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There's no substitute for experience.

11/02/08

Three seasoned trades-professionals have swapped their tools for assessment sheets and begun new careers as construction assessors. Stephanie Inns, Darren Varney and Richard Fallows are using their combined 93 years of experience, to train and assess the next generation of construction workers.

The trio have undergone training of their own, and now all boast an A1 assessor qualification. From today, they will be out and about on construction sites across the West Midlands measuring the performance and skills of other trades-people against National Vocational Qualification standards.

Stephanie Inns, who used to lead the Painting and Decorating Team at Whitefriars, commented:

"I am finding my new role challenging, varied and very rewarding. This is a great opportunity for colleagues in the construction industry to gain a recognised qualification and it enables me to use my own experience to benefits others."

The move is part of Whitefriars Training and Development Agency's plan to support the Government's push to ensure everyone working in construction has the right qualifications and safety training.

True pioneers, Whitefriars set up its Training and Development Agency in 2000. Its purpose was to rectify the skills shortage in the region and help local people complete construction industry training. So far the scheme has helped over 250 people get qualified. And with Richard, Stephanie and Darren joining the team to assess Maintenance Operations (Multiskills) Constructions Operations, Fitted Interiors and NVQ Level 3 in Trowel occupations, even more local people are set to benefit.

Peter Brady, Whitefriars Training and Development Agency's Operations Manager, said:

"These secondments within Whitefriars demonstrate our commitment to developing staff and utilising skills in other areas of the organisation. It is also a great way to contribute to building the skills in the current construction workforce ensuring they meet the needs of the industry.

"The three seconded team members have really worked hard and we are delighted to have them.

"With new funding gained, Whitefriars' Training and Development Agency is going from strength to strength and we are delighted that we can now provide a wider range of assessment and qualification services to improve the construction industry across the region."

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