Dear Cleanitup members,
I’d like to take this opportunity to formally introduce the BWCA to the forum. My name is Craig Mawlam and I am the Internal Verifier for The British Window Cleaning Academy, an accredited City & Guilds NVQ Centre. The BWCA was established in 1997 to offer the Level 2 NVQ: Cleaning Windows Glass and Façade Surfaces (7696).
As well as offering the NVQ, the BWCA offers a number of stand-alone courses in support of the NVQ. Certification gained from attending these BWCA courses can be used to demonstrate competence for various units of the NVQ.
Each of the BWCA’s instructors hold City & Guilds training qualifications, but the most important factor in delivering quality training is the long term “hands on” window cleaning experience that they have gained over forty years.
Although the NVQ has failed to attract large numbers of Window Cleaners, several hundred Window Cleaners gained BWCA certification for the various stand-alone courses offered by the BWCA. Despite its success BWCA courses were phased out a couple of years ago due to the demand for space to produce the Reach & Wash System. The re-emergence of the BWCA at this time is prompted by Ionic Systems move to new 22,000 sq ft premises in Swindon and new HSE Guidance notes for the safe use of Waterfed Poles due to be published later this year. Another factor driving the need for appropriate trade training for Window Cleaners at this time is the increase in insurance premiums. Increasingly insurers are asking for details of training certificates held by window cleaning staff.
BWCA Literature is available and I am on hand to answer any telephone enquiries on the subject. Courses are booking up fast, therefore if you are interested in attending courses and obtaining BWCA certification I would encourage you to book early!
Best regards
Craig Mawlam
Internal Verifier
BWCA C&G NVQ Centre
