GQA centre Absolute Training Solutions supported Recclesia Stained Glass in the restoration of historic stained glass panels at Grade I listed Manchester Town Hall by guiding employees through NVQ attainment.
The achievement of the NVQs was funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency, working in partnership with the European Social Fund.
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 its studio in Swinton.
Recclesia Stained Glass offers 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.
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 in-house 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.”
GQA 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.”
www.gqaqualifications.com.
