GQA is developing qualifications focused on balustrading and railings, in collaboration with the Balustrade and Balcony Suppliers and Installers Association (BABSI), a new body that fully launched in May 2022. The three one-day essential knowledge courses that GQA is developing are set to lead to a joint GQA/BABSI skills card in addition to a new NVQ Level 2 in balustrading and railings. The three courses are titled:
- Essential knowledge of balustrading installation
- Supervising balustrading installation projects, and
- Designing and specifying balustrading installation projects.
The essential knowledge of balustrading installation course aims to provide an overview of the industry as well as offer detail about product range, quality standards, building regulations relating to the industry, installation and how to identify problems with installations. BABSI’s mission is to be the recognised voice of the balustrade and balcony sector and to establish stringent standards of quality and service in order to set a professional benchmark for the industry, according to BABSI representatives.
Justin Ratcliffe, BABSI’s CEO, said: “Qualifications are a standard against which everyone can be benchmarked equally. GQA’s bespoke qualification service is helping us to prove competency – not just through the development of specialist courses but through the end-of-course testing procedure. We are anticipating that the new, bespoke qualifications will be available from quarter four this year.”
Martin Sadler, GQA’s EQA/technical officer, said: “It is disappointing when people in specific, specialist job functions are not able to develop their careers by working towards achieving a qualification because a relevant regulated option is not available. This is where our bespoke qualification service can help.
“Developing a qualification tailored specifically to them, which carries the approval of GQA, means that employees can fully prove their competency, and employers can put into place for them a career progression route. Once developed, the qualification is exclusive to the employers concerned.”
Mick Clayton, CEO of GQA Qualifications, added: “Both our accredited training and bespoke qualification services are proving extremely popular. They demonstrate the need for a flexible approach to training. Here at GQA, we have close to 200 qualifications covering a broad variety of sectors.
“The balustrade and balcony industry, just like any other, needs training solutions tailored to its specific needs. I’m proud that we are helping to facilitate this and contributing to raising standards and assisting in shaping careers.”
