Following the ‘outstanding success’ of the first Master Fitter Challenge at FIT Show 2013, this year’s competition has attracted even more applications from installers willing to put their knowledge and practical skills to the test. The applicants come from organisations far and wide; some are self-employed sole traders, others represent some of the best known names in the industry.
The first round of the required disciplines, a telephone interview carried out by GQA technical officers asking a standardised series of questions on building regulations and technical issues related to installing windows and doors, has now been completed. The depth and range of knowledge shown by the applicants was very strong; two of those taking part scored 100% with two others scoring 99.5%.
The successful candidates have moved forward to the second round (on-site observation), where the competitors have the chance to demonstrate their individual skills and how they carry out their day to day tasks to GQA’s assessors.
Although the competition was ‘fierce’ last year, there was said to be a ‘strong feeling of camaraderie’ between the finalists and the experience must have been enjoyable, as four of the 2013 finalists are, at the time of print, still in the running for the June 2014 final.
Once the second round has been completed, an independent panel will select the eight finalists who will then demonstrate their skills to a larger audience at the Telford International Exhibition Centre in June.
Sean Hayes from GQA said: “Last year was a great competition but GQA’s fenestration specialist, Andy Carrington, who also acts as external quality advisor/technical officer, has raised the bar even higher for 2014 with his team of dedicated assessors. I’m really looking forward to seeing who comes out on top this year.”
The FIT Show takes place at the Telford International Centre from June 10 -12, with the FIT Show gala dinner on the evening of Wednesday June 11.
