Building Our Skills is expanding its national network of practical training centres with the addition of two new academy sites, with plans for further growth in the pipeline.
One, located near Heathrow is via a partnership with BUILD training, and the other is through collaboration with Glass & Fenestration Training Solutions (GFTS), based Cornwall.
The expansion follows the body’s acquisition of the digital assets and course content of Profitter, including a range of courses such as fenestration for beginners, intermediate and advanced courses, along with specialist opportunities and surveying.
BUILD is an independent training provider, working with learners aged sixteen to seventy-five to facilitate their entry into the construction sector.
Glass & Fenestration Training Solutions (GFTS) offer a range of apprenticeships, training and qualifications across the country in many aspects of the fenestration industry including glass processing, installation & surveying, curtain walling, glazing, fabrication of glass supporting systems and associated qualifications.
In addition to its original practical training academy at Sheffield and the two new practical training centre, Building Our Skills is looking at adding further sites, including the next proposed one in the Scottish Borders. All practical training content is formally GQA accredited giving learners a skills card to carry with them to show their achievements, and which can be added to as they enrol for further, more advanced courses.
John Ogilvie, Director of Building Our Skills said: “We strongly believe that practical training is the way forward for the industry. Opening these two new centres is a great step forward for the industry and demonstrates our commitment to raising standards in fenestration. It’s gratifying that we are able to offer training to support industry employees to do their jobs to the highest standards, and that we are now able to do this on a regional basis which has obvious appeal for those wanting to train.”
