Since its launch last year, Pro-Fitter, the official UK training provider of window, door and conservatory products, has seen incredible take up of its offering. Lou Leka, Pro-Fitter’s Director, said: “Since our launch last November, over 100 candidates have taken a variety of courses. We launched Pro-Fitter to help address the industry skills gap and these figures show we’re achieving what we set out to do. We’re delighted and proud.”

Pro-Fitter is a fully GQA-accredited and recognised training centre. It provides hands-on and classroom-based training in a variety of products, including removal, replacement and finishing touches. Certain Pro-Fitter grades also fulfil NVQ requirements, allowing installers to directly progress onto NVQ courses. Lou commented: “Pro-Fitter is the only provider delivering bespoke training that allows people to learn in a controlled environment. Competency levels are assessed by industry professionals as part of the programme and installers can take their knowledge one step further with NVQ qualification. We’re setting a new standard for skills and skills training in our industry.”

On completion of a Pro-Fitter training course, an individual installer will be listed in both the Pro-Fitter and GQA directories and given a GQA certificate and a photo ID card so the grade they hold can be checked. Installers are able to prove their expertise more easily and installation companies have an easy way to check the credentials of the installer. They also have a point of difference when marketing to homeowners.

The value that Pro-Fitter offers is reflected in the fact it is supported by some of the biggest names in the industry including Excellence as Standard, Eurocell, AluK, Würth Group, and Hurst Plastics. And as take up of its courses shows, many other companies are voting with their feet and proving how much the initiative was needed.