A new organisation offering NVQ (National Vocational) qualifications to the door and gate industries has been launched by two of the sector’s most revered trade associations. Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) and the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA), both based in Tamworth, have come together in partnership to form a new joint venture named Entrance Systems Alliance Limited (ESA). The body, also to be based in Tamworth, will act as an assessment centre and offer NVQ’s to the industries served by both organisations. These include door and gate systems, such as fire doors, automated gates and powered pedestrian doors.
NVQs are work-based awards in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that are achieved through assessment and training, and centre on national occupational standards. They recognise the skills and knowledge that a person needs to do a job and cover a wide range of subjects for almost every occupational area in every business sector. The NVQ is required for those seeking a CSCS card.
The new organisation has been established by two of the sector’s most recognised associations, each with many years of experience in their respective industries. Formed in 1897, DHF remains the oldest trade association in the industry, and the ‘go to’ body for technical knowledge, information, advice, and practical help as well as training. It has more than 500 members and has trained more than 3350 people. Equally esteemed, ADSA was founded in 1985 to ensure its member companies offer superior levels of safety for powered pedestrian doors. Its objective is to promote the highest standards in this area and help specifiers and customers obtain the best solution for their requirements. ADSA member companies supply more than 75% of the UK market.
With DHF and ADSA currently sharing the same assessors and trainers for the NVQ qualification, collaboration on the Entrance Systems Alliance was a natural development, as DHF’s CEO, Bob Perry, explains:
“We are delighted to launch the Entrance Systems Alliance with ADSA and look forward to being able to offer the NVQ qualification through this new assessment body. Together, we are working in partnership to ensure that the very highest standards continue to be met with regards to industry training and compliance. Although ESA will initially focus on NVQ’s, going forward, it will also offer additional benefits such as the issuing of joint CSCS cards. Presently, each of the organisations have this capability and the practical route would be to offer one single card.
ADSA’s Managing Director, Ken Price, adds:
“To establish a clearly-defined route towards professional qualifications for those employed in the powered pedestrian door industry is of tremendous importance to the ADSA. To partner with DHF and create the Entrance Systems Alliance is the first and most critical step to creating our own ‘learning centre of excellence’. We are delighted to be working together.”
Join dhf
Enjoy the full benefits of dhf membership
Apply today
