Kestrel, manufacturer of UPVC roofline and cladding, is backing its registered installers with an exclusive scheme to help them improve their credentials. 

The company is offering its registered installers a free NVQ level 2 qualification in PVC-U/ PVC-UE installation, assessed on the job. Those passing the NVQ level 2 will also receive a Kestrel ‘Q Card’ detailing their name, qualifications and photograph.
 
Having recently introduced a 35-year guarantee on all of its calcium organic white product range, the company believes the qualification and Q Cards will help to drive standards in the industry. The move also aims to reassure customers that any work carried out by Kestrel’s registered installers is of the best possible quality.
 
Delivered through one of the country’s most experienced UPVC installation trainers, Neil Whitfield, the NVQ level 2 qualification is already proving a hit with a number of Kestrel’s registered installers.

Neil said: “Our approach is fairly low key. There’s no classroom training involved. We send out an assessor to watch the installer’s work, at the same time we also check for other things such as health and safety etc. If we see something that isn’t quite right then we stop the assessment and deliver any training that is needed."

 
The scheme follows reports of insurance companies tightening up policies, putting the onus on householders to check a tradesperson’s qualifications or risk invalidating their insurance

 
Simon Reynolds, sales and marketing director for Kestrel, said: “Customers are becoming more aware of the importance of qualifications. Not only does the Q Card ensure installers are up to date with modern practices, it empowers customers to know that the work being carried out is of a high standard. The Q Card also gives our registered installers the ability to discuss quality with customers in a sensible way and not just be driven on price.”