Robbie Walmsley has joined Total Glass to further enhance the trade and commercial window fabricator's commitment to training and staff development programmes. Central to his personnel role is liaison with Total's production departments and external training providers over the provision and delivery of NVQ and other work-related qualification programmes tailored to the needs of the workforce.

In addition, Robbie will implement the steps necessary for the Liverpool-based company to pursue the Investors in People Standard, as well as oversee the operation of the Total Training School. Of considerable benefit to the business and its employees, the four-week training scheme was set up to address a growing skills shortage generally, and more specifically to maintain the company's reputation for supplying a quality product within short lead times.

Total Glass has strong partnership links with Knowsley Borough Council on training projects, including the Government's New Deal programme aimed at getting the long-term unemployed back into work. New recruits undergo intensive training in a variety of NVQ subjects ranging from window fabrication to business administration. Supervisors are also encouraged to become qualified NVQ verifiers.

Total Glass encourages all its employees to train for a work-related qualification and to date, more than 100 people have learned new skills at its dedicated training and production line facilities based at the 100,000 sq ft factory.