DWL Home Improvements, a manufacturer of windows, doors and conservatories, based in Queenborough, Kent, decided to offer GQA NVQ level 2 related training and assessment to all appropriate employees both in the factory and carrying out installation activities. The initial take up has been over 70% and this is expected to increase, as others see their peers succeed.

 

Jonathan Strefford, Production Director reports that whilst one of the initial purposes was to ‘give something back’ to employees, the desired effects were for the scheme to benefit the company, as well as the individuals themselves. Employees have taken more interest in their work, morale has improved and a willingness to cross train on different jobs has emerged. This has meant a more flexible workforce and generated ideas for process improvements.

 

The timing of the implementation of the NVQ’s has coincided with the introduction of a system of ‘grades’ for factory operatives and this has in turn enabled a financial reward for those achieving the national standard.

 

The scheme itself required very little management effort on the part of DWL as, after the initial contact with Business Link, virtually everything was done by the GQA approved training provider, IPS International, with very little lost production time, as the majority of the assessment is carried out by observing the candidates undertaking their normal tasks.

 

A significant aspect was the fact that the entire process was supported by ‘Profit From Learning’ with zero costs to DWL other than operatives time.

 

NB       Profit From Learning is a government funded programme which has now been replaced by Train to Gain.

For further information about GQA NVQ’s and Train to Gain contact Kerry Jones on 01634 298800