The content of this Pathway has been agreed by National Skills Academy Food & Drink (NSAFD) and Proskills. This is the only Glass Industry Apprenticeship Pathway in the Advanced Manufacturing & Materials sector framework approved for use in Wales that is eligible for Medr funding.
Learning Programme Content
The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:
- Qualifications,
- Essential Skills
- On/off the job training
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 2 Pathway, Glass Industry - Curtain Wall Installation is 61 credits.
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 2 Pathway, Glass Industry - Domestic Fascia, Soffit and Bargeboard Installation is 58 credits.
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 2 Pathway, Glass Industry - Glass Processing is 51 credits.
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 2 Pathway, Glass Industry - Flat Glass Manufacture is 56 credits.
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 2 Pathway, Glazing is 60 credits.
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 2 Pathway, Glass Industry - Photovoltaics Installation is 77 credits.
Entry requirements
Apprenticeship applicants are welcomed from a range of diverse backgrounds and it is anticipated that they may have a range of differing experiences, achievements and/or qualifications. The demonstration of relevant, transferable prior learning will form an important part of any employer's Apprentice selection process.
Apprenticeship applicants will be expected to attend an interview with the employer /training provider to assess their suitability for entry on to the Framework. The interview provides an opportunity to talk directly to the applicant and discuss an individual’s previous learning and experience. From this interview the employer will be able to decide whether a candidate is suitable using some of the following guidance.
Level 2
Examples of requirements that will be considered as a suitable basis for entry to the Apprenticeship include:
- Previous work experience or employment, supported by a portfolio of evidence or
- Voluntary or community based work or
- Proof of completion of non accredited courses or
- Achievement of Awards, Certificates or Diplomas in a related industry such as
Manufacturing, Engineering, Construction or Creative industries or
- Achievement of a 14-19 Diploma in Manufacturing & Product Design or Construction & the Built Environment or Creative and Media or
- Welsh Baccalaureate - Foundation, Intermediate or Advanced Diploma or
- GCSEs in English, Maths and Science or
- A Levels in English, Maths and Science
Literacy and numeracy skills are highly desirable, and the Glass Apprenticeship framework does facilitate the development of these skills and learning support can be tailored to provide Apprentices with the individual assistance they require.
The Glass sector is varied, ranging from large mass production and fabrication plants to small, specialised studios designing glass vases. A diverse range of careers are available from glass manufacturing and processing jobs to window, door and conservatory installations in domestic and commercial properties. Also, specialised glass design and architectural stain glass. For craft glass workers and stain glass makers, having skills and an interest in design and art work would be advantageous but not essential. Some job roles (e.g. Furnace Operator and Glass Blower) will involve working under hot conditions and many jobs are factory based.
For the home improvements sub-sector, an ability to work with tools, be happy working outdoors in all weathers, good attention to detail and working well with customers are all regular requirements. Some roles will involve individuals working at heights.
In all roles, on the job training is available and most employers are especially interested in applicants who can demonstrate enthusiasm, good communication skills, a positive, “can do” attitude with a willingness to work hard and develop new skills and knowledge.
Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)
Level 2: Glass Industry - Curtain Wall Installation
Level 2: Glass Industry - Curtain Wall Installation Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following competence and knowledge qualifications below.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 2: Glass Industry - Curtain Wall Installation | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 1 | 6 |
| Application of number | 1 | 6 |
Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2: Glass Industry - Curtain Wall Installation | 254 | 300 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Pathway with minimum total learning hours = 554 training hours
The Foundation Apprenticeship (Level 2) in Glass Industry takes 12 - 18 months to complete.
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
- 6 credits/45 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
- 6 credits/45 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
Level 2: Glass Industry - Domestic Fascia, Soffit and Bargeboard Installation
Level 2: Glass Industry - Domestic Fascia, Soffit and Bargeboard Installation Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following competence and knowledge qualifications below.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 2: Glass Industry - Domestic Fascia, Soffit and Bargeboard Installation | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 1 | 6 |
| Application of number | 1 | 6 |
Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2: Glass Industry - Domestic Fascia, Soffit and Bargeboard Installation | 246 | 300 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Pathway with minimum total learning hours = 546 training hours
The Foundation Apprenticeship (Level 2) in Glass Industry takes 12 - 18 months to complete.
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
- 6 credits/45 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
- 6 credits/45 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
Level 2: Glass Industry - Glass Processing
Level 2: Glass Industry - Glass Processing Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following competence and knowledge qualifications below.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 2: Glass Industry - Glass Processing | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 1 | 6 |
| Application of number | 1 | 6 |
Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2: Glass Industry - Glass Processing | 178 | 300 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Pathway with minimum total learning hours = 478 training hours
The Foundation Apprenticeship (Level 2) in Glass Industry takes 12 - 18 months to complete.
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
- 6 credits/45 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
- 6 credits/45 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
Level 2: Glass Industry - Flat Glass Manufacture
Level 2: Glass Industry - Flat Glass Manufacture Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following competence and knowledge qualifications below.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 2: Glass Industry - Flat Glass Manufacture | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 1 | 6 |
| Application of number | 1 | 6 |
Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2: Glass Industry - Flat Glass Manufacture | 187 | 300 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Pathway with minimum total learning hours = 487 training hours
The Foundation Apprenticeship (Level 2) in Glass Industry takes 12 - 18 months to complete.
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
- 6 credits/45 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
- 6 credits/45 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
Level 2: Glass Industry - Photovoltaics Installation
Level 2: Glass Industry - Photovoltaics Installation Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following competence and knowledge qualifications below
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 2: Glass Industry - Photovoltaics Installation | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 1 | 6 |
| Application of number | 1 | 6 |
Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2: Glass Industry - Photovoltaics Installation | 305 | 300 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Pathway with minimum total learning hours = 605 training hours
The Foundation Apprenticeship (Level 2) in Glass Industry takes 12 - 18 months to complete.
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
- 6 credits/45 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
- 6 credits/45 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
Level 2: Glass Industry - Glazing
Level 2: Glass Industry - Glazing Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following competence and knowledge qualifications below.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 2: Glass Industry - Glazing | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 1 | 6 |
| Application of number | 1 | 6 |
Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2: Glass Industry - Glazing | 244 | 300 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Pathway with minimum total learning hours = 544 training hours
The Foundation Apprenticeship (Level 2) in Glass Industry takes 12 - 18 months to complete.
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
- 6 credits/45 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
- 6 credits/45 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
Other additional requirements
Many glass/glazing jobs, requires manual skills and involves working with your hands, handling heavy equipment, and spending long periods standing; so physical fitness is important. Working outdoors, in all weathers, and at heights will also be part of the role.
The work also relies heavily on teamwork and good communication skills. These are valued very highly by Glass employers
Progression
Level 2
Progression routes into the pathway:
There are no pre-defined routes of entry into the Glass Industry Foundation Apprenticeship, however, new entrants to the industry may be looking to progress from the following areas:
- Work based qualifications such as NVQs or vocationally related qualifications in a subject related to Glass Industry.
- Diplomas related to Glass sector careers are widely available and all provide a good basis for entry to this pathway.
- The Welsh Baccalaureate
- Learning undertaken as part of the Welsh 14-19 Pathways programme or any other relevant programmes, that combine academic and vocational training, are recognised routes into an Apprenticeship.
- GCSEs also provide a solid base to build on, with subjects such as Art, Science and Design and Technology all seen as useful by Glass sector employers, along with English, Mathematics, IT and Business Studies.
The Foundation/Higher Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design will provide an excellent route into the Glass manufacturing sector. In addition, the Construction and Built Environment Foundation/Higher Diploma also provides an excellent platform for individuals interested in progression into the Glass industry. The principal learning from these qualifications has been incorporated into the Welsh Baccalaureate and could form a suitable route.
Progression routes from this pathway:
Following completion of this Foundation Apprenticeship there are several options open to the successful candidate who wishes to continue their development in order to progress their career.
- Continuing to develop your technical skills and experience and strive to "be the best" in your chosen occupational route and have pride in your work.
- Participating in relevant in-house company training or external learning, where available and/or offered.
- Broadening and developing your skill base by progression into other job roles within the Glass industry - "horizontal progression" This might require undertaking other Glass related qualifications at Level 2 or 3. For example, Glass Processing, Glass Manufacture, Glazing, Automotive Glazing, Curtain Wall Installation or Fenestration Surveying.
- Progressing to a Level 3 Apprenticeship in the Glass Industry.
- Progressing to a related Engineering Apprenticeship.
- Undertaking a Higher/Advanced Diploma.
- Undertaking Assessor and Verifier qualifications.
- Progressing into higher level jobs within the Glass industry such as Senior Technician/Installer, Engineering roles or Team Leader/Supervisor.
Equality and diversity
It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.
The Protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.
Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics
OVERVIEW
As the Glass sector continues to adopt more advanced technologies and product designs, and process controls continue to improve, the need for raising skill levels across the sector will prove necessary to maintain and improve competitiveness. Although there is likely to be a drop in the overall size of the workforce in the sector in the coming decade, industries in Wales will still require over 2,500 extra people in the years up to 2027.
There will be a greater demand for individuals with higher level skills. This Glass Apprenticeship aims to promote diversity, opportunity and inclusion by offering high-quality learning opportunities.
The delivery of the Apprenticeship must be in environments that are free from prejudice and discrimination where all learners can contribute fully and feel that their contribution to the industry is valued. There must be no discriminatory practices in the selection and recruitment of Apprentices to this programme.
ISSUES
The Glass industry in Wales is currently not attracting females, together with Black Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants or those with a difficulty or disability in sufficient numbers.
The industry recognises that it is not making the most of this pool of untapped talent, which could help the Glass industry to meet their skills gaps and shortages. Another key challenge for the Glass industry in Wales is that its current workforce is ageing, with a particular shortfall of employees aged 16-24.
The “Skills That Work For Wales” strategy identifies that there is further work to be done to address the needs of young people not in education, employment or training, people with complex needs (such as offenders and ex-offenders) and adults who are unemployed or economically inactive.
BARRIERS
The reasons for the imbalances in the current make-up of the Glass industry workforce are largely down to its historical poor image and a misconception that jobs in the process industry are dirty and dangerous. The wide range of challenging and varied career opportunities within the Glass industry are not widely known. It is not currently a career of choice for many first time job seekers or for those considering a career change.
ACTIONS
Entry to a career in the Glass industry is non-exclusive and there are no significant barriers to entry and progression. As a way of addressing the issue of attracting young people into the industry, Proskills has developed a number of Schools Into Industry Programmes. These are industry-backed programmes designed to educate and engage young people in the world of process manufacturing and to raise awareness of the exciting and challenging career opportunities available within these industries.
Proskills regularly attend regional and national careers fairs and skills events to promote Apprenticeships. This provides an ideal opportunity to actively address the equality and diversity issues.
Employment responsibilities and rights
Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory. But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18 year group) receive a company induction programme.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Training Provider and Employer to ensure that the requirements of this pathway are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government/Medr Apprenticeships Guidance.
Further information may be obtained from: Medr