Saint-Gobain Weber has introduced an Operative Competence and Training assessment scheme for Green Deal Installers (GDI) for their award-winning external wall insulation (EWI) systems.

To operate as a certified external wall insulation GDI, companies must demonstrate that they employ a workforce that is competent in the application of each specific EWI system used, regardless of the manufacturer.  This can be achieved through training and the achievement of qualifications to meet PAS 2030 certification. The preferred route is through NVQ qualifications for existing EWI operatives and tradespeople, such as plasterers and dryliners, up-skilling to EWI application.  This training also attracts government funding and results in a lifetime qualification in Insulation & Building Treatments in EWI.

A GDI also requires assessment from the manufacturer of the EWI system they intend to install.  Saint-Gobain Weber will carry out competency assessments of individual operatives; either on-site or at the customer’s own premises, through their national team of Application Managers and issue EWI Assessed Operative ID cards. The cards can be used in assessment visits by Certification Bodies as part of the site auditing process.

Specialist training courses aligned to Green Deal and PAS 2030 requirements have been designed to support the government’s expected growth in the EWI market and are available through the network of Saint-Gobain Technical Academies, located across the country; Weber assessment days can also be hosted at these sites.

“It is important that installers participate in a robust scheme that stipulates high standards for everyone involved,” says James Mead, marketing manager, Saint-Gobain Weber, “and the development of a trained workforce is vital to the success of the Green Deal.

“Operatives working on installations must be able to demonstrate competence in techniques as assessed on site by the Certification Body and by Saint-Gobain Weber as the system designer.”

Saint-Gobain Weber is working closely with certificated organisations including BBA, EST and STROMA to support the installer and with CITB- ConstructionSkills to ensure the correct training is made available.

Further information is available from Saint-Gobain Weber.  Please call 08703 330070 or visit www.netweber.co.uk.