Bespoke qualification

Schüco recently partnered with GQA to create a bespoke curtain wall theory Level 2 award.

GQA’s Bespoke Qualification service is aimed at employers who want to offer staff and customers undertaking very specific roles a qualification where one does not already exist.

The service is designed for niche specialist areas, which do not lend themselves to meeting the required content of a standard regulated qualification.

Grenville Bramley, training and development manager at Schüco UK, said: “We knew that if we got this right the award would act as an excellent means of CPD for our curtain wall installers, thereby helping to raise and maintain standards.

“It is wonderful to help to develop the skills and expertise of our installers in this way. It’s good for the installers, and in turn helps us to differentiate ourselves from competitors. At the end of the process, installers qualifying for the award receive a certificate carrying the GQA logo alongside our own, which we find candidates prefer.

“The whole process of putting together the bespoke qualification was straightforward, and resulted in the development of a close partnership with GQA. Initially, we sketched out our course material and then worked with GQA to ensure its suitability.

“Then, we created the exam and went through it with them to check it was pitched at the right level. Having been audited carefully by GQA we have the confidence that the new, tailored qualification is fit for purpose.

“Having the bespoke qualification that is audited by GQA stands us apart from other companies who simply offer their staff their own training. In the future, I believe Schüco could develop more of them so that candidates can cherry pick what they need and put them together to create something very special. In the short-term the company will develop at least two more.”

Alongside its Bespoke Qualification GQA also offers Accredited Training, which is aimed at employers who want to have their in-house training endorsed by GQA Qualifications and gives them the opportunity to deliver training that focuses on candidates’ particular needs specific to their role with the employer.

The two initiatives mean that employers can create and accredit in-house developed training courses and learning programmes in addition to using existing qualifications, GQA said.

www.gqaqualifications.com