Clearview National August 2015 - Issue 165 | Page 20

INDUSTRYNEWS

Creating a Future
Network VEKA’s education and training offering,
the Network VEKA Academy, has taken on its first
apprentices after being launched by the industry’s
leading installer support organisation earlier in the year.
It helps to have a guaranteed expert on your side...

Network VEKA Academy
Installer and Surveyor Qualifications (England Only)

»»Enabling its member
companies to ensure that current and
prospective staff have the practical and
academic skills to excel in the industry,
Network VEKA established the Academy in
partnership with The Vocational College who
have strong links to the Glass Qualifications
Authority (GQA).

It offers a range of training programmes and
apprenticeships, tailored to the needs of Network
VEKA member companie s. Managing Director,
John Ogilvie explains: “With the Network
VEKA Academy we’ve proactively looked to
the future, helping to make sure that companies
under our umbrella can continue to deliver the
97% plus satisfaction rates that separate us from
an industry standard of just 83%.
“Traineeships are proving a popular option,
with companies like MG Windows in
Northampton taking on apprentices in the 1624 age bracket for brief, 5-6 month courses that
offer an introduction to the industry. Besides
footing travel expenses and the cost of Personal
Protection Equipment, for member companies,
it’s essentially free!”

Adrian Lewis, Managing Director at
Suffolk-based Frames Conservatories Direct
commented: “The Network VEKA Academy
can only be beneficial for companies like ours.
The more motivated and engaged in their
work our fitters are the better job they are
likely to do.”
Workers with greater industry experience
can access courses up to Advanced
Apprenticeship level, with candidates earning
a valuable Level 3 NVQ qualification upon
completion.

Alpha’s new chamfered shape is designed to
make the manufacturing process easier and
quicker and, at the same time, reduces sealant
usage by 20%. It has high levels of energy
efficiency with a thermal transmittance of
0.13W/m2K, making it the best performing
spacer bar in the world.

“Competition for the awards was high as
the Midlands is the strongest region in the UK
for manufacturing, which makes winning even
sweeter,” adds John.

If you’d like to learn more about the
Network VEKA Academy call Network
VEKA on 01282 473170 or visit:
www.networkveka.co.uk

Two in a row!
»»Edgetech UK, a Quanex
company, has scooped its second award for
manufacturing in the Coventry Telegraph
Business Awards within just five weeks of
winning Manufacturing Innovation in Made
in the Midlands. Edgetech has again proved its
credentials as a leading UK manufacturer.
Since 2007, Edgetech has manufactured Super
Spacer® from its Coventry base and supports
customers who manufacture over 30,000
insulated glass units per working day in the UK.
In the last year, it has also expanded its ‘Just Add
Glass’ range of products making it one of the
biggest suppliers of IGU components.
“Being recognised for manufacturing
excellence in our home city is a fantastic
accolade for the production team at
Edgetech,” says John Stark, Edgetech’s Works
Manager who collected the award at the
ceremony at the Ricoh Arena.
Manufacturing is at the heart of Edgetech
and its latest product Super Spacer Alpha®
was highlighted as an example of innovation
in the award. Designed in-house by reverse
engineering its top selling Super Spacer,

20 » AUG 2015 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M

For a full list of winners and finalists visit
www.ctbusinessawards.co.uk/2015/winners