help
your employees. For further details please contact mailto:elaine@glass-training.co.uk
Web Learning's The Way To Go, Say Workers
New research claims increasing numbers of employees are choosing online
training over classroom based courses to relieve the pressures on their
work-life balance. For more information visit this
link