The Glass & Glazing Federation has celebrated its first graduate to complete its Skilled Pathways Scheme. Ben Hill of Leicester Glass Company was in the first cohort of trainees to be put through the GGF’s SPS when it was first launched in 2023. Two years later he is in proud receipt of a recognised qualification which has been developed specifically to benefit the industry as a whole, individual companies in the creation of a better skilled workforce, and the student in the achievement of sought after glazing industry accreditations.
The GGF’s Skilled Pathways Scheme was established to encourage the next generation of window and glazing experts, opening up a clear pathway to attract new people into the sector, particularly those leaving school or college. The association has collaborated with Total Support Training and the industry’s qualifications body, GQA Qualifications, to help support and part fund training with up to £4000 towards the cost for membership companies.
“I decided to do the skilled pathway as it gave me hands on experience in a real-world working environment rather than carrying on academically through university. A main benefit for me was that it led to a recognised qualification which will only help my employment in the future” commented Ben Hill. “As my company is a founding member of the Glass and Glazing federation, doing a course run by such a developed and well-established company was a huge pull factor to the scheme.
“For me, the main benefit was earning whilst I was learning. Unlike traditional education, Skilled Pathway Schemes combine work with studying, meaning whilst I was benefitting from understanding new skills, I was being paid in the process. I have had some incredible experiences in the past 2 years which might not have been achievable without the money I earned alongside my skilled pathway scheme. Secondly, it was important for me to have some assistance along the way so my internal and external mentors were hugely beneficial. Having help is vital when learning new skills and this was achieved through the skilled pathway scheme,” continued Ben Hill.
Technical officer and training manager John Mannell added:
“Ben is a real example of the power of training to benefit not just the student, but the industry as a whole. Most importantly, making the training accessible and fully supportive was essential to keeping all the trainees engaged. With university fees increasing, our industry needs to reframe the narrative around training and qualifying in an industry that is always looking for committed, ambitious people. We look forward to sharing our experiences of apprentice fairs in the coming weeks and months, following through on the impact they are having for our members, and for the industry as a whole.”
The SPS operates with a mixture of online modules and in-person training covering a number of core topics including glazing and glass processing, fenestration, fire resistant glazing and window film application. At the end of the course, trainees will receive a NVQ Level 2 qualification as well as the GGF’s own certificate. It has allowed Ben to better understand the potential opportunities of working in the sector.
“The skilled pathway provided a structured training program that ensured candidates like myself develop the necessary skills and knowledge for the glass industry. This means that businesses are investing in a skilled workforce by allowing employees to go on this scheme,” added Ben Hill. “Additionally, there is the benefit of long-term commitment to the company. As I am only 20 years old, I have potential and many years to carry on working and improve every day. As they have committed to me through this training, I am definitely more likely to stay here and work as hard as possible in return”.
The SPS is available to both member and non-members of the GGF, but funding support is only given to members.
