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The 2011 Proskills Awards Ceremony will be held at Alton Towers on 3 November, highlighting the importance of effective training to the future of the process and manufacturing sector. The Independent Windscreen Academy have been nominated in the Outstanding Training Provider of the Year category, recognition for their work in helping apprentices develop technical skills
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The 2011 Proskills Awards will be held at Alton Towers on 3 November, both celebrating the achievements of people working in the process and manufacturing sector and also highlighting its wider commercial importance. Proskills has received hundreds of entries from a wide range of employers, learners, apprentices and training providers, highlighting the importance of skills development to the future of the sector.
The Independent Windscreen Academy, a training centre based in Essex, has been nominated in the Outstanding Training Provider of the Year category. The Academy provides both training and assessment to automotive glazing technicians.
"IWA's mission is to develop the skills competence and knowledge of technicians working in the independent automotive sector. Managing apprenticeships and guiding new recruits on a structured career path is also a major part of IWA's business," said Maria Charlton, a Director at the company.
While automotive glazing has developed significantly as a product, the sector has failed to promote itself effectively to new recruits, largely due to a lack of industry-specific vocational qualifications. This has resulted in significant skills gaps that IWA is uniquely well-placed to address.
"IWA has developed a significant presence within the automotive glazing sector as the organisation that can help businesses and their technicians benefit from national qualifications and industry-accredited training," continued Maria.
The development of apprenticeships tailored specifically to the needs of the automotive glazing market has also brought significant benefits to IWA. The company has formed a partnership with Essex County Council to create opportunities for young people to take an apprenticeship in automotive glazing, which will help the industry as a whole build for the future.
"The new scheme also supports the Essex employer market, since ECC is responsible for paying 70 per cent of the apprentices' wages," said Maria. "IWA sees this initiative as an excellent means of encouraging much needed new blood into this developing industry."
With comedian Terry Alderton presenting the prizes at the Proskills awards ceremony the event promises to be a hugely enjoyable evening that will highlight the work of both individuals and companies in the process and manufacturing sector, while also offering important networking and sponsorship opportunities.
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Notes to editors
About Proskills Group
Proskills UK Group comprises Proskills UK - the Sector Skills Council for Process and Manufacturing Sector and the Proskills Academy.
Proskills UK is the bridge between employers and Government on skills and training.
Proskills is employer-led by nine key industries; Building Products, Coatings, Extractives, Furniture, Glass, Glazed Ceramics, Paper, Print and Wood, which make a third of the UK manufacturing sector. Proskills UK helps to raise the profile and sets the skills standards and qualifications for the sector and ensures that the skills and funding delivers against the current and future needs of the industries.
As the commercial arm of Proskills UK, National Skills Academy, Materials, Production & Supply is the first step in identifying and accessing the training your business needs to reduce costs and boost productivity.
Contact Information
Patrick Truss
Proskills UK
85b Centurion Court
Abingdon
OX14 4RY
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