Entrance Systems Alliance (ESA), the organisation established by Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) and the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA), has praised the work of CSkills and the launch of a single, combined NVQ qualification to better serve the needs of the Powered Pedestrian Door, Automated Gate, Industrial & Garage Door and Fire Door industries.
From 1 September, there is now just one NVQ covering installation, repair and maintenance, a change from the original requirement of two NVQs: one for installation, and the second for repair and maintenance.
The NVQ is a competence-based qualification centred on national occupational standards. These standards are statements of performance that describe what competent people in an occupation are expected to be able to do. The NVQ is achieved through assessment and is required for those seeking a formal qualification.
DHF and ADSA have been lobbying for many years for one single, revised NVQ qualification to cover all, which will result in a more streamlined approach and the payment of just one registration fee (as opposed to two). In March 2020 the two organisations founded ESA as an NOCN assessment centre to offer NVQ (National Vocational) qualifications to the industries served by both organisations. These include door and gate systems, such as fire doors, powered pedestrian doors and automated gates.
“ESA will now be offering a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Specialist Installation Occupations (Construction) – Door, Gate and Shutter Systems – Installation and Maintenance, and this combines the two original NVQs that were withdrawn on 31st August,” explains DHF’s Head of Commercial Operations, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “It became evident that more and more learners had undertaken both NVQs, firstly, to secure a Blue Skilled Worker card to work independently on construction sites, but also, because if an individual/company is undertaking an installation, it is highly likely that they will also hold the maintenance contract.
“We are delighted that this has finally come to fruition,” Patricia continues. “With one NVQ qualification covering everything, delegates will also no longer have to pay two registration fees. Those currently studying the original two NVQ qualifications will still have time to complete their learning. With a significant ‘crossover’ of units between both NVQs, bringing these together as a single industry-recognised qualification is a sensible move. This new system will make the NVQ less time consuming for the learner without compromising the quality of the qualification. It will now provide a simpler pathway to ensure that the very highest standards continue to be met with regards to industry training and compliance.”
Ken Price, Managing Director of ADSA concluded, “When our two organisations came together to form Entrance Systems Alliance one of our principal aims was to create a clear and transparent route towards professional qualifications for our members. The single NVQ is an extremely important step towards achieving this.”
For further information, please visit: https://www.esa.uk.com/
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