Professional training partners
New building regulations mean fitters are required to meet or exceed even higher standards of training. Graham Lindsay, founder of Weru UK, discusses the company’s in-house training scheme, which awards fitters with the RAL certification for technical installation.
As the UK’s main distributor of Weru Germany products, my team and I have undergone strict training by the Weru factory academy in Germany to become an accredited training partner. We are now proud to offer this training to members and fitters of Weru’s partner network at our purpose-built facility in Blackpool.
A myriad of grey areas exist in technical installation such as the fixing methods, frame position and wall connections. By undertaking the training course, fitters are trained on the very strict RAL approved window installation standards required for all aspects of installation, including air tightness, security and wind loading.
The training is one of its kind in the UK, and those who embark upon it are required to attend a two-day course, followed by an on-site practical review with a Weru UK technical team trainer.
At our on-site training facility in Blackpool, we will diligently train up to six fitters on one course, to ensure they have the practical and theoretical skills required to exceed the high standards of installation down to an art.
The training is split into theory and practical assessments. The theory elements cover a range of documentation processes, from survey to compliance of the latest fixing, air tightness and thermal performance methods. It also goes into detail about the documentation chain process of managing a project from beginning to end, right through from ordering the windows and doors, to shipping, delivery and installation. Every part of the process follows one set standard so every eventuality is covered and nothing goes wrong.
On completion of the theory tutorials, participants then carry out practical assessments in the training workshop using mock up walls with apertures. They must demonstrate an understanding of the modern method of packerless fixing to ensure the build remains weather and airtight.
After successful completion of the two-day training course, participants are awarded with a certificate of attendance. Following this first stage, they are then required to undertake practical, on-site assessments. Each team must skilfully fit five windows on a current project site under the guidance of a training academy team member. Once Weru is satisfied with the installation, the main certificate of installation and competence may be issued.
The principal of the RAL training scheme is based on cloning how it’s carried out in Germany. Weru Germany has been granted a licence to deliver RAL certification without RAL in attendance so they are taking responsibility of all work carried out. Germany has now authorised us, as its UK partner, to carry out the rigorous training to committed fitters who wish to further their skills. We are delighted to have worked closely with Weru Germany on the development of this scheme, with its team joining us in the UK to help design the training facility within our premises.
Once the training has been completed, and fitters are fully vetted and trained to the highest standards, they are able to join the Weru UK Network, which offers developers and home owners in a specific catchment area, a complete windows and doors solution.
