NVQ for mezzanine fitters
June 1st 2007

With more than 20 years' industry skills and knowledge apiece but no formal training or qualifications, six West Midlands-based selfemployed mezzanine floor installers have each received a nationally recognised formal qualification, working with Davicon and Sandwell Training Association (STA).

Mezzanine floors manufacturer, Davicon, identified there was no nationally recognised training scheme which could help improve the skills-set of its fitter workforce, and its own business in turn. It approached STA to create a bespoke course to meet its needs.

"By working with STA we tailored the NVQ Level 2 Performing Manufacturing Operations course by selecting the modules that were applicable to installing mezzanine floors," says Peter Watson, Davicon's general manager. "Once we were happy with the course's content and structure, three teams of sub-contractor fitters we use regularly in the Midlands, were invited to go on the in-depth 12 month course.

"All our installers are selfemployed and so the fact they took time out of their day to go on this year-long course, which is assessed three or four times a year, is testament to their commitment to improving their skills and their desire to attain a formal qualification.

"Their achievement means we have the most professional representatives on site who have a heightened awareness of health & safety, satisfying our needs and that of our customers." The course was well received by the fitters and Davicon hopes to extend the West Midlands pilot to other UK regions linking up with other employer-led training organisations.

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