DHF NVQ SCHEME REACHES ITS FIRST CENTURY

Article first published 01/12/2008

More than 100 door engineers have achieved National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) status in the installation and repair of door systems since the scheme was set up, according to the scheme instigator, the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF).  
 
A total of 105 door installers and repairers now sport NVQ status. A further 89 are working towards the NVQ qualification. And this is set to rise even higher as more employers realise that funding is available to cover the cost of putting employees through the NVQ process.  
 
“This high take up across the door industry nationally is most encouraging, in fact it is exceeding our expectations,” said DHF chief executive officer Ian Wood.  
 
“As the trade body representing the UK’s leading door and shutter manufacturers we have always emphasised the importance of training. The NVQ scheme is making a major contribution to the raising of quality and safety standards throughout the industry.”  
 
The setting up of the NVQ scheme followed years of campaigning by the DHF. The scheme was finally established by the DHF in partnership with the CITB-ConstructionSkills and City & Guilds.  
 
The Level 2 NVQ for door systems engineers is based upon on-the-job assessment of candidates’ practical skills and knowledge and covers automatic, industrial and garage door installation and repair. In September, the scheme was extended to include electrical wiring skills.  
 
Uptake of the NVQ scheme increased following the ending of the “grandfather rights” to CSCS cards three years ago. Now the NVQ qualification is needed for everyone requiring a CSCS card which allows entry into Major Contractor Group sites.  
 
Train to Gain Funding to cover the cost of gaining the NVQ qualification is available through the Learning Skills Council (to contact a Train to Gain skills broker call 0800 015 55 45). Funding may also be available from Construction Skills for NVQs (to contact a CSkills office call 0844 844 0046).  
 
For more information about the DHF visit the website: www.dhfonline.org.uk  

Article ID No.: 172