We recently sat down to have a conversation with Ann Downes, Director and self-described Jack-of-All-Trades, at Prodrive Shopfitting, to discuss their experience of using On Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) for two of their young employees, Mason and Alex.
Tell me a little about Mason and Alex
Mason joined Prodrive Shopfitting at 16 as a school leaver. He started an apprenticeship through a local College, but it wasn’t successful. His Dad works as part of our Site team and Mason was keen to join him but couldn’t, due to a lack of qualifications. Mason is now 18 years old and is flourishing in his role.
Alex has just turned 17. He is also a school leaver with no prior experience but wanted to join Prodrive Shopfitting as a Bench Joiner in the workshop. Although he won’t be working on site, Alex and the business are keen to secure a recognised qualification to set him up to succeed. He’s currently revising for his CITB Health, Safety and Environment test.
What was the motivation for exploring the OSAT route?
Everyone was disappointed in the alternatives. As mentioned before, Mason had ended his Apprenticeship prematurely because he wasn’t enjoying it. We all felt the local College wasn’t interested in the students and the focus was more on filling courses and not quality, sector-relevant training. This was a longstanding concern and was the reason we had not taken on any Apprentices for some time. We wanted to invest in and support our young employees, and this was an alternative route.
How are Mason and Alex trained for their roles?
On a day-to-day basis, Mason is paired with his Dad and is learning on the job. He is also supported by the Contracts Manager on Site. Alex has been paired with an experienced Joiner, Steve, in the Workshop, who is his mentor. The Workshop’s Foreman has overall responsibility, but Steve is there to support him.
How does the OSAT work in practice?
The Assessor watches Mason and Alex at work, asks questions about how their work is completed, and records what has been demonstrated and discussed against the NVQ standard to build a portfolio of evidence. My role is making sure our Assessor, Adam, gets all the information he needs. He’s been approachable and the process has been very smooth so far. It should take around 12 months to complete.
What does it mean for Mason and Alex to be qualified?
It means a lot: First and foremost, Mason and Alex gain a recognised qualification. We’re also hopeful of continuing to Level 3 qualifications in the future, which will support their ongoing career development. It’s all climbing ladders, and this is the initial step. We want them to feel invested in and to encourage them to be successful.
What does it mean for Prodrive Shopfitting?
For Prodrive Shopfitting it’s also positive. We’re bringing interested young people into the business and the trade. We hope they will stay and help future proof the business, but if they do decide to leave, then they have something to go with – which is important.
There was the added benefit that the NAS helped support Prodrive Shopfitting to find a quality Assessor through HSS Training, which was offered at a discounted rate through the partnership between both organisations. We are also able to recover costs through CITB grant funding.
About Prodrive Shopfitting
Prodrive Shopfitting is a Member of the National Association of Shopfitters. Located in the North-East of England, Prodrive Shopfitting offers full turnkey solutions using its own bench joinery and site fitting teams.
