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Careers & Qualifications in Fenestration

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SPONSORED BY GQA AND BUILDING OUR SKILLS

GQA Qualifications is the only issuer of CSCS cards for the Glass and Fenestration industries. Building Our Skills is a strategic campaign designed to help bridge the growing skills gap in the Fenestration Industry

CAREERS NEW APPOINTMENTS

GQA IN OFFENDER REHABILITATION SUPPORT

GQA Qualifications are the awarding body working with Novus in a major nationwide offender rehabilitation training scheme. The fenestration industry’s leading awarding and qualifications-writing body is working closely with Novus to deliver training programmes that raise the aspirations of offenders, increase their employability skills and opportunities to find sustainable employment, and help them to build positive futures for themselves, their families and communities. For almost 30 years Novus has been helping men, women and children of all ages and abilities, in custodial and community settings across England and Wales, to take new directions.

Novus works in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), Youth Custody Service, HMPPS Wales, G4S, charities and employers to help individuals turn their lives around.

GQA is now working with Novus at 14 of its sites, and expects this number to rise over the coming months. The pandemic has greatly affected how training can be delivered, and both GQA and Novus have had to adapt swiftly to online methods and in-cell learning. So far, all participating learners have been working towards an NVQ Level 1 in Health & Safety. Before the pandemic, learners in two prisons had additionally been able to benefit from practical training resulting in an NVQ Level 1 in The Principles of Window & Door Installation. At the time of writing, it is anticipated that GQA approved centres will shortly be able to restart practical courses inside custodial settings. In addition to achieving NVQ qualifications, learners can also benefit from the fact that GQA is the sole issuer of CSCS cards for the fenestration industry. For ex-offenders to be able to leave prison with a CSCS card to present to site managers is an additional step on the road to employment. Commenting on its relationship with GQA, Novus’s Awarding Organisations and Compliance Lead, Karen Rose says: “One of the main attractions of working with GQA is its unique ability to provide a combination of qualifications plus CSCS cards. We are extremely pleased with the level of support GQA is providing, and look forward to working with the organisation to develop its involvement with more of our centres in prisons around the UK.” Simon Smith, who heads up the support programme with Novus for GQA added: “We’ve seen substantial uptake in training from learners at all 14 prison locations, and I’m pleased to be able to say that we anticipate this not just continuing but increasing quickly. It’s extremely gratifying to be involved in such a worthwhile initiative. I feel that not only are we making a difference for ex-offenders, but we are also really helping to address the industry’s skills shortages too. I’m proud that GQA can be part of this whole rehabilitation process.” More information on GQA is available at www.gqaqualifications.com.

“We’ve seen substantial uptake in training from learners at all 14 prison locations, and I’m pleased to be able to say that we anticipate this not just continuing but increasing quickly.”

BRISANT APPOINTS NEW FINANCE DIRECTOR TO SUPPORT ONGOING GROWTH

Brisant Secure has appointed a Finance Director, a new role created as part of the hardware house’s growth plan.

Clive Burnett joined Brisant Secure in June, bringing with him more than 20 years of experience in finance. His expertise and knowledge will complement existing skills within the company’s senior management team and help the business to develop further. Before joining Brisant, Clive spent 20 years in the confectionery industry overseeing various complex integrations and supporting the continued growth of Valeo Confectionery into a highly profitable business. Valeo’s roots go back to 1848, and the company owns famous brands like Barratt, Fox’s Glacier Mints and Poppets. Looking at all the brands in Valeo’s portfolio, it’s hard to imagine anyone reading this who hasn’t enjoyed its products at some point or another. Clive says: “Brisant Secure has seen phenomenal growth over the past few years and it’s an exceptionally well-known brand in the trade. It is the strongest out there for what it does. Brisant is all the more impressive because its growth is organic, which is harder to achieve.

“I want to develop on the strong foundations already in place and to improve procedures to allow the business to get to that next level. Small businesses that grow rapidly require systems to be put in place to allow for the next stage of growth. I want to ensure there are no barriers or blockages and that the infrastructure can support that ongoing growth. “I recognised a huge opportunity with Brisant Secure and I’m excited to watch the business continue to thrive. I feel like I’m part of an important management team and I am looking forward to being a key decision maker in the business.”

Nick Dutton, CEO of Brisant Secure, says: “Appointing Clive as our new Finance Director is part of our plan for growth which, at its centre, is the development of opportunities for customers. Clive’s knowledge, expertise and experience will help Brisant Secure thrive even further and his connections will help us to be an organisation that is fit for purpose each step of the way as we grow and develop. We are delighted to welcome Clive to our team and look forward to working with him as Brisant continues to flourish.”

Brisant Secure has been raising standards in the door industry since it burst onto the locksmith scene in 2013 with its ultrasecure Ultion family of locks and Sweet, its suite of beautiful corrosion resistant hardware. The company has featured in the annual Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 for the past two years as one of the UK’s fastest growing businesses. Discover more at www.brisant-secure.com, call 01924 410 200 or email contact@brisant-secure.com.

Brisant appoints new Finance Director to support ongoing growth

CAREERS

GQA GROWS ITS FIELD OF INFLUENCE

2021 marks the 20th year of operation of GQA Qualifications. During the past twenty years, the organisation has been humbled and honoured to find its influence growing amongst a broad range of key stakeholders and decision-makers. Today, the number of committees, initiatives and collaborations to which GQA has been welcomed has never been higher.

The links between GQA and Building Our Skills are firmly established with GQA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mick Clayton, being on the Board of this initiative to help make fenestration a career of choice. However, perhaps less well-known are some of the other organisations with which GQA is helping to shape future decision-making. For example, GQA Chairman, Mike Morris, is part of a Parliamentary Review Group, and GQA has featured in the ‘Parliamentary Review’ talking about the importance of qualifications. This is a guide to political and industry best practice in management is sent to over 500,000 leading business executives.

Mike Morris and Mick Clayton are representing GQA on The Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which is chaired by Lord Blunkett. The Council brings together the influential industry figures from across the country. In addition, GQA staff are to be found on the following committees and groups: • The RISA Board. RISA is a UKAS accredited inspection body for the fenestration and construction industries.

• BEABF, a committee of the Awarding Bodies that work in construction

• The CAB Training Committee. CAB is the Council for Aluminium in Building. • The GGF Health and Safety Committee and GGF Members meetings. • The Steering Group for PAS 2030+A1 /

PAS 2035+A1 - Retrofitting dwellings for improved energy efficiency. • The official review of BSAu242 -

Windscreen Repair Standards. • The committee reviewing BS10125 -

Vehicle Repair Standards. • The Sector Advisory Group for Vehicle

Repair and Automotive Glazing. This is a group set up to identify and advise the industries on competence solutions and approved CPD. • The CITB Competence and Skills Group.

This is a working party representing all CSCS card schemes to develop a competence framework, including a review of the CSCS card renewal process. GQA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mick Clayton says: “It’s so gratifying that GQA staff are able to help and support so many industry committees. To have a seat at the table when the decisions are being taken that will mould the future of the industries in which we operate is a true honour. Having acquired PAAVQSET, the awarding body for the polymer, engineering, chemical, pharmaceutical and nuclear industries, we are also keen to build on the strong links that this organisation has in its sectors. Going forwards, we also intend to look for more opportunities for collaborative working in the areas of print and construction.”

NEW APPOINTMENTS NEW APPOINTMENT AT TOTAL HARDWARE

Leading trade hardware supplier, Total Hardware has further strengthened its technical sales team with the appointment of industry-man Craig Barnett as External Technical Advisor.

Having worked directly within the fenestration industry for over three decades, including 23 years spent with Kenrick Hardware based in West Bromwich, Craig brings a wealth of exceptional industry experience and in-depth hardware knowledge. Commenting on his appointment, Craig said: “I am delighted to join Total Hardware at this time. The company is renowned for its choice of window and door hardware solutions, along with the strength of its partnerships with market-leading brands, including Kenricks, delivering unbeatable product choice to their customers. The company continues to invest and launch new hardware solutions and I’m looking forward to showcasing the Quantum range of products along with working with our key partners, Yale, UAP and GU.” Craig joined Total Hardware in June this year. Commenting on his appointment, Chris Pell, General Manager of Total Hardware, said: “Craig is well-known in the industry and having worked closely with him in the past, I know first-hand what an asset he’ll be to the team. We are pleased to find such a committed and experienced professional and Craig’s appointment will ensure we maintain our momentum as demand for our hardware ranges continues to grow.” Total Hardware supplies quality window and door hardware to trade fabricators and installers across the UK and offers a comprehensive range of solutions for all projects at competitive prices. The business continues to grow year on year and has recently completed an ambitious expansion at its Leeds-based distribution centre increasing its stock capacity by a further 20% to support its growing customer base. And in Craig Barnett, it has an External Technical Advisor with the skills to support their customers. Tel: 0113 243 2255 www.totalhardwareltd.co.uk

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