Quality assurance provider Intertek has partnered with Knauf to launch a training programme for contractors, installers and professionals. The programme is said to be the first to offer the Intertek Qualified Personnel (IQP) courses for drywall installers in the GCC region, and is an extension of Intertek’s global initiative to independently qualify personnel to the highest industry standards.
The firm noted trainees can enroll to become qualified for compliant installation of Knauf’s building materials. The first group of graduates received their IQP certificates at a special ceremony.
The qualification programme is designed for technical professionals in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain and is being delivered in the new Knauf Training Centre. Hundreds of professionals from the region are expected to complete the qualification every year, where they will learn how to optimise installation efficiency, how to reduce wastage and apply best practice to all installations in line with fire safety requirements, Intertek said.
The training programme is said to be an expansion of Knauf’s own education and examination programme for the installation of its systems, certified by Intertek for compliance with international fire standards.
Cristina Perez Domper, Regional Operations Manager at Intertek Building & Construction for Middle East & Africa remarked, “Partnering with an industry leader like Knauf to set up an IQP Programme is a significant step for Intertek in the region. We’re very excited about launching the first IQP Programme of its kind in the region, and we look forward to expanding our network of certified programmes. This collaboration will elevate the standards for the industry and add an extra level of verification and qualification to the installation process, a key step which is often overlooked, in line with the increasing fire safety regulations implemented by authorities.”
Intertek’s IQP Programme aims to increases the proficiency of participating installers and inspectors in installation practices, to ensure that their work is at the highest level of quality and safety assurance. Qualified professionals will be required to undergo a refresher training session every two years to maintain their qualification. The IQP Programme gives relevant authorities independent assurance that the installations meet all industry requirements and have been carried out by qualified professionals, the firm pointed out.
“We are very pleased to offer IQP accredited courses in partnership with Intertek at the new Knauf Training Centre. The new programmes will ensure higher quality and safety standards for buildings, enable us to continue our vision for quality, sustainability, health, and safety, and train professionals with excellence through a growing range of courses. The new partnership with Intertek will improve skills and knowledge through accredited qualifications. This initiative will help to create and retain a greater talent pool for the overall industry and to set a high standard for the region when it comes to professional training,” said Amer Bin Ahmed, Managing Director at Knauf Middle East & India.
Jean-Philippe Kayl, Vice-President Global Certification at Intertek concluded, “Knauf’s commitment to excellence is truly impressive. Intertek is delighted to support Knauf in its journey to implement world-class quality and safety practices in the construction industry.”
At the start of the pandemic, Intertek began offering surface hygiene testing systems for UAE businesses, while in February 2021, Intertek began offering fire testing and certification services for the Saudi building materials sector. Intertek’s Cristina Perez Domper also discussed implementing the Saudi Building Code with MECN.