Training by the industry, for the industry
The GGF has harnessed the power of AI to develop a new online training initiative. We talk to John Mannell, GGF technical officer, to find out more.
In a massive boost to its evolving range of member benefits, the Glass & Glazing Federation will be launching its brand-new online training platform, including its instructors ‘Clara’ (Comprehensive Learning And Resource Academy) and Grace (Glazing Resources And Career Education) at October’s Glass Conference in Telford.
The GGF’s vision is for Clara and Grace to bring key elements of running a glass related businesses into one single, premium, online location. From manufacturing and installation methodologies, standards and practices, to employee wellbeing, the new, on demand learning platform is designed to provide the industry with a mix of lower cost training solutions and a portfolio of completely free training courses designed to ensure your team are consistently working to the highest expectations, with the confidence of accuracy and industry compliance.
The GGF will be showcasing the functionality of the new platform during the Glass Conference by demonstrating its latest Regulation 14 training for safety glass. Demonstrating an element of what is usually a four-hour classroom based session, the GGF says that this previously instructor led interactive online training can be undertaken at a time and place convenient to your employees, eliminating the additional travel costs involved.
According to the GGF, the structure of the classes is ‘engaging and motivating’, offering knowledge about the topic, but also highlighting how that knowledge can be implemented to the benefit of the glass and glazing sector.
“Clara and Grace are a real example of how AI can be harnessed to enhance what is already an incredibly strong offering to our members. We have integrated the latest technologies around AI to ensure that information course content consistently reflects and verifies the most up to date, relevant and correct knowledge,” commented the GGF technical officer and training manager, John Mannell.
“On an operational level, the new on demand learning platform reduces the number of obstacles that need to be overcome to ensure training is completed by those who need it – namely cost, time and physical location. Courses can be located at any time, in any place and effectively tracks the progress of every individual.”
John adds that the GGF views its responsibility to instigate and maintain the highest standards in all aspects of running a window and door business as core to its activities. The development of a centrally sourced, accessible and dynamic training platform, he says, will ensure that members have constant access to only the best, most accurate and up to date methodologies and processes available.
“Training has always been a demand from GGF members, and by its very nature this development has been a time hungry and expensive part of our activities and will continue to be so.
“By streamlining all aspects of training via Clara and Grace, we can give immediate updates to subscribed members at little or no extra cost. For any new regulation that comes on board, this can be quickly and efficiently added to the platform and communicated to all affected employees.
“It also gives us the flexibility to include a more diverse range of training topics that can help your workforce feel valued and supported, such as emotional wellbeing.”
The Glass Conference takes place at the Telford International Centre on 16–17 October and has been organised by the GGF in conjunction with FIT show and FENSA, to offer two days of unrivalled networking and learning opportunities.