Training first

Last year, Dessian Scotland company went into partnership with local training organisation RT Resource, to deliver SVQ certified study programmes to upskill its glazier and fitting teams.

Dessian Scotland’s team of four factory-based glaziers have almost 100 years of experience between them coming in to the industry straight from school; however none previously held an industry-recognised qualification.

Over the last year, the glaziers worked towards a Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship in the Fabrication of Glass Supporting Systems, which has furthered their understanding of the technical information behind the processes they are familiar with and given them additional confidence in their own abilities.

All training was carried out on site, within working hours, so it didn’t encroach on the employees’ work or personal time. The courses were fully funded too, so there was no expense to the workers, just the benefits of holding a qualification to recognise their skills and further their technical expertise.

Dessian Scotland also arranged for its fitting teams to study towards an SVQ Level 3 in Fenestration Installation and Surveying.

Training programmes were introduced last year for Dessian Scotland’s new recruits, taken on as part of a North Lanarkshire Council initiative to get young people into work. Through the Routes to Work programme, they have been able to learn on the job and work towards a Modern Apprenticeship in Business and Administration.

John McDermott, general manager at Dessian Scotland, said: “We are committed to the training and development of our staff, and over the last year we have been able to offer them the opportunity to earn a nationally recognised qualification for their skills while they work. For our more experienced glaziers and fitters, much of the information in the study programmes was familiar to them, but they all got a lot out of finding out more about the science and mechanics behind the processes they’ve done every day for years.

“We believe this training initiative has not only ensured our staff feel valued and invested in at Dessian, but we have also ensured they have a well-rounded practical and theoretical knowledge of our products so are better placed to help our customers with any queries they might have.”