New training academy

5 Star Windows and Conservatories has built a new 3,000ft2 training academy at its Kidderminster showroom, which is capable of supporting 100 people every year.

This will cover the company’s existing staff, new recruits, apprentices, and several commercial partners, and will give individuals in-depth product knowledge, access to new design software and updates on the latest industry regulations, as well as underlining the firm’s commitment to quality and customer service.

Richard Manser, managing director at 5 Star Windows and Conservatories, said: “Our products are premium quality, but installation is equally important. The service and workmanship that we provide have been key to our success throughout the pandemic and we want to make sure this continues going forward.

“With this in mind, we decided to create our own dedicated training academy, which can be the hub for personal development work, recruitment and our regular intake of apprentices.

“There are courses for the construction arm of the business, for our 19-strong sales team and for the next generation of designers. We also provide access to workshops with external specialists and the latest software packages, including Vector, Focus and Pricepoint.

“Our colleagues from Ultraframe … have already used the new facility to update our surveying and technical teams on their latest developments.”

Bethan Owen, design consultant at 5 Star, and one of the first beneficiaries of the new academy, said: “The training has been incredibly thorough. I had a three-month long induction, and the support has been ongoing ever since.

“I was given in-depth training, learning all the facts and figures for every product and then practised using the software on existing showroom structures. The support from everyone in the company also makes a difference; they are really friendly and will always ask how I’m getting on.”