21/08/2026
Meet Katie, our Business Development Manager:
"I support new and existing study centres to achieve their delivery goals and create opportunities for growth and success. I'm passionate about building strong relationships, finding win-win solutions, and celebrating the achievements of the centres I work with.
A firm believer in lifelong learning, I graduated in my 40s and am also a qualified NLP Coach and Practitioner with training in hypnotherapy which has given me a keen interest in personal development and helping others reach their potential.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature with my dogs, being creative through painting and drawing, and supporting my local community as a trustee of our village hall."
19/08/2026
๐๐จ๐๐๐ฒ'๐ฌ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐. ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ'๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ซ.
It's not a slogan โ it's how it actually works. Many of the most experienced professionals in construction, fenestration, and the trades started exactly where you might be starting now: learning on the job, building skills, earning a qualification.
GQA offers over 80 construction-related qualifications from Level 1 through to Level 7. Whether you're just starting out or looking to progress, there's a pathway designed for where you are and where you want to go.
Many also lead to CSCS cards โ essential for site access.
Ready to take the next step? Find your qualification and a study centre near you at the link below. ๐
https://g-q-a.com/qualifications/
14/08/2026
Meet Paul, an EQA, an EPA and an EPAO IQA:
"My role at GQA is as an EQA, an EPA and an EPAO IQA (enough letters there for you ๐)
I have worked with GQA since they were first formed, working as a centre co-ordinator for 23 years and joined GQA around 20 months ago. I like to get out and meet and help people hence my love for the role, GQA was always a place I wanted to work with.
I love to pass on my experiences to centres to help them improve, in my previous role delivering apprenticeships I am proud to say that some of my apprentices now own their own companies or have moved up the career ladder.
In my spare time I like to spend time with wife and my grandchildren, as well as trying to fit in some golf, mountain bike riding etc. I also have a passion for Northern Soul music being a dedicated Wiganer, and having spent my younger years at Wigan Casino, a famous night spot in Wigan."
14/08/2026
๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ โ ๐๐จ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
We have been made aware of individuals and organisations falsely claiming that they can provide recognised qualifications, certificates or guaranteed awards in exchange for substantial sums of money. Scammers are not only claiming to be from training centres but also awarding body officials.
Report suspected fraudulent activity to an awarding body with any details such as names, contact information, advertisements, websites, social media profiles or payment requests to assist in investigating the matter.
Individuals who incur any loss, should report to the National Police Website Report Fraud - https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/
Stay vigilant.
13/08/2026
๐ Congratulations to Rising Star Award Winner Anthony Pearson! ๐
Anthony recently spoke to GQA about his journey from studying politics at university to completing a modern apprenticeship at the company started by his great grandfather.
Anthony has completed GQAโs Scottish Vocational Qualification in Signmaking at SCQF Level 6, delivered by Attain Training as part of his apprenticeship with CJ Strain & Son.
This year he received the Rising Star Award from the Printing Charity.
A massive congratulations to Anthony from everyone at GQA! ๐
07/08/2026
Meet Sarah, External Quality Assurer:
"I have been with GQA as an External Quality Assurer since 2026. Prior to this, I qualified as an EQA in 2021.
For more than a decade, up until 2026, I also successfully ran my own training business, specialising in first aid, mental health, and the moving and handling of people. I also delivered annual training programmes for medical and dental practices, ensuring professionals maintained the knowledge and skills required in their roles.
I am passionate about helping people achieve their full potential, regardless of the career path they choose. Through my lived experience of ADHD and my family's experience with ASD, I have developed a deep understanding of the importance of inclusive, learner-centred education. I believe this enables me to offer valuable insight and support to centres striving to deliver high-quality teaching and learning experiences for a diverse range of learners.
I am an enthusiastic reader with a strong interest in both mental and physical health. Much of my spare time is spent exploring new research, ideas, and approaches that deepen my understanding and enhance my ability to support others.
I also enjoy expressing my creativity through drawing, painting, gardening, and a variety of creative projects. These interests provide a balance to my professional life and allow me to continue learning, creating, and problem-solving in different ways.
To maintain and develop my practical skills, I also undertake event medic work from time to time. This allows me to keep my knowledge current, hands-on, and aligned with best practice."
05/08/2026
๐๐๐ญ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ฉ๐ฌ
Looking to obtain your CSCS card for site work?
With many GQA Approved Centres, everything can be completed in one place.
๐นGain your qualification
๐นTake your Health, Safety & Environment Test
๐นApply for your CSCS card
It's a simpler journey from classroom to construction site.
Find your nearest centre today:
https://www.g-q-a.com/approved-centres/
For assistance from our friendly team, call 01142 720033 or email [email protected].