Apprenticeship and Training Programme shortlisted
20th September 2016

AluFoldDirect is a finalist for the G16 Awards in the Training & Development Initiative of the Year category. It is the second time the Blackburn-based aluminium fabricator’s training scheme has been recognised this year, after being a finalist in the Made in the North West Awards.

AlufoldDirect is committed to creating a smart and capable workforce, which delivers great customer service and efficient, right first time manufacturing and installation. The company has developed an in-house training scheme to ensure that people with potential from the local community have the chance to prove themselves and have their efforts rewarded with progression through the company.

Managing Director at AluFoldDirect, Craig Miller, said: “Our team is the bedrock of our business; they are the people who make sure our products are always right first time for customers.

“We developed the in-house training scheme to create the precise manufacturing skills we need to deliver our aluminium window and door range. We bring in local people to start learning the skills they need. Then they are given the chance to develop their skill set and eventually pass their knowledge onto the next generation of trainees.”

AluFoldDirect’s training initiative is done in three stages. Trainees first learn the basics of manufacturing aluminium windows and bi-fold doors using AluFoldDirect’s fast and precise manufacturing process.

After 6-12 months of perfecting their basic skills, trainees earn an internal qualification and take charge of different stages of the manufacturing process as they develop skills in other areas.

Once they have plenty of experience and the full skill set required across the ensure product range, qualified fabricators becoming involved with the training of new employees, passing on their knowledge and experience.

Craig adds: “Being shortlisted for a second award concerning our training and development scheme shows us that the judges really understand the importance of developing manufacturing teams. The fact that the judges are peers in the glazing industry is a real stamp of approval for what we do.

“Our training scheme not only ensures that we can offer precisely manufactured products with fast lead times to customers, but it also helps us tap into potential in the local community.”

The prestigious G Award Presentation and Gala Dinner will take place on 18 November 2016 at The London Hilton on Park Lane.

www.alufolddirect.co.uk