Kestrel boosts training for installers ready for Green Deal

Leading PVC-U and PVC-UE building products manufacturer Kestrel is looking to expand its installation training programme in response to the government’s Green Deal.

Over the past 18 months, Kestrel, has worked with one of the country’s leading PVC-U/PVC-UE trainers Neil Whitfield Training (NWT) to train almost 250 of its registered installers to NVQ level 2 in roofline installation.

Now, with the government’s commitment to the Green Deal, Kestrel is aiming to deliver a full 12 month apprenticeship NVQ to those installers.

The move follows the announcement that in order to apply for Green Deal accreditation, installation companies will have to make sure that their installers have the relevant qualifications.

And, Neil Whitfield revealed, putting installers through the apprenticeship NVQ could, not only be free of charge but also result in the company receiving grant funding once the qualification is completed.

Neil explained: “The Green Deal is the buzz term within the industry and for good reason. The government has committed to spend £1.6billion each year over the next ten years to help people improve the energy efficiency of their home.

“To become a Green Deal provider you will need to make sure that your installers are properly qualified. For those installation companies that Kestrel supply, this is a fantastic opportunity to make those developments within their company that they need for Green Deal accreditation.”

Neil added that, though the qualification takes 12 months to complete, it needn’t interfere with the working day.

“The apprenticeship NVQ isn’t a traditional apprenticeship – it’s for installers of any age and it’s completely free. The added benefit is that they get assessed on functional skills – maths, English etc. It takes 12 months, predominantly on the job so it’s not disruptive. The functional skills element only takes one or two hours a month. At the end of the 12 months, the employer can get a grant of £1,500.

“It’s so beneficial to all parties and I think it shows how Kestrel is leading the way for the future in light of the Green Deal.”

For more information on Kestrel’s registered installer scheme go to:  http://www.kbp.co.uk/support/registered-installer