Hi Ronnie
We took our lads out for a day, showed them how to pole, gave them a go, corrected them where they were going wrong etc, generally showing them the technique we use - from the moment we get out of the van to the moment we get back in the van. We chose a day that was quiet and probably only done £70 of windows - both staff were trained the same way so they got plenty of time with the pole and plenty of instruction. For squeegeeing we sort of showed them on the job as it were, took maybe 2 weeks to speed up to acceptable rate but that was fine.
All in all I reckon it took the first lad 6 months to speed up but he was never truly slow anyway. 2nd lad took to it like a duck to water, 2 months and he was getting pretty quick.
Both guys are now reasonably quick and do a class job. I did check their work for the first month or so but now I know I can leave them to it.
As for insurance I can't remember exactly what we pay but I think it is roughly £15 per week per staff. I don't think thats bad at all, £1500 a year covers us for obligatory £10mil EL and 10mil public liability. Insurance provided by hiscox
