Regal Carpentry
Neil Hannam, Training Manager at Regal
Carpentry, explained that the company started in 1990 and since
then has evolved into the large successful business it is today,
with over 150 carpenters.
Regal Carpentry is one of the finest exponents
in the field of carpentry and timber frame construction, providing
clients throughout the UK with a distinctive competitive advantage.
They provide cost effective and sustainable project management
solutions, working in partnership with clients who value the
highest levels of quality, safety and technical expertise.
Regal Carpentry, based in Bedford, erects
timber frame buildings to exacting standards and manages the
project from start to finish. It is essential that everyone
is competent in carrying out their work, from big construction
sites to small one off builds.
Neil Hannam said:
“Regal Carpentry has a reputation as being one
of the leading companies in the UK with standards that ensure a
high quality of service.”
“Training is an important part of the
operation and shows our commitment and investment in our
people. The company puts a big onus on training and health
and safety”.
“Up to 90% of our carpenters have now achieved
NVQs in carpentry in joinery. That gives them the industry’s
recognised qualification and that is what we need to ensure
successful work on site.”
“We review training requirements for all our
staff and for our carpenters that means from NVQ Level 1 to Level 3
where supervision, management and health and safety play a crucial
part. We aim to progress our carpenters right the way through
from Apprentice to Gang Leader.
“Our aim is to take on three Apprentices
every year and when the building industry picks itself out of
recession we will be ready to recruit again from the applicants we
already have”.
“We also encourage young people aged 14 and 15
in work experience with the aim of giving them a taste of the
industry that they may wish to join.”
Apprentices Karl Bunyan and Steven Wildman had
just achieved NVQ Level 3 in Carpentry & Joinery. They
were delighted with their achievement and stated that the
combination of studying at College for one week and then working
on-site for three weeks was a good mix of training for them
and helped them achieve their goals.
Training undertaken
- NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Carpentry & Joinery
-
- NVQ Level 2 in Heavy Timber Framed Construction
“We constantly review training requirements
and ensure our staff remain up to date. Legislation changes
constantly so by receiving refresher training our staff will have
access to the latest information and guidelines required to carry
out their work safely and effectively.”
When undertaken
“Our staff have received training from Bedford
College for the past five/six years.”
“We receive excellent support and are kept
fully up-to-date with information regarding our apprentices. That
is helpful if there is any downturn in their learning and
development so that we can encourage them back on track.”
“The Gang Leaders act as mentors to
Apprentices and that adds to the culture of training within the
company. A number of our best Gang Leaders first joined the
company as Apprentices and have progressed through the ranks.”
“It’s important for Apprentices to have hands
on experience as this complements the training received in the
classroom and gives them the necessary knowledge and skills to
prepare for the future.”
What were your training objectives?
“We have targets for individual
training. Ninety percent of our carpenters have NVQs and by
the end of the year we aim to have 100% success rate. We set
targets for training and achievement and promote that throughout
the company.”
Were they achieved?
“Yes we are on target. As a company we
are all proud of the training and especially the achievements of
our Apprentices. They have to work hard at College and on
site to achieve their qualifications and are congratulated for
their efforts.”
What has been the impact on your
performance?
“Competent staff are essential to the success
of this company that sets high quality and standards of work.
We pride ourselves on quality and need competent staff.”
“We carefully select individuals for
recruitment - they have to have the right attitude to succeed.”
What has been the impact on the organisation’s
performance?
“It's been very positive. At the start
of the year we were concerned about the recession but business has
continued and we are constantly asked to send our skilled workforce
onto sites.”
“Construction companies trust us to deliver a
quality service to extremely high standards. We have
experienced people who work efficiently. We coach them on
this from the first day they commence employment. We are very
customer focused.”
“Bedford College is flexible in its approach
and helps us immensely by enrolling Apprentices onto courses
directly. That releases me as Training Manager so that
I can concentrate on other aspects of training. This service
has helped us establish a fully trained workforce.”
“Regal Carpentry and Bedford College are a
good partnership – an efficient company and efficient College is a
winner for our Apprentices.”