Fenestration Fabricator Apprenticeship - Glass Qualifications

Please get in touch with us to find out when the next course will start.

Knowledge

On completion you will have the following core knowledge:

• The role of fabrication in the fenestration industry. Key markets for fenestration products - domestic, commercial, public sector and their requirements. Different types of products and their purpose, including specialist products for enhanced performance, safety, security and fire rating.
• How glass and profiles are manufactured including raw materials and processes.
• Other functions that fabricators interact with, for example, surveying, processing, despatch, installation, service engineers; their purpose and interdependencies. Internal and external customers.
• Materials used in fenestration fabrication - aluminium, timber, steel or uPVC; their mechanical properties, uses and design limitations. Ancillary items - for example, fixings and fastening, handles, hinges, locks and louvers; their purpose and how/where they should interact. Weatherproofing products and systems - for example, gaskets, membranes, sealants, weather seals and drainage systems; their purpose, compatibility, conditions for storage and use (shelf life).
• Legislation, regulations and industry standards, including window energy rating standards, CE marking, secured by design, building regulations documents AD-K, Product Standard (BS 7412, 8529), British standard testing for temperature, tolerance and weld, Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals Regulations) and Quality Management System (ISO 9001) application in the workplace.
• Health and safety, including Health & Safety at Work Act, Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV); how they must be applied in the workplace. Risk assessments and dynamic risk assessments.
• Safe handling/movement of profiles and product/Safe handling, movement and storage of glass. Problems or damage that can occur and avoidance methods. Which authority/licenses are needed to use moving and handling equipment, such as cranes, forklift trucks and manipulators (it is not a requirement to hold such authority/licenses).
• Environmental considerations: safe disposal of waste, minimising waste (re-use and re-cycle), energy efficiency.
• Limits of autonomy; reporting channels.
• Who they need to communicate with and when, and communication techniques; verbal, written and digital. Documentation requirements.
• System (manufacturers manuals) and specifications - what they are and how to interpret them; what to do if suspect the specification is wrong or have any queries about the specification
• Tools, equipment and plant used in fenestration fabrication, including saws, routers, welding machinery, electrical/hand drills, screwdrivers, cranes and manipulators. What they are used for, correct safe use and storage. How to conduct machinery and equipment checks and adjustments. Start-up and shutdown procedures including emergency stops. Use of CAD (computer-aided design) and CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) equipment in fabrication.
• Preparation techniques – planning work and resources.
• Techniques for measuring, marking, cutting and drilling materials to the required size and shape, accurately, safely and economically.
• Product assembly methods, including welding, fusing, crimping; order of processes.
• Techniques for fitting components, for example, ancillary items, beading and glazing.
• Interim and final checking requirements– what needs checking (size, shape, design, components) and why.
• Types of errors that occur, investigation and rectification techniques, such as manual or mechanical adjustment.
• How to stack and store products and materials safely, effectively and securely. Problems or damage that can occur with stored resources and how to overcome them.
• Processes for handover to other functions/customers.
• Contractual arrangements, for example, penalty clauses. Consumer rights – ‘satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.’ How the role contributes to commercial operations.
• Employment rights and responsibilities, including Working Time Directive, Employment Rights Act 1996.
• Equality & Diversity in the workplace.

Skills

You will be able to:

• Select the correct type and quantity of materials and components for each task.
• Read and interpret specifications, diagrams and work instructions; follow instructions.
• Plan work.
• Prepare the work area effectively.
• Complete equipment and machinery checks and adjustments.
• Measure, calculate, mark and cut materials.
• Select and use manual methods and machinery/workplace technology.
• Join/assemble materials.
• Fix ancillary items to products.
• Follow health & safety and environmental policy and procedures.
• Identify risks and hazards in the workplace and control measures.
• Check and inspect work – interim and final.
• Identify and rectify any work that is incorrect or incomplete.
• Label product; protect and package product for safe transportation.
• Re-use, re-cycle and dispose of material, waste and scrap from the work area, as appropriate.
• Communicate with colleagues/customers; use common industry terminology appropriately.
• Complete workplace documentation.
• Report work outcomes and problems.

On successful completion, you will achieve a level 2 Fenestration Fabricator Apprenticeship standard.

There are no formal grade requirements however, if you do not hold a level 2 in English and maths will need to achieve this prior to taking the end-point assessment.

This is a work-based learning qualification, all learning will take place whilst on the job.

There is no fee for the learner. For information on costs to the employer, please contact us.

T. 0161 876 3300
E. gmskillcentre@gceducationandskills.ac.uk