Course Overview

This occupation is found in the construction sector. Fenestration refers to the design, construction, or presence of openings in a building it can include windows, doors, louvres, vents, wall panels, skylights, storefronts, curtain walls, and slope glazed systems. Fabricators may supply directly to homeowners, the new-build market or the commercial and public sector. They can also supply the commercial refurbishment market.

The broad purpose of this occupation is to manufacture finished fenestration products such as conservatory roofing, curtain walls, glazed doors, glazed screening, roof lanterns, roof lights, patent/slope glazing, secondary glazing, shop fronts and windows. They usually specialise in a particular material – aluminium, timber, steel or uPVC and a range of products. They cut and assemble profiles together. Depending on the product they may add glass units, ancillary items for example, fixings and fastening, handles, hinges, locks and louvers, along with weatherproofing for example, gaskets, seals, membranes and sealants.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for completing their own work, with minimal supervision, ensuring they meet set deadlines. They may work as part of a team, with responsibility for a specific aspect of the fabricator process, contributing to the production of the overall product.

Typical job roles include:

• • Aluminium/uPVC Fabricator
• • Double Glazing Window Factory Fabricator
• • Fabricator
• • Production Operative
• • Windows/Doors Fabricator

The Content

The Apprenticeship covers the following key duties, knowledge, skills and behaviours:

Behaviours
• Has a Health & Safety first attitude.
• Is professional.
• Takes responsibility.
• Applies logical thinking.
• Works effectively.
• Applies time management.
• Adjustable when required.

Knowledge
• The role of fabrication in the fenestration industry.
• How glass and profiles are manufactured.
• Other functions that fabricators interact with.
• Materials used.
• Legislation, regulations and industry standards.
• Health & Safety.
• Safe handling/movement of profiles and product.
• Environmental considerations.
• Limits of autonomy.
• Communication techniques.
• Fenestration systems and specifications.
• Tools, equipment and plant used.
• Preparation techniques.
• Techniques for accurate/safe/economical measuring, marking and drilling of materials.
• Product assembly methods.
• Techniques for fitting components.
• Interim and final checking requirements.
• Types of error, investigation/rectification techniques.
• Stacking/storing products/materials safely, effectively and securely.
• Processes for handover to other functions/customers.
• Contractual arrangements.
• Employment rights and responsibilities.
• Equality & Diversity.

Skills
• Materials, components and equipment selection.
• Interpretation of specifications, diagrams and work instructions.
• Plan work.
• Preparation of work areas.
• Completion of machinery/equipment checks/adjustments.
• Measure, calculate, mark and cut materials.
• Select and use manual methods and machinery/workplace technology.
• Join/assemble materials.
• Fix ancillary items to products.
• Follow Health & Safety and environmental policy/procedures.
• Identify risks/hazards in the workplace and control measures.
• Check/inspect work.
• Identify/rectify work that is incorrect/incomplete.
• Label product.
• Re-use, re-cycle and dispose of material/waste/scrap.
• Communicate with colleagues/customers.
• Complete workplace documentation.
• Report work outcomes/problems.

Duties
• Receive, unload, check and store materials and components.
• Identify and confirm fabrication requirements.
• Use fabrication equipment.
• Measure, cut, drill and prepare the profile length of various materials.
• Manufacture the product using the relevant jointing method and/or machinery.
• Assemble the product using fabrication methods.
• Fix ancillary items.
• Check/inspect the product for any damage in the frame/paintwork.
• Clean and finish the product using appropriate materials and chemicals safely and ensuring the finished product functions correctly.
• Protect and/or tape finished product and store ready for transportation.
• Complete documentation.

Functional Skills in English and Maths
Where a learner has not already achieved Level 1 English and/or Maths, they must do so before taking the End Point Assessment.

The Assessment

Learners will need to undertake an End Point Assessment which consists of the following 3 elements:
• Observation and questioning
• Interview
• Multiple-choice test

Course Duration

Up to 18 months (ie a practical training period of up to 14 months, followed by an End Point Assessment (EPA) period of up to 4 months).