More Than Just Fitting a Window

More Than Just Fitting a Window

Women from across the fenestration industry got hands-on with window installation as part of the latest WFN training day with Building Our Skills.

The Women in Fenestration Network recently brought together a group of women from across the industry for a practical training day with Building Our Skills, led by Mark Handley.

Designed to give attendees a better understanding of what happens on site, the session took the group through the complete process of removing and replacing a window, from safely de-glazing and removing the existing frame to measuring, preparing and fitting the new installation.

For some, it was the first time they had experienced the installation process first-hand.

Jemma Brooks, Head of Product Management at MACO Door and Window Hardware, joined the session and later shared her experience with Glass News.

She said one of the biggest things she noticed throughout the day was how quickly confidence developed as everyone got involved.

“There was no judgement, no pressure and no expectation that anyone should know all the answers. Instead, there was collaboration, encouragement and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.”

But the day was about much more than learning how to fit a window.

Working together in small groups gave attendees the opportunity to ask questions, share their own experiences and build relationships with women working in different areas of the fenestration industry.

For Jemma, the benefits went far beyond technical knowledge.

“While technical skills are essential, days like this highlight the benefits that can't be measured so easily: confidence, connection and belonging.”



That is exactly what WFN's training and development programme is designed to achieve.

By giving women access to different parts of the industry and opportunities to learn in a supportive environment, WFN aims to help members broaden their knowledge, build confidence and develop stronger connections across the sector.

Jemma added:

“Fenestration has always been a people-driven industry. The products and innovations are important, but it is the people behind them who drive progress. By investing in learning, collaboration and confidence, we are investing in the future of our industry.”

And perhaps the best summary of the day came from Jemma herself:

“We arrived to learn how to fit a window. We left with new skills, new connections and a renewed confidence in what we can achieve.”

A huge thank you to Mark Handley and Building Our Skills for supporting WFN and creating such a welcoming environment for the day, and to Jemma for sharing her experience.