Building talent and protecting standards | GGF

Through political engagement, collaborative sector work, and hands-on participation in major apprenticeship events, the GGF is reinforcing its commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.

As the UK construction sector faces a growing skills shortage alongside regulatory reform, attention is increasingly turning not only to how many apprentices enter the workforce, but how well they are trained once they do.

A central focus of recent activity has seen the GGF continue the work of the Apprenticeship Coalition, a 31-member group led by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF). 

The Coalition has been engaging with government in response to proposed reforms to the apprenticeship system, including greater flexibility in end-point assessment and the forthcoming transition from the Apprenticeship Levy to the Growth & Skills Levy.

Chris Beedel from the GGF has been raising concerns with Neil Coyle MP, highlighting that proposed reforms risk diluting essential competence standards if independent assessment requirements are weakened.

With glass and glazing playing a critical role in building safety, the Federation has warned that lowering assessment rigour could reduce installer competence and reduce compliance with the Building Safety Act.

“Encouraging more people into apprenticeships is something the industry fully supports. We need skilled individuals entering the sector to secure its future,” explains John Mannell, Technical Officer at the GGF. “However, competence must remain at the centre of any reform. Independent assessment provides assurance that individuals are properly trained, objectively assessed, and capable of delivering safe and compliant work.”

For the GGF, the issue is not resistance to chance, but the need to ensure balance.

“Flexibility within the system can help increase participation,” continues John. “But flexibility must not come at the expense of consistent and independently verified standards. In safety-critical sectors such as glazing and fenestration, public confidence depends on it.”

To safeguard standards, the GGF continues to push for constructive dialogue with government and has invited Neil Coyle MP to meet at GGF offices to explore practical solutions that encourage apprenticeship uptake without compromising safety.

As the recognised voice of the glass and glazing industry, the Federation believes it has a responsibility to ensure policymakers understand the practical implications of reform for those delivering regulated building elements.

Alongside its policy work, the GGF is actively promoting careers within the sector at major events across the UK.

On the 29^{th of} January, the organisation took part in the National Apprenticeship and Further Education Event in Liverpool. Following an intense few days of preparation, the GGF team spent the day engaging with more than 200 students considering future career options. 

Thanks to the support of industry representatives including Martin from Bootle Glass, Simon Swift from FENSA, Chris Ferris, Ray Moss, and Sarah Hutchinson from the Glass & Glazing Federation. 

The GGF was able to showcase the breadth of opportunities within glazing, from installation and processing to specialist and creative glass disciplines.

The enthusiasm shared throughout the day reinforced a common message from employers: many who enter the sector build long and rewarding careers within it.

Momentum continued on the 5^th of February at the CITB NI Apprenticeship Event in Belfast, where the GGF supported employer members such as Mourne Windows & Doors and Turkington Windows.

The strong turnout highlighted both the appetite among young people to explore vocational routes and the sector’s commitment to attracting new talent.

These outreach efforts sit alongside the GGF’s Skilled Pathways for Trainees programme, delivered via the GGF Training Hub. The initiative provides structured routes into the industry, offering recognised qualifications and clear competency benchmarks to support both employers and apprentices.

By combining advocacy at government level with practical support for training deliver, the federation aims to ensure that workforce growth is matched by professional competence.

For the GGF, building talent and protecting standards are inseparable priorities.

“We cannot talk about strengthening the industry’s future without investing in the people who uphold its standards,” concludes John. “The GGF will continue working collaboratively with government and industry partners to ensure apprenticeship reform supports growth, while maintaining the competence framework that keeps our buildings safe and our sector trusted.

As reform discussions continue and the skills agenda remains high on the political agenda, the federations position remains clear.

Attracting new entrants is vital, but it must be achieved without compromising the high standards that define professional glazing.

For more information about the GGF and how it can support your business’ growth, please visit www.ggf.org.uk or call 0207 939 9100.