21 minute read
Careers & Qualifications in Fenestration
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 HERITAGE TRADE FRAMES CELEBRATES ITS COMMITMENT TO TRAINING
Leading Stellar fabricator Heritage Trade Frames is celebrating the achievements of nine of its aluminium production staff who have successfully achieved their GQA L2 NVQ Certificate of Glass Supporting Structure for Aluminium Manufacturing.
Paul Culshaw, Managing Director of Heritage Trade Frames, said: “We are proud that so many members of our Stellar aluminium production team have achieved this certification. It requires dedication and determination on their part and it’s great to see their hard work paying off for the benefit of both the individual and the company.” Heritage Trade Frames emphasises the value of training in its business. Paul commented: “Investing in your staff through certified training makes good business sense as it helps to ensure that the products supplied are manufactured correctly and with the appropriate care and attention needed to provide a world class product. We have invested further in additional dedicated and committed supervisors and team leaders throughout our production process, whose focus is predominantly coaching and guiding new and existing staff in the Heritage ethos of ‘We make it right’ as this is what our customers have grown to expect from us. This workplace training has proved very successful and the difference in the finished results helps to ensure that our customers keep coming back for more.” Heritage Trade Frames was founded in the late 1980s with a clear objective to manufacture and supply quality PVC-U and aluminium products. Thirty years later, it’s supplied over a million products to its loyal customer base for installation in homes and offices around the North West. The company is a long-standing Epwin Window Systems fabricator and recently expanded its offering by fabricating the system company’s multi award-winning retail aluminium system Stellar aluminium. It’s an expansion that’s proving very successful. Paul commented: “Installers love Stellar. They appreciate the fact it’s fitterfriendly and is exceptionally easy to glaze because of the pre-gasketed, knock in beads. Stellar is especially good for securing higherend projects that need something different which gives our customers a competitive edge. When it comes to aluminium window and doors, Stellar offers some of the best aesthetics on the market today.” Stellar has been a successful addition to the balance sheet too. Paul says the system has seen 50% growth in some areas and he expects more growth to come. Paul concludes: “It just goes to show that the old formula still works. When you have a high-quality product manufactured by highly trained people committed to excellence, you have a winning combination.”
Tel: 0845 300 9356 www.stellaraluminium.co.uk
NEW APPOINTMENTS
REHAU EXPANDS SALES SUPPORT IN THE NORTH
As part of its ongoing business investment, REHAU has appointed Robert Benn as Commercial Sales Manager for Window Solutions, North.
Robert comes to the polymer solutions provider after more than five years as an Estimating Manager within the fenestration industry. Bringing skills from his previous role, Robert’s new responsibilities involve assisting installers on both residential and commercial projects in the north of the UK. Robert commented: “My last role gave me first-hand experience working with suppliers such as REHAU, which I’m keen to take forward and use in this new position. I’m excited to build relationships with installers, architects and specifiers alike, and understand their specific requirements to help them overcome any challenges.” Last year REHAU announced a £10 million investment into a state-of-the-art recycling facility located in the North of England, PVCR. Alongside growing the business and promoting the organisation’s market-leading window ranges, Robert will play a role in raising awareness of window recycling and coextruded profile solutions as REHAU continues its efforts to lead in sustainable practices. Speaking on Robert’s appointment, Barry Gilligan, Sales Director for Windows Solutions at REHAU added: “Robert’s vast knowledge of the entire construction process – gained from working with window fabricators and installers – equip him with unique skills which I am looking forward to seeing him apply in his role. I am highly confident he will excel at REHAU, given his insight into areas of the construction process which often lead to issues on-site and completing jobs.” Robert’s appointment is one of a number planned for REHAU’s Windows Solutions division as the company strengthens its UKwide support, and as the fenestration industry continues its recovery from the pandemic and navigates soaring demand levels. “The industry has changed significantly since I started out, and challenges associated with supply and demand make it even more important for windows professionals to invest in high-quality systems. Having built up extensive knowledge of PVC window solutions to date, I’m eager to apply my knowledge when working with REHAU’s wide and varied customer base. It is an honour to join the largest and most soughtafter profile company in the industry, not least because their strong environmental and employee values reflect my own principles.” For more information on REHAU’s window solutions, please visit www.rehau.com/uk-en/pvcu-rehau-windows.
NEW APPOINTMENTS VEKA PLC WELCOMES NEW COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
VEKA plc is delighted to announce the appointment of Tim Taylor as its new Commercial Director.
Tim arrives at VEKA having amassed more than 20 years’ experience in FMCG, industrial and manufacturing organisations across UK, European and global markets. In that time, he has held various leadership positions, forging a strong reputation for delivering sales revenue, business growth, and excellent customer service. He spent a decade at BOC Gases, excelling in sales, marketing, and change management roles before being appointed Commercial Manager. Upon achieving a Master’s in Business Administration from the Cranfield School of Management, Tim then went on to work for Molson Coors Brewing Company, one of the largest brewers in the world, where he progressed from Regional Director to Sales Director during his eight years there. Tim believes VEKA shares a lot of Molson Coors’ values; a family ethos helping shape a global brand, with an emphasis on putting the customer first.
“When I was with Molson Coors, that was a global business and a family-owned business, very much like VEKA. When I came to look around VEKA you could tell it was very much a values-led organisation, and that really resonated with me. “I’ve always loved being involved in manufacturing – whether that’s in the gases business or the beer business, it’s always been a high technical specification type of industry, selling business to business. “When I spoke with the team at VEKA, one of the things they were most interested in was the work I had done around making sure the customer is first. We implemented a substantial change management programme at Molson Coors, around customer excellence, whereby we wanted to be, consistently, the first choice for customers. I would like to bring elements of that into VEKA.”
However, his initial focus will centre around listening to customers, to VEKA people and learning the business. “I want to listen, observe, and learn to begin with. It’s about building relationships; and really understanding what our customers need and how we can add even more value.
“Understanding the overall strategic plan, and how I can help influence that, how I can support the team in achieving those strategic goals over the next three to five years; that is also extremely important.” Neil Evans, Managing Director of VEKA plc added, “I am delighted to have secured Tim into our newly created Commercial Director role which further strengthens our Board. His vast commercial, customer and change focused experience will support our strategic growth and service reputation plans. “The diverse leadership roles he has held across different areas of the industrial and manufacturing sector mean along with an exceptional knowledge of business-tobusiness relationships, he will also bring new ideas and a fresh perspective to the team. “I was extremely impressed with his history of implementing strategic planning initiatives, and his commitment to driving customer service excellence; an approach that aligns perfectly with VEKA’s core values.” Additional notes: (Away from work, the married dad-of three coaches’ local cricket and rugby teams and is a keen skier and scuba diver. He is also a member of Marylebone Cricket Club.)
NEW APPOINTMENTS GRANADA GLAZING STRENGTHENS ITS MANUFACTURING DIVISION
Granada Secondary Glazing has further bolstered its manufacturing division following the appointment of three new members of its core production team.
The expansion of the company’s manufacturing division features the creation of three brand-new job roles, designed to increase both output and efficiency in light of sustained, increased demand.
The first of the newly created positions is that of Production Process Engineer, undertaken by Daniel Millington, who will be responsible for working alongside Granada’s existing design and manufacturing team to assess and develop assembly, process and calibration procedures within the company’s 40,000 sq ft manufacturing facility. The second new position is that of Factory Supervisor, undertaken by Owen Dernie, who will oversee Granada’s product output and will be responsible for organising both daily and weekly workflow. As part of this new position, Owen will also manage the training and development of both new and existing employees. The third and final new position is undertaken by Kevin Beales, who joins Granada as Production & Purchasing Scheduling Co-Ordinator. Within the new role, Kevin will be responsible for planning and implementing the company’s production schedule, as well as building successful relationships with customers, suppliers and colleagues alike. Shelley Dibble, Operations Manager at Granada Secondary Glazing, said she was delighted to welcome the three newcomers: “We’re continually assessing ways in which we can improve and develop our manufacturing output, and the creation of these three new positions forms a key part of our strategy moving forwards. “Following a rigorous recruitment process, we’re supremely confident that Daniel, Owen and Kevin – with their wealth of experience – will each prove to be a great success throughout their time at Granada. “We’ve seen incredibly high levels of demand following the launch of our new product range last summer. We’ve been proactive in our decision making to ensure we keep up with demand and are looking forward to an incredibly successful remainder of 2022 and beyond.” For more information about Granada Secondary Glazing, please call 01909 499899, visit www.gsecg.com or email info@granadaglazing.com.
NEW APPOINTMENTS
QUICKSLIDE WELCOMES NEW GROUP OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Quickslide has welcomed Mark Scaife as its new Group Operations Director. In this role, Mark will take responsibility for the leadership and management of all business operations of the leading windows and doors fabricator, both tactically and strategically.
“I’m delighted to have joined Quickslide and I look forward to helping the leadership team move from great to outstanding,” said Mark.
Explaining what his objectives will be in the new role, Mark said: “Quickslide is a market leader in sliding sash windows, and I want to develop a longer-term strategy for operations that meets the aspirations of the business to stay best in class, as well as develop KPIs and scorecards that will help drive our ambitions in customer service, quality, people and process capability and reliability.” Mark has many years of experience in the industry, including ten years as Group Operations Director and three years at COO level. He is also a qualified engineer and Lean Sigma Black Belt and system deployment champion, certified and experienced in optimising processes for speed and quality. Quickslide’s Managing Director Ben Weber said: “Mark’s expertise and experience is just what we need to continue with our committed focus on further improving the service and quality of our offering, and is in line with our goal to remain at the very forefront of the industry. “We welcome Mark to the team as we look forward to exciting times ahead.” www.quickslide.co.uk
CAREERS
VISTA CELEBRATES 20-YEAR CAREER MILESTONE
Leading composite door manufacturer Vista Panels is celebrating the 20-year career milestone of Technical Director Pip Anger.
Since 2002, Pip has overseen the Wirral-based company’s procurement of materials and technical changes to its composite door range. Having worked in the fenestration industry for 41 years, he began his career at Wood Industries, then moved to Premdor for a brief period in Canada, before making the move to Vista.
Keith Sadler, Vista’s Managing Director, comments: “Soon after joining the company, Pip was instrumental in designing Vista’s very own GRP door set, a world away from today’s market leading XtremeDoor. “Over the last 20 years, the market has demanded a stronger, more thermally efficient door, and Pip has led the technical changes and procurement of materials to develop the Vista composite door offering and turn it into arguably the market’s highest specified GRP door set under the XtremeDoor brand.”
The XtremeDoor outerframe now has a co-extruded seal with two added brush piles with recycled thermal inserts, while the original two-hook lock has been upgraded to a five hook fitted with a cylinder guard as standard, giving the consumer a 3-star package offering even more security. The original zinc handles and letterplates have since been replaced with stainless steel versions, offering a 25-year surface finish warranty. In addition, the 2mm GRP skins are now 4mm, meaning they’re 100% thicker than the industry standard with UVstable cassettes, while the original butt hinge has been replaced with a 3D fully adjustable version, all of which have contributed to
Vista’s Managing Director Keith Sadler (L) and Technical Director Pip Anger (R)
Vista staying ahead of its competitors and offering a fit-and-forget door set. Pip comments: “When I first started at Vista, the original door production was significantly longer, with a lead time of up to 12 weeks. Now, after years of investment in modern machinery and constant improvements to the manufacturing process, we can have door sets out in less than 10 days. “In addition, our original footprint has doubled in size from 36,000 square feet, with four doubled headed CNC’s, four edge banders and two saw centres.
“We’ve been producing over 1,200 door sets per week continually since the start of last year, and have now successfully reduced our lead times to pre-Covid levels.” Keith concludes: “We couldn’t have got to where we are today without Pip’s instrumental role in product development and his expertise in sourcing core materials. He is well known and respected throughout the industry, one of the many reasons we have been able to grow to a £30 million turnover company.” For more information call 0151 608 1423 or visit www.vistapanels.co.uk
CAREERS
INTERNAL PROMOTION AT CARL F GROUPCO
Leading hardware distributor Carl F Groupco is pleased to announce the promotion of Nathalie McKee to the role of Sales Office Manager. Having worked for the company for 11 years, Nathalie brings a wealth of valuable experience and exceptional product knowledge to the role.
Based in the company’s Peterborough headquarters, Nathalie’s role will see her manage the internal sales and customer service teams to ensure the company’s exceptional service levels are upheld and develop the team as required. She will work closely with Carl F Groupco’s Sales Director, John King, to coordinate between the external sales teams and provide a smooth buying process for customers. Commenting on her new position, Nathalie said: “I’m thrilled to take the role of Sales Office Manager. We have a great team at Carl F Groupco who care about providing customers with the best possible service. We are fortunate to have a professional and proactive customer base that is well placed to help us deliver our ongoing sales growth, and I’m looking forward to working with them.” John King, Sales Director for Carl F Groupco added: “Nathalie is a great asset to Carl F Groupco. Her promotion to Sales Office Manager reflects the strength of her abilities and her commitment to the ongoing success of Carl F Groupco”. Nathalie takes up her new role with immediate effect.
Tel: 01733 393 330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk
NEW APPOINTMENTS BRYAN BULTEMA APPOINTED AS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR ODL EUROPE
ODL Europe has announced the appointment of Bryan Bultema as its new Managing Director.
Bryan, who has been with ODL Inc since 1988, has been instrumental in supporting the vision and development of the global business. Following a successful career as Vice President of Zabitat, an ODL company specialising in online home improvement products, Bryan will continue to lead ODL Europe and its day-to-day executive management team as the business continues to deliver its growth strategy across the UK market. Bryan will replace ODL Europe’s former Managing Director, Nathan Barr, who will be stepping down from the role after four years with the company due to family commitments and to pursue new opportunities outside of the fenestration market.
Bryan’s appointment comes at an exciting time for ODL Europe and signifies the company’s continued development in composite doors and value-added product solutions. Commenting on his appointment, Bryan said: “I am thrilled to join ODL Europe. Together with the strong talent Nathan has assembled, we will continue executing our plan of creating and providing solutions that contribute to the success of our valued customers while honouring our valuesbased culture.”
Townes Parsley, Executive Vice President at ODL Inc, said: “We would like to thank Nathan for his huge contribution towards the business and wish him all the best for the future. Over the past few years, ODL Europe has experienced rapid growth and we have embarked on a future-proof investment strategy to scale up the business to continue to support our customers. ODL Europe has a bright and exciting future and we are looking forward to working with Bryan and continuing on the journey.” Bryan will join ODL Europe on 1st April, 2022. Tel: 0151 933 0299 – https://odleurope.com
CAREERS
GQA centre Absolute Training Solutions Ltd has contributed to the successful restoration of historic stained glass panels at Grade I listed Manchester Town Hall by supporting employees of Recclesia Stained Glass through NVQ attainment. Grade 1 listed buildings, which are incredibly rare in the UK are those deemed to be of exceptional national, architectural or historical significance. The achievement of the NVQs was funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency, working in partnership with the European Social Fund.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Recclesia Stained Glass specialises in the conservation and repair of historic and listed buildings, churches, ancient sites and ruins. They offer expertise in the conservation and repair of historic stained and leaded glass, alongside the design and creation of new stained glass and leaded lights, and the conservation and creation of associated metalwork, protection and environmentally sympathetic glazing. The company works on projects ranging from parish churches to cathedrals, castles to stately homes, and village halls to city halls. They work with organisations including English Heritage, the National Trust and a whole host of heritage guardians. The team consists of conservators, artists, glass designers, glaziers, site managers and joiners. All employees at Recclesia have longstanding experience of glass conservation and creation and hold traditional skills and academic qualifications, which underpins their approach and philosophy to glass design and installation.
MANCHESTER TOWN HALL
This project involved the removal, restoration and installation of the glass in the Great Hall at the Town Hall building, which is undergoing a major four-year refurbishment programme. The employees of Recclesia required a recognised NVQ qualification to fulfil the contractual obligations of the contract, and approached Absolute Training Solutions Ltd to deliver the ESF funded level 2 qualification for five members of staff. Qualifications were undertaken by members of staff from the glass processing side of the business who were involved on the restoration element of the contract, and one member of staff who was responsible for the removal and installation of the specialist glass and its transportation to their studio in Swinton.
INNOVATING ASSESSMENT METHODS THROUGH THE PANDEMIC
Due to the ongoing pandemic and the third national lockdown in January 2021, an alternative assessment model was agreed with Recclesia by Absolute Training Solutions to ensure that their staff development and training needs were not affected by the restrictions. Constant changes in the national Covid-19 response guidance meant virtual communications played a huge role in the learners’ development including progression reviews and teaching and learning activities.
OUTCOME AND IMPACT
Katherine Walton, Senior Stained Glass
Conservator for Recclesia said: “We are one of the few conservation companies in the UK that continues to maintain a full inhouse staff of conservators and traditionally skilled craftsmen and women. This is one of the main reasons we are chosen to work on some of the UK’s most iconic buildings. “The service provided by Absolute Training Solutions Ltd and the European Social Fund enabled us to deliver the highest standards and ensured that all staff were fully qualified to meet the needs of the project. The tutor from Absolute Training Solutions Ltd provided underpinning knowledge in a professional manner while providing essential advice and guidance on key areas such as CSCS and health and safety. Previous work including photo evidence was taken into account during the assessment and the tutor made staff feel at ease during the whole assessment and training process. “Our staff have benefited immensely from using resources both online and in hard copy form when needed, including our glazier who took great confidence from the onsite assessments, developing his skills and knowledge. These qualifications will give the company the opportunity to access more projects in the future as more of our staff are now multi skilled with a recognised qualification. The company has benefited greatly from our staff gaining new skill levels.”
WHAT THE LEARNERS SAID
Katherine Ladyman, Glass Processing
Level 2 achiever continued: “I was motivated to apply for the course because I really enjoy learning new things and being creative. The NVQ in Glass Processing has helped me expand my knowledge and gain new skills. It was really great to meet Roy from Absolute and talk him through the stained-glass procedure. Roy was very interested in the subject and was so supportive during the whole process. I am happy that I have now progressed to a higher level which will further enhance my knowledge and understanding of the glass processing sector.”
Tomos Ball, Glazing Level 2 achiever said:
“My motivation to apply for this course was to gain more knowledge of my job and the industry. I enjoyed the observations and the support provided by my tutor Roy. I was able to perform my usual installation duties while learning new topics on health and safety and building regulations. I was very happy with the outcome and the achievement of the glazing qualification. The experience will be valuable and will benefit me in the future.”
WHAT ABSOLUTE TRAINING SOLUTIONS SAID
Speaking for Absolute Training Solutions, Roy Pusey the scheme tutor commented:
“I was very impressed with the quality of the work produced by all the employees at Recclesia. The work currently being carried out on the Manchester Town Hall contract is of an extremely high standard and all staff have shown that they have the skills and the knowledge to meet their contractual obligations. “I want to give a special mention to Katherine as she was an exceptional candidate and always provided quality evidence during her assessment and training activities. I am happy all five members of staff were able to progress to a higher level following their achievement. “I am also delighted to say that Recclesia have now employed two new female members of staff who are now working to the same ESF SSW qualification in Glass Processing.”
WHAT GQA QUALIFICATIONS SAID
Speaking for GQA the awarding body who write the qualifications taken by the team
at Recclesia, CEO Mick Clayton said: “It is great to hear that what you might call traditional skills are still alive and well and that there are people who want to learn them and carry on the traditions. “It is always great news when those people understand the value of qualifications as a way of further developing their knowledge, their skills and their careers, and I am delighted for all the team at Recclesia. “The project they are currently working on is a real landmark and something they will always be able to look back on with pride. Congratulations to them all.”
