Q Stars & Examinations
The Modern Apprenticeship Scheme
The future of the Laundry and Dry Cleaning industry is a challenging one, and we need to encourage more people to gain better skills and qualifications. Businesses depend upon attracting the right talent to fill key roles within the organisation and apprenticeships can be a means to offer opportunities for progression to higher level skills. We, at the Guild, have been involved in ways to gain recognised qualifications, while at work, since 1949, therefore it was felt we were in the best position to produce a framework for apprenticeships that could benefit both the employer and employed, and we have had a huge success, in recent years, of candidates taking Guild exams and assessments.
21st Century Apprenticeships
There is a long tradition of craft apprenticeships, in other industries, and they represent an established route in a range of occupations, Our business suffers, like many others, with a lack of skilled, or key, workers, and we have a long tradition of having to "grow our own" when it comes to filling these roles. Modern apprenticeships are not just aimed at young people, and if they were they would have no place in our industry because we attract many mature adults, therefore the scheme is for all age group, with no element of "timeserving" as they will be achieved at the pace, and within the timescale appropriate to the employer and apprentice. The Guild have a long tradition, and much experience of delivery of qualifications based upon the recognition of ability of the candidate working at a pace within their own capability and progression.
Positive Gains and Benefits
There are positive gains for both employers and employees with a Modern Apprenticeship Scheme. For the employee it can provide a valuable experience leading to the acquisition of sophisticated skills needed for a worthwhile career, and can give status within local communities and opportunities for progression in employment. A positive feature is that the apprentice has the opportunity to 'learn while earning' in a coherent, coordinated way. It can have a further positive advantage in that they will have a clear, well defined route into a career, or occupation, which is not always the case for other people.
The Guild have developed a suite of distinctive practical work based units, which will suit the learning style of those involved, and this is based on the skill qualifications the Guild already finds are very successful.
When achieved, the candidate, has the possible progression into more responsible job roles, because of the gained knowledge and new skills. For employers, a Modern Apprenticeship Scheme provides a high quality method for increasing the skills of employees. A means of 'growing your own people' passing on the skills, culture, knowledge, practices and traditions of a firm, and with Guild help support, design learning, training, and work place assessment for those with the right ability. It could lead to improved employee retention rates of the more capable, ensure people acquire the essential skills to progress within the business and industry. It may also widen the recruitment pool by attracting the talented who would not otherwise consider a career in our industry.
The development of Modern Apprenticeships in Laundry and Dry Cleaning
With help and support of members of the Guild Examination Board, and employers in the business, a framework has been put together that is to a standard of a 3 NVQ qualification. At this level of ability it is expected that the successful apprentice can carry out many activities that are complex and non routine and the expectations are of individuals taking considerable responsibility and also working independently, very often supervising the work of others
Drawing upon the resources of the Guild own national occupational standards, that are well established and accepted by the industry to be relevant and achievable, core skills. These are all of a practical nature leading to two theory based written exams, which are the Guilds own Practical Dry Cleaning Technology and 'Intermediate Technology' qualifications. There is no set timescale and a pace appropriate to the employer, and the ability of the apprentice. However, recognition will be given to those with previous ability (prior learning) and the system frame is modular in construction to guide and assist.
In reality the apprentice will be assessed when capable of achieving the level of their skill to enable them to have some flexibility. This could benefit this with a career break, for example during pregnancy, or even those who change employers, for example through redundancy. The 'Modern Apprenticeship Certificate' will only be received when all the Practical Certificates and the theory exams have been successfully taken.
If you would like more information regarding the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme please click here to email the exam board
Click Here to view a progression chart for the Modern Apprenticeship for Dry Cleaning
Click Here to view a progression chart for the Modern Apprenticeship for Laundry
Practical Technology Examination in the Laundry and Dry Cleaning Industry for those with hands on experience
These two new examinations have been designed to meet the needs of the dry cleaning or laundry owner/manager, or experienced operative, or those aspiring to prove technical skill level and who need independent certification of having acquired the necessary level of skill and technical knowledge. Each examination is of two hours duration and consists of the candidate being required to select the correct answer from a list by tick box to 60 questions, and some of the questions to be answered have choice options for those who are specialised.
The syllabus covers the knowledge and theoretical skills required by those in Dry Cleaning Units or Laundry operations and is suitable for experienced operators with hands on experience, including supervisors, or potential supervisor, but is of a practical nature more suited to those with everyday knowledge of the work involved. The exams have also been designed to meet the needs of those aspiring to skilled positions within dry cleaning and laundry who need independent certification of having acquired the necessary level of skill and knowledge for ultimate promotion, or those who wish to prove their level of skill and knowledge.
The ability of a candidate to satisfy the requirement is assessed by a bespoke Guild examination involving one tick box answer paper of which the candidate is allowed 2.0 hours to complete.
The syllabus covers three main areas (separate exams for drycleaning and laundry)
1. Good Housekeeping and Personal Safety (includes Health and safety)
2. Dry Cleaning/Laundry process and finishing technology
3. Customer Care and People Skills
However, it covers the breadth of technical knowledge required rather than the depth which is catered for with the more advanced Intermediate Technology Syllabus. It does concentrate on the more practical application of technical knowledge, but it includes aspects of the operation dealing with raising the efficiency levels.
(Cost to Guild members £35 non members £40)
Click Here to view the syllabus for the Practical Dry Cleaning Technology Examination
Click Here to view the syllabus for the Practical Laundry Technology Examination
Q Stars
The Guild joined forces with training providers nationwide to implement a scheme called Qualification Star Scheme.
Examination candidates are awarded star window stickers, on the successful completion of an examination for each individual areas of the scheme.
Individual Schemes
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Retail Sales
Which means the individual has been trained and examined to look after the customer. They have been examined on inspection of incoming work, finished work and fabrics. They also have knowledge of the Dry Cleaning process, of Health and Safety, and are there to assist customers with any queries they may have. |
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Stain Removal
Which means the individual has been trained and examined in all aspects of stain removal, chemicals and equipment. They have a knowledge of textiles and Health & Safety. |
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Garment Finishing (both pressing & ironing table)
Which means the individual has been trained and examined in the use of pressing items using the right technique. They have been examined for dexterity, the Health & Safety requirements of presses and press room equipment and have knowledge of the care of textiles. |
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Dry Cleaning Practice
Which means the individual has been trained and examined in all aspects concerning the dry cleaning process, the machines, fibres and fabrics, the removal of all types of soiling, and for Health & Safety. |
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Wet Cleaning
Which means the individual has been trained and examined in all aspects of wet cleaning fabrics, the machines, fibres and fabrics, soil removal and Health & Safety. |
Guild Examinations and the Qualifications Star Scheme
The Guild has a network of Examiners nationwide and by contacting the National Secretariat on 0845 600 1838 or enquiries@gcl.org.co.uk, we can arrange for an examination for one or more of the following disciplines:
- Retail Sales
- Stain Removal
- Garment Finishing - Scissor Press and Ironing Table
- Dry Cleaning Practice
- Wet Cleaning
You don't have to be a member of the Guild if you just want to take an examination and receive a Certificate, but you do have to be a member if you wish to be part of the Guild's Qualification Scheme. The reasons being:
- The scheme is for individuals in business as opposed to companies.
- A successful student will receive an examination certificate together with a window sticker in the shape of a 'Q' Star. The scheme is based on the 5 Stars shown above.
- The 'Q' Star becomes part of the students C.V. and this can be taken with them if they change their employment. In order to 'police' the scheme the window sticker remains the property of the Guild, the recipient can display the Star for as long as they are Guild members.
- 'Q' Stars holders will be notified of upgrades to syllabi and legislation, which will affect them in the enhancement craft.
The cost of a 'Q' Star examination is £35 per discipline.
The Guild is not a trade association - it is the Examining Body of the Industry. Because our officers give their time voluntarily, we do not have the facilities to undertake training, but we have a list of Preferred Training Providers, who will be happy to advise you on the courses, which are available.
For students wishing to undertake a full NVQ, this can be run in conjunction with the Qualification Star Examination. Candidates will have to register with a college to obtain a Log Book or register with an approved Centre. An Assessor would be appointed by the Guild to attend the training course and examination to complete their Log Book.
Practical / Theoretical Examinations
These include:
Practical Laundry Certificates
- Check-in, sort and classify
- Wash Process (Choice of Syllabi)
- Tumble Drying
- Calender Finishing - Flat Work
- Finishing - Shaped items ( choice of tunnel finishing or from finishing )
- Polished Head Pressing - Scissor press or rotary press
- Rack and Pack
- Textile Repair and Alterations
- Collection and Delivery
Supervisory Certification
£185 per candidate
Minimum of 4 exams - Check In and Classify, Rack and Pack and a choice of any other two, plus Theoretical Exam at Intermediate Level.
Theoretical Examinations at Intermediate Level
£45 per candidate
Minimum of 6 candidate per exam session.
You do not have to be a member of the Guild to undertake Practical or Theoretical examinations.
For more information on examinations and fees please contact either the Chairman of the Examination Board Mr Ken Cupitt FGCL or the National Secretariat