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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions about the Academy?

Find answers about the Founding Pilot Intake 2026, including the training format, application process, field-based learning, safety requirements, FENIPAX workflow and Certificate of Completion.

Founding Pilot Intake 2026 Only 5 Places Available Starts 1 October 2026 October — December 2026 Applications reviewed before places are offered

Before you apply

Before you apply

The first intake of Windows and Doors Repairs Academy Galway is a selective pilot programme created by Windows Repair Galway. This FAQ explains how the programme is expected to work and what applicants should understand before applying.

FAQ category 01

Programme basics

What is Windows and Doors Repairs Academy Galway?

Windows and Doors Repairs Academy Galway is a private, founder-led training programme created by Windows Repair Galway. It is designed as a practical introduction to the window and door repair trade, including glazing, window maintenance, door repairs, diagnostics, quotations, customer communication, business workflow and FENIPAX workflow training, subject to product readiness.

Who runs the academy?

The academy is created and led by Pawel Fenik, owner of Windows Repair Galway. The programme is based on practical experience from a real Galway window and door repair business.

When does the first intake start?

The Founding Pilot Intake 2026 is planned to start on 1 October 2026.

How long does the programme run?

The programme is planned to run from October to December 2026.

How many places are available?

The first intake is limited to 5 selected participants only. Applications are reviewed before places are offered.

Why are there only 5 places?

The first intake is intentionally small so the training can stay practical, personal and manageable while the academy is developed as a pilot programme.

Is this a pilot programme?

Yes. The Founding Pilot Intake 2026 is the first pilot edition of the academy. The format may be refined as the programme develops.

FAQ category 02

Training format

Is this a classroom-only course?

No. The academy is planned as a practical, field-based training programme. It may include theory, workshops, selected field-based learning, business guidance, quotations and FENIPAX workflow training, subject to product readiness.

Will participants attend real repair jobs?

Selected real repair situations may be used for training, subject to customer permission, safety conditions, weather, job suitability and participant availability. Not every repair job will be suitable for training.

Will all participants attend every field day together?

No. Field-based learning will usually involve one or two participants at a time. This helps keep the training practical and avoids overcrowding real customer jobs.

Is the schedule fixed?

The overall programme is planned for October to December 2026, but the exact schedule may vary depending on suitable repair jobs, customer permissions, safety conditions, weather and participant availability.

Is the programme full-time?

No. The programme is not planned as a full-time classroom course. It is expected to use selected training days, field-based learning and group sessions.

Can I do the programme while working?

The programme is being designed for people who may already be working. However, participants should expect to make time available between October and December 2026, and some weekday availability may be required.

What will I learn?

The planned modules include Glazing Windows, Window Maintenance, Door Repairs & Maintenance, Windows & Doors Upgrade / Advanced Diagnostics, Business Setup, Marketing & Quotations, and FENIPAX for Contractors.

View the Training Programme

FAQ category 03

Who can apply

Can beginners apply?

Yes, suitable beginners may apply, especially if they are practical, reliable and serious about learning. Previous experience with tools, maintenance, construction, repairs or property care is helpful but not always required.

Do I need previous window and door repair experience?

No, previous window and door repair experience is not required for every applicant. However, practical experience with tools or repairs is useful.

Who is the programme best suited for?

The programme may suit career changers, handyman service providers, maintenance workers, existing tradespeople, property maintenance workers, people interested in starting a small repair business, and people interested in future subcontracting opportunities.

Who may not be a good fit?

The programme may not suit people who want a purely online course, expect guaranteed employment, expect a state-recognised qualification, cannot attend field-based training, are uncomfortable with physical work or are unwilling to follow safety rules.

Can I apply from outside Galway?

Yes. Applications can be accepted from people across Ireland. However, the programme is based in Galway and County Galway, and participants must be able to attend selected training days in person.

Do I need to speak English?

Participants should have enough English to understand safety instructions, customer information and training communication. Polish language support may be available where appropriate, but customer-facing repair work in Ireland usually requires practical English.

Do I need to want my own business?

No. The programme may suit people who want to start a business, but it may also suit people who want to add a specialist repair service, work in maintenance, improve practical knowledge or explore future opportunities.

Read Who It’s For

FAQ category 04

Safety and practical requirements

Do I need Safe Pass?

Safe Pass may be required for some field-based training days depending on the final training format, site conditions and type of work involved. Final requirements will be confirmed before the programme starts.

Do I need Manual Handling?

Manual Handling may be required for some training days, especially where practical work involves lifting, moving glass units, handling frames or other physical tasks. Final requirements will be confirmed before the programme starts.

Do I need my own PPE?

Appropriate PPE may be required for some training days. Final PPE requirements will be confirmed before the programme starts.

Do I need my own tools?

Participants do not need to own a full professional tool kit before applying. However, they should be comfortable learning about tools, equipment and practical repair work.

Do I need a car or van?

A driving licence and access to transport are helpful, especially for anyone planning to work in this trade in the future. Applicants from outside Galway must be able to travel to the training location or field-based learning area when required.

Will I work unsupervised?

No. Participants will not carry out unsupervised work as part of the academy. All field-based learning is subject to supervision, customer permission, job suitability and safety conditions.

Will we work at height?

No work at height will be included unless it is specifically approved, suitable and safe with appropriate controls in place. Safety comes first.

What physical ability is required?

Window and door repair work can involve standing, lifting, using tools, working around frames and doors, and following safe manual handling practices. Applicants should be comfortable with practical, physical learning.

FAQ category 05

FENIPAX

What is FENIPAX?

FENIPAX is being built as a workflow system for window and door contractors. It is intended to help organise inspections, photos, notes, measurements, quotations, parts, orders, customer records and job workflow.

Is FENIPAX included in the academy?

FENIPAX workflow training is planned as part of the academy, subject to product readiness before the programme starts.

Will I get access to FENIPAX?

Access details will be confirmed before the programme starts. FENIPAX is currently in development.

Is FENIPAX training a software certification?

No. Any FENIPAX training within the academy is intended to support workflow understanding and is not a separate software qualification.

Why is FENIPAX useful for repair contractors?

A repair business needs organised information: customer details, photos, measurements, parts, quotations, job status and follow-up. FENIPAX is being built to help make that workflow clearer.

Does FENIPAX replace practical repair experience?

No. FENIPAX supports organisation and workflow. Practical repair skills, safety, judgement, tools, insurance and experience are still essential.

Learn About FENIPAX

FAQ category 06

Certificate, work and future opportunities

Is the programme certified?

Participants who complete the required elements may receive a Certificate of Completion issued by Windows Repair Galway. The programme is not a state-recognised qualification.

What certificate will I receive?

Suitable participants who complete the required elements may receive a Certificate of Completion issued by Windows Repair Galway.

Does the programme guarantee a job?

No. The programme does not guarantee employment, paid work, income, subcontracting opportunities or future collaboration with Windows Repair Galway.

Can I work with Windows Repair Galway after the programme?

Future collaboration may be considered separately for suitable participants, but it is not guaranteed.

Can I start my own business after the programme?

The programme may introduce participants to practical repair and business workflow concepts, but starting a business requires further planning, tools, insurance, legal and tax advice, safety preparation and experience. The academy does not provide legal, tax, accounting or insurance advice.

Will I be ready to carry out every repair independently?

No. The academy is a practical introduction to the trade and business workflow. It does not prepare participants to carry out all repairs independently without further experience, supervision, tools, insurance and appropriate safety training.

Can I use the certificate for marketing?

Participants should describe the certificate accurately as a Certificate of Completion issued by Windows Repair Galway. It should not be presented as a state-recognised qualification or trade certification.

FAQ category 07

Application process

How do I apply?

You can apply through the Academy application page. Applications are reviewed before places are offered.

Apply for the Pilot Intake

Does applying guarantee a place?

No. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. The first intake is limited to 5 selected participants.

What happens after I apply?

Windows Repair Galway will review applications. Selected applicants may be invited for a short call before places are offered.

How are applicants selected?

Applications may be reviewed based on motivation, practical mindset, availability, location and travel ability, experience with tools or maintenance, safety awareness, communication and suitability for a pilot programme.

When will I know if I have been accepted?

Acceptance timelines will be confirmed during the application process. Selected applicants may be contacted for a short call before final places are offered.

Can I join a waiting list?

If more suitable applicants apply than there are places available, Windows Repair Galway may keep a waiting list for the first intake or future editions.

Can I apply if I am not sure yet?

Yes, but applicants should read the Academy Overview, Training Programme, How It Works and Who It’s For pages before applying.

FAQ category 08

Payment and final details

How much does the programme cost?

Pricing for the Founding Pilot Intake 2026 will be confirmed separately. The first intake is a pilot programme and places are limited to 5 selected participants.

Will a deposit be required?

A deposit may be required after acceptance to confirm a place. Final payment terms will be confirmed before places are offered.

Can I pay in instalments?

Payment options, including any instalment options, will be confirmed separately.

What is included in the programme?

The programme is planned to include technical theory, selected field-based learning, business and quotation guidance, FENIPAX workflow training subject to product readiness, and a Certificate of Completion for suitable participants who complete the required elements.

What is not included?

Travel, accommodation, personal expenses, personal tools, PPE, Safe Pass, Manual Handling, insurance, tax advice, legal advice and business setup costs are not included unless specifically stated otherwise.

Where will training take place?

The programme is based in Galway and County Galway. Some training may be field-based, depending on suitable repair jobs, customer permission, safety conditions and availability.

Will the programme be in English or Polish?

The programme is based in Ireland and may involve customer-facing work, so practical English is important. Polish language support may be available where appropriate, but participants should have enough English for safety instructions and customer communication.

Important disclaimer

Important programme disclaimer

Still have questions?

Still have questions?

If you are interested in the Founding Pilot Intake 2026 but still have questions, review the programme pages or submit an application if you believe the academy may be a good fit.

Founding Pilot Intake 2026

Apply for the Founding Pilot Intake 2026.

The first intake is limited to 5 selected participants. Applications are reviewed before places are offered.

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