William
Wilson Backs New BMA Training Scheme
William
Wilson, the independent supplier of electrical, plumbing, heating and
building supplies, is backing a new training scheme operated by the
Bathroom Manufacturers Association
(BMA).
The Aberdeen-based company was one of the first companies to take part
in the pilot BMA Merit Award Scheme, which covers three educational
modules that encompass showering – Trays, Enclosures, and Controls
– embracing the testing requirements used throughout the NVQ system.
The BMA was formed in 2001 and membership has steadily grown to represent
87% of major bathroom manufacturers, who employ in excess of 13,000
people at 71 sites across the UK. The main priorities of the BMA are
for it to be an authority of voice, stimulate the market, and represent
members on all industry issues.
The BMA looks after the interests of bathroom manufacturers at all levels
and offers a comprehensive range of services more effectively than individual
companies can provide for themselves.
William Wilson has enrolled three Showroom managers and two sales consultants
onto the course, and has also had staff visiting Roman Limited, the
UK shower manufacturer - a member of the BMA – for training on
Roman products.
William
Wilson staff outside Roman Limited
William Wilson was established in 1900 and currently employs more than
600 staff in 43 branches from Stornoway to Solihull, including 10 branches
with showrooms.
Robin Mackinlay, William Wilson’s plumbing and heating sales manager
(Scotland), said: 'The BMA Merit Award scheme is something the industry
has needed for some years and we are giving it our full backing. It
is important for sales staff and management teams to have strong product
knowledge, and the tests will help raise professionalism in the industry.'
BMA commercial director, Yvonne Orgill, said: 'The BMA is keen that
these modules help to raise professionalism throughout the whole Industry
and we are delighted to have such a wide range of skills on these early
pilots. One of the main aims of these Modules is to get the whole Industry
using the same terminology, so the opportunity to test them out across
a broad skill sector is invaluable.'
http://www.bathroom-association.org
Industry
Trials Begin for BMA Qualification, Education & Training Scheme
Initial
trials have begun on the Bathroom Merit scheme that will verify the
competence of people, who are downloading and studying the Education
Modules launched in May by the Bathroom Manufacturers
Association.
The tests cover the three Education Modules that encompass showering
- Trays; Enclosures; Valves & Kits - with members of staff from
a major Scottish Builders Merchant William Wilson and from Shower Manufacturer
Triton.
BMA commercial director Yvonne Orgill says; ‘The BMA is keen that
these modules help to raise professionalism throughout the whole Industry
and we are delighted to have such a broad church of skills on these
early trials. William Wilson has committed five staff members, from
the retail showroom, from their management team, from the trade counter
as well as a new recruit, while Triton plc has three people from their
Customer Care department studying the Modules.’
‘One of the main aims of these Modules is to get the whole Industry
using the same terminology, so a broad skill sector is ideal.’
The tests, which have been produced under the guidance of BMA Training
Co-ordinator Phil Lumley, embrace the testing requirements used throughout
the NVQ system. In completing the pilot scheme the candidates will answer
30 questions drawn from the Modules, followed by a multi-choice test
carried out under exam conditions and finally a case-study to earn their
Merit. The Merits are expected to contribute towards a wider BMA Qualification
scheme.
Working Group chair Richard Moss said; ‘the concept behind the
BMA initiative is to provide the consumer with a better qualified Industry
and to raise personal expertise within the Industry. The Merit scheme
will be the 'proof' that bathroom sales people, installers and designers
need help in their interaction with consumers.’
If you are interested in further information on the BMA Modules or taking
part in the trials please email mailto:info@bathroom-association.org.uk
or visit http://www.bathroom-association.org
or telephone 01782 747123.
You've
Been Trained, with Hotpoint
Hotpoint
is now offering an exclusive training programme to Magnet staff since
the recent announcement of its new trading partnership with the company.
The three year agreement to supply product to Magnet, one of the key
kitchen multiples in the UK, will enable Hotpoint to reach a new sector
of consumers with the latest product lines. The relationship commenced
on the 1st July 2005 with a television advert, featuring built-in appliances
from Hotpoint's new Experience range. Following on from this Hotpoint
has been training the Showroom Designers from the top 50 Magnet stores
on the new products, highlighting all the benefits each appliance has
to offer the consumer. The designers can then specify the right product
when planning the consumers Kitchen layout.
Marco Marini, Managing Director, Indesit Company UK comments ‘We
are pleased with how the partnership is moving forward since we signed
the agreement. The training enables us to educate Magnet staff fully
on Hotpoint as a brand as well as the key features of each product.
With this training and Magnets expertise I am confident that the partnership
will continue to work well.’
Tel: 08701 50 60 70
Web: http://www.hotpoint.co.uk
As
part of the ongoing Saniflo training
programme Technical Manager John Jarmulowicz recently ran a seminar
at the prestigious South Shields Town Hall buildings. This was attended
by around 40 Building Control Officers, architects and surveyors from
the surrounding region.
The seminar covered the relevant Building Regulations and the latest
developments of the Saniflo range. This included the new Professional
products as well as the newly launched 'even quieter' domestic pump
macerators.
Delegates were able to examine Saniflo units and ask questions during
an interactive period. These latest product developments significantly
expand the potential for both domestic and commercial premises to add
facilities virtually anywhere.
Web: http://www.saniflo.co.uk
Moores
Approved to Give CPD Accredited Seminars
Moores
has recently been approved by RIBA to give CPD accredited seminars.
These seminars cover:
- Whole life costing
- Kitchen design for the elderly
- Kitchen trends (through bluestone)
All are areas Moores and bluestone are highly qualified in to share
their experience and educate specifiers on.
For more information on Moores' CPD presentations or to arrange for
the company to attend your practice to carry out one of the presentations
please e-mail mailto:marketing@moores.co.uk.
Book
a Free Part P Seminar Delivered by ELECSA and Megger
ELECSA
is inviting electricians and businesses affected by Part P to book a
place on one of the free Part P evening seminars that will be held across
8 locations in the South East in July 2005.
These Part P seminars have been arranged by ELECSA, equipment manufacturer
Megger and City Electrical Factors Ltd. Speakers from ELECSA and Megger
will talk about how electricians and businesses are affected by Part
P and the different options available to complying. Electricians and
businesses which take the opportunity to register with ELECSA during
the seminar will be offered a registration discount. As Julian Carter,
General Manager comments ‘We are always looking at ways to help
simplify things for businesses. We are pleased to offer these free seminars
to businesses affected by Part P. We have brought together expert speakers
from the electrical industry.’
The Part P seminars will be held in the following eight locations:
• Tuesday 5th July – Wembly (5.30pm)
• Thursday 7th July - Muswell Hill (5.30pm)
• Monday 11th July – Hillingdon (5.30pm)
• Tuesday 12th July - Twickenham (5.30pm)
• Thursday 14th July – Swanley (5.30pm)
• Tuesday 19th July – Barbican (6.30pm)
• Wednesday 20th July – Greenwich (5.30pm)
• Thursday 21st July – Sutton (5.00pm)
Places are limited and businesses are encouraged to book early to avoid
disappointment. For further details and to book your free place on a
seminar, please contact Nicola on 0191 378 3990 (between 9am –
6pm) or email mailto:seminars@elecsa.org.uk.
General information on the ELECSA scheme can be located at http://www.elecsa.org.uk,
email mailto:enquiries@elecsa.org.uk
or tel: 0870 749 0080.
Kaizen
is the Way Forward for Orama - Orama Applies Lean Thinking Principles
Across its Operations
As
part of its new company strategy, Orama,
the independent manufacturer of worksurfaces and associated decorative
products, is adopting the Japanese Kaizen manufacturing model to achieve
optimum efficiencies and to enable continuous improvements at all levels.
The most immediate manifestation of this ambitious programme is the
NVQ Level 2 in Business Improvement Techniques that all employees will
undertake, from senior management to workers on the shop floor.
Senior managers and directors will also attend four workshops on ‘Managing
the Change to Lean Manufacturing’. This eastern approach to incentivising
everyone across the business and boosting productivity is a first in
the KBB industry and will significantly contribute to the company rationalising
its entire operation.
Kaizen works on the principle of continuous improvement to all areas
of company processes. One of the core modules of the NVQ course will
encourage employees to embrace ‘Lean Manufacturing’, which
encourages everyone to take a closer look at internal and external processes
to find ways of reducing wastage. This will ultimately help Orama to
streamline operations, to produce higher quality goods and to achieve
faster delivery times and lower prices – savings that will benefit
the customer.
Commenting on this new initiative, Peter Holt, sales and marketing director,
Orama, says: ‘As a forward thinking company, we want to break down
barriers and continuously challenge the environment that we work in.
Lean thinking covers all areas of the production process, offering endless
possibilities. And what’s more, there are no losers! By investing
in training, our employees will be more motivated and happier in their
roles, while gaining a thorough understanding of our company strategy.
And Orama will be able to rely on a well trained and dedicated workforce.
Our customers will enjoy better quality, more cost-effective goods and
a faster, more reliable service.’
Orama’s NVQ scheme will be supported by a DTI centre of expertise
in manufacturing and by the People’s College, Nottingham. Following
completion of the course, employees will undergo stream mapping exercises
in order to identify areas of priority within the company. Teams will
be set up to implement improvements within these areas, supported by
a steering committee. Peter concludes: 'We are all very excited by this
new scheme. Our ultimate goal is to transform Orama into a 21st century
value-creating manufacturing company that will benefit all our stakeholders.'
Orama offers high quality durable decorative panels and worksurfaces.
Established for many years, Orama holds ISO 9001 certification and the
Furniture Industry Research Association Gold Award for product performance.
The company is are also a corporate member of the KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom
Bedroom Specialist Association). All Orama’s chipboard and solid
timber products are sourced from ‘responsibly managed’ forests.
Tel: 01773 520560
Web: http://www.orama.co.uk
Saniflo's
Interactive Training Day
Saniflo
demonstrated its commitment to training earlier this year when over
20 delegates from the Women In Plumbing Group attended an Interactive
Training Day at the company’s headquarters in South Ruislip.
After a tour of the showroom, which included demonstrations of Kinedo
cubicles and Saniflo macerators, delegates were treated to lunch before
an action packed afternoon of presentations and competitions.
Delegates got up close and personal with the latest products and Saniflo
experts were available to demonstrate products and answer questions.
Of particular interest was the new Sanicondens unit, which is specifically
designed for disposing of the acidic condensate from condensing boilers.
Due to changes in legislation most new and replacement boilers are the
condensing type from April this year. One delegate said ‘Sanicondens
is the answer to my prayers!’
BMA
Training: Acting on Initiative
Yvonne
Orgill Commercial Director of the BMA
talks about how the newly appointed Training Co-ordinator will help
further the implementation of the BMA’s Bathroom Education Initiative.
‘The Bathroom Manufacturers Association recently announced that
Training and Development Specialist Phil Lumley has joined the company’s
Stoke based team in the role of Training Co-ordinator.
‘In 2004 Martyn Denny, President of the BMA announced the Bathroom
Education Initiative to formalise the work that the BMA had been undertaking
regarding training, education and qualifications for all sectors of
the Bathroom Industry.
Since then, the response from the members of the BMA to the Bathroom
Education Initiative has been universally supportive, and a great deal
of progress has already been made.
‘From the outset we were very clear that as the Initiative gathered
pace, we would need to appoint a Training Co-ordinator to pull-together
the many and varied Training and Development issues which the BMA membership
is seeking to address. We have therefore, appointed Phil Lumley a Training
and Development Specialist with more than 20 years experience in the
Management, Training and Development field, to aid the organisation
in achieving the objectives of the Bathroom Education Initiative.’
Phil says of her new role ‘From day-one I have received a warm
welcome and support from the staff and members of the BMA and I already
feel very much part of the team. I do not under-estimate the size and
diversity of the role and I am enthused by the very real commitment
and determination of the whole team to succeed in enhancing the Training
and Development opportunities for people across the Industry. I feel
very excited and privileged to be a part of such a major initiative.’
The BMA is eager to hear from Industry stakeholders on any experiences,
ideas, or concerns you may have regarding current and/or future Training
and Development needs within the Industry.
For further information email mailto:yvonne.orgill@bathroom-association.org.uk
or mailto:phil.lumley@bathroom-association.co.uk
or telephone 01782 747123
29
School Children Visit Bathroom Factory at Jacuzzi UK
On
Friday 12th November, 29 school children from Cavendish Primary School
in Eccleshill, aged between 9 and 10 visited the Jacuzzi
UK factories on the Euroway Trading Estate in Bradford. The
trip is part of a University of York initiative 'Children Challenging
Industry' working in partnership with Excellence in Cities, designed
to introduce children early in life to the manufacturing process, its
importance in the economy and to consider it as a future career path,
while developing an enthusiasm for science.
The children were set three fictitious problems by Jacuzzi UK, that
they worked on in the classroom. The visits to the factories allowed
the children to relate these problems to real life practice. The children
watched toilets and basins being made from vitrified china on the 80,000
sq ft sanitaryware plant and baths and shower trays moulded in the 90,000
sq ft acrylics plant.
'The children and staff had a great time and learnt an awful lot. I
am very grateful to the staff of Jacuzzi UK who acted as guides for
the children and pitched the tour at a level that the children could
understand and enjoy,' said Claire Holf, Advisory Teacher for Children
Challenging lndustry Bradford.
First
Two Professionals Achieve Planit Designer Status
Planit
International,
the specialist industry software provider, has completed its first Sales
by Design training course and awarded two design professionals with
Diplomas.
The
Planit ‘Sales by Design’ course is a course that aims to help
design professionals move beyond technology and realise the full sales
potential of CAD software in a retail environment.
The first course took place at Ashford and was attended by Richard Marr
of Custom Craft and Joanne Flinders from the Tudor Kitchen Factory.
Two new sales staff also completed the course as part of their internal
training programme.
‘The course was well worth attending. I was surprised to find that
despite being an experienced designer and Planit user I was able to
bring away lots of useful tips and ideas. I am confident that it will
improve the quality and professionalism of my presentations to customers,’
says Richard Marr.
‘We are delighted with how well this first course was received,’
says Planit course tutor Renee Mascari. ‘Designers who complete
the course and gain the new accreditation will have tangible proof of
their design capability and expertise in delivering professional design
solutions within a kitchen sales environment.’
The two-day training course will be rolled out across the UK from now
until spring 2005, with courses in Staffordshire, Scotland, Somerset
and West Yorkshire.
Web: http://www.planit.com
Roman's
Scholarship Scheme Flourishes
An
industry Scholarship Scheme pioneered by Roman
Limited, the UK shower enclosure manufacturer is continuing
to be successful following its launch in 2001.
The Programme is designed to attract, identify and recruit bright and
committed individuals seeking a career in manufacturing. The firm currently
employs 180, with on going opportunities arising as the company and
industry evolve.
Gerry Osborne, the Company's Managing Director, said: 'Even though this
is an area of high unemployment, we were finding it difficult to recruit
people of the right calibre. We have established a three-year forecast
of staff needs in each department and my concern led me to prepare a
plan on our future employment policy and strategy.'
A 'discussion document' was circulated to schools, sixth-form colleges
and further education establishments. Roman wanted to convey the advantages
of a career in manufacturing, and to help school leavers in their decisions
to opt for further studies.
A positive response was received and it was decided to base the initial
two years of the Scholarship at Darlington College of Technology (DCoT),
which has a two-year course leading to a National Diploma in Engineering.
Mr Osborne has been a Governor of the College since 2001, with a particular
interest in industrial training.
Roman
scholarship students (left to right) Rory Edwards, Alex Crawley, Paul
Nesbitt and Jonathan Cherrington prepare themselves as they enter the
wonderful world of bathrooms.
The
key requirements of the Roman Scholarship Scheme were established in
discussions between DCoT and the Company, with Roman guiding on the
overall design of the training programme and selecting the most appropriate
modules.
Interviews took place, resulting in two students joining the scheme
during their final year of the course, giving the programme a flying
start. Thereafter a further three students combined their studies with
work experience at Roman. The students, Ian Simpson, Alex Crawley ,
Rory Edwards, Jonathan Cherrington and Paul Nesbitt are at different
stages of the scheme. Alex, Rory, Jonathan and Paul are all taking day
release to study and working four days within the company while Ian,
having completed his HNC, is going on to study for a degree.
The scheme is not just restricted to school leavers as one of the Roman
team, Graham Speed having started his working career with Roman as an
operator on the shop floor has followed a similar scheme and having
successfully completed a HNC in Business, is currently studying part
time for an HNC in Production Engineering.
As the Scheme is now firmly established, applications are invited from
school leavers who are also applying for the National Diploma in engineering
course at DCoT. Candidates must submit a written application and attend
interviews with both the Company and the College. The final decision
is dependent upon the candidate achieving a minimum of six GCSE passes
with 'A' grades and enrolment on the course. (The College's course requirement
is a minimum of four GCSEs Grade A-C.)
The Principal of DCoT, Sarah Farley, appreciates Roman's supportive
interest in further education: 'The Roman Scholarship Scheme provides
an excellent model of high-quality vocational education and training
for young people. The Scheme offers fantastic career prospects along
with the opportunity to gain higher-level qualifications.'
Roman Scholarship students receive a monthly bursary during their two
years of study at DCoT and can be assured of paid employment with Roman
during work experience and holiday periods. The Company will utilise
this time to assess the attitude and aptitude of the students.
Scholarship students gaining their National Diplomas and a successful
factory assessment will be offered full-time employment with Roman.
At this stage the student should have a good understanding of how the
Company operates, and the Company will have identified the student's
individual strengths and aptitude.
The students are given responsibility very early and carry out important
project work in Research & Design, Production Engineering and Quality.
At DCoT, the teaching staff warmly welcomes Roman's input to the Engineering
courses offered by the College. Rob Elliott, a Programme Leader on the
course for the National Diploma, sees many benefits arising from a close
link with industry. 'As well as the sense of security that Roman's sponsorship
gives to deserving students, my colleagues and I get a valuable insight
into the technical needs of manufacturing today and can tailor our course
design and tuition accordingly.'
Roman's philosophy on its Scholarship Scheme is summarised by Gerry
Osborne: 'More scholarships this Summer will help boys or girls to make
the transition from school, through further education at DCoT, to the
beginnings of a worthwhile, interesting and rewarding career in manufacturing.
Our Company simultaneously starts building a relationship with these
young people with the potential to become a real asset to the Company
in years to come.'
Tel: 0845 0504 032
Web: http://www.roman-showers.com
National
Training Group Announces First Series of Nationwide Training Seminars
The
Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom National Training Group (KBB NTG) has
announced details of a series of five seminars which will held around
the UK from the end of October until mid November.
The seminars are the first industry training courses delivered by the
KBB NTG, a government approved and funded industry board responsible
for recognising and organising training, education and qualification.
The seminars will cover the significant changes due to be implemented
in January 2005 regarding electrical installations in domestic dwellings.
Building Regulations Approved Document P, known, as ‘Part P’
will now govern electrical installations in a domestic dwelling. Homeowners
must use an installer who is registered under one of five schemes. Both
homeowners and installers could face prosecution if in breach of the
new regulations and could face a maximum penalty of up to five years
imprisonment.
‘These changes are probably the most significant changes to impact
on our industry since the introduction of gas safety and the establishment
of Corgi,’ says Graham Hayden, Interim Facilitator for the KBB
NTG and Chief Executive of the KBSA.
‘The KBB NTG is the perfect vehicle to deliver this important message
to all businesses and individuals involved in electrical work as part
of an installation in a domestic dwelling. We have brought together
expert speakers from the electrical industry as well as the Office of
the Deputy Prime Minister. In addition representatives from all of the
five ‘Approved Competent Person Scheme Operators’ will be
available at each seminar to discuss the merits of individual schemes
with attendees.’
The five ‘Approved Competent Person Scheme Operators’ present
will be:
NICEIC
ELECSA Ltd
NAPIT
BSI
BRE (ECA)
The seminars will be held in Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle,
Bristol and London. They have been heavily subsidised by the KBB NTG
and will be offered with a nominal administration fee of only £15.00
(£10.00 if paid in advance).
Booking forms and details can be obtained from FFINTO on 01159 221200
or the KBSA on 01905 621 787.
Pegler
Launches Online Training Programme for Installers - Heating Controls
‘Refresher’ Course and Legislation Requirements Update
Pegler
has launched an interactive training manual and compatibility guide
for heating installers via its company website.
The
user-friendly programme gives an overview of how heating and hot water
systems operate, outlining how their key components work both electronically
and mechanically while helping installers understand how these components
function together to deliver an efficient domestic heating and hot water
supply.
The 60-minute, six-section programme covers the evolution of central
heating systems and provides background to Part L1 of the Building Regulations
– the current legislation for domestic heating systems. It also
provides tips on installation, advice on avoiding pitfalls, and finally
provides a short test which confirms that users have understood the
programme.
Separate sections provide information on Pegler’s Terrier product
portfolio - a comprehensive range of heating controls products - and
a guide which indicates the compatibility of Terrier products with those
of Pegler’s competitors.
Senior product manager, Geoff Matthews said: ‘Most installers will
find it useful to undertake a refresher course which enables them to
keep up to date with new developments within the industry and, importantly,
help them to comply with current Building Regulations.
‘When we at Pegler recently launched our new range of heating controls,
we decided to develop, in parallel, a straightforward training programme
that enabled installers to see the whole picture and how our products
complement each other. While raising awareness of our products, we also
wanted to give installers additional support and confidence in using
them.
‘This online programme is particularly useful for self-employed
installers and those working for smaller firms who may find it more
difficult to take time out to attend a course and is also a useful tool
for schools and colleges teaching plumbing and heating courses.’
The programme can be accessed via the Pegler website. Visit http://www.pegler.co.uk
and click on the ‘Training’ tag.