New training concept for simpler and more consistent quality assurance
The new APQP4Wind training concept has been developed together with the APQP4Wind manual, which describes a set of common standards for quality assurance in the production processes. The manual, as well as the training concept, is still in the initial development phase, and as a starting point, Wind Denmark (formerly known as the Danish Wind Industry Association) has chosen to make APQP4Wind training and certification available exclusively through the two training providers DNV GL and Bureau Veritas.
The two companies have been approved as APQP4Wind training providers as they are both globally present and therefore able to offer training worldwide, which supports the ambition to deploy the APQP4Wind standard as a global standard.
Consistent use of the manual and simpler workflows
The new training concept has multiple advantages: It ensures that suppliers follow the same procedures for the approval of sub-components (PPAP - Product Part Approval Process), that they use the same terminology, and that they have the necessary understanding of how the standards are to be adopted in practice.
"As a training provider, we have worked with education and training in APQP and PPAP standards since the early 1990s, when the automotive industry first developed the QS9000 quality standard to optimize production processes in the auto industry. Now the wind industry is ready for this next step, and we are well prepared with more than 15 years of experience in training and educating specialists to have the same frame of reference when working with quality assurance. By establishing the same conceptual framework, we can assure a systematic and uniform approach, which creates value for both the companies and the industry as a whole," explains Peter Worck Nielsen, Customer Relations Manager Certification at Bureau Veritas.
Maturing of suppliers and increased competitiveness
The training concept will also be a contributing factor in maturing the entire chain of suppliers and sub-suppliers (tier 1 and 2) through training in methods and processes that create more efficient workflows.
"The APQP4Wind training concept is unique because we now for the first time have a common standard, the right tools and a solid training concept that defines standards for quality management and quality assurance, specifically for the wind industry. With the assistance and proper training from a training provider, the concept will pave the way for a general maturing of the Danish supplier base and prepare the Danish wind industry to become the first in the world to adopt a common wind-specific quality standard, which will undoubtedly be a competitive parameter in the future. The people behind APQP4Wind have been ambitious to develop not only a set of standards but also a training concept that supports a uniform application of the standards, and we are ready and well prepared to train the industry so companies and their employees have a global certificate documenting that their production processes meet the customers' quality demands," says Kåre Appel Weng, Sales & Marketing Manager at DNV GL.
Courses for all levels of the organization
The APQP4Wind training concept is targeted at quality managers and people working with quality assurance. The concept is comprised of 5 courses divided into different levels, all of which use the APQP4Wind manual as the basis for teaching. It is therefore only through participation in a training course with an APQP4Wind certified training provider that you get the full benefit and thorough understanding of the APQP4Wind manual and its defined standards.
After completing a course and passing the exam, the employee will receive a personalized certificate documenting completion at a satisfactory level. The certificate is valid globally for 3-5 years, after which it must be renewed to ensure that all certified personnel has the latest knowledge on quality planning and quality assurance.