Training chief praises Trailblazer trainers
October 2019

The work done by the industry’s Employers’ Trailblazer group in developing a brand new suite of apprenticeship standards specifically for the fenestration industry has been officially recognised by Sir Gerry Berragon, CEO of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

Sir Gerry sent a personal letter of thanks to Katie Thornton (pictured), Director of Compliance and Administration at The Window Company (Contracts), who is chair of the Trailblazer group.
Congratulating the group on the approval of Fenestration Fabricator and Fenestration Installer apprenticeship standards as well as the progress of the Curtain Waller standard, he added: “I understand you haven’t always had universal support and encouragement from other employers and stakeholders and appreciate your determination to see the task through to completion.

“Whilst recognising the significant team effort by the employers, “I appreciate there is still a lot of work needed to ensure the apprenticeship standard’s success and thank you in advance for your continued commitment to promoting the apprenticeship and readying it for delivery. Our developing apprenticeship standards guidance includes information and resources to help promote apprenticeship standards.”

As well as Katie Thornton, other members of the Trailblazer group include representatives from the likes of Kommerling, Emplas, Nationwide Windows, Glazerite, Senior Architectural Systems, Nichols and Clarke Glass, Prentice Glass and Cornwall Glass, as well as the GGF and the CAB. 

Singled out for praise by Sir Gerry however was Thomas Jeavons, who was the volunteer facilitator for the group and who worked tirelessly in his own time to drive the project through and ensure that the final submission was made on time.

Katie Thornton concluded: “This has been a mammoth task to get standards in place which will be used for decades to come to train thousands of individuals in fenestration fabrication, installation and eventually in curtain walling as well. It means a huge amount to see that recognised by Sir Gerry, and I’m especially delighted for Thomas who deserves so much of the credit.”

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