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TRAINING PROGRAMME

A practical programme for learning window and door repairs.

The Windows and Doors Repairs Academy Galway training programme is built around the real work involved in repairing windows and doors: glazing, window maintenance, door mechanisms, advanced diagnostics, quotations, customer communication and business workflow.

Founding Pilot Intake 2026 Only 5 Places Available Starts 1 October 2026 October — December 2026 Field-based training model

Programme overview

Built around real repair work.

This programme is designed as a practical introduction to the window and door repair trade. Participants will learn how to recognise common faults, understand repair options, document site information, prepare clearer quotations and think like a professional repair contractor.

This is not a classroom-only programme. The pilot intake is planned to combine technical theory, selected real repair examples, supervised field-based learning, business guidance and FENIPAX workflow training, subject to product readiness.

MODULE 01

Glazing Windows

Glazing is one of the core skills in window and door repairs. This module introduces participants to the structure of glass units, common glazing problems, measuring methods and replacement workflow.

Glass and glass units

  • single glazing;
  • double glazing;
  • triple glazing;
  • insulated glass units, also known as IGUs;
  • glass thickness;
  • overall unit thickness;
  • cavity / air gap;
  • spacer bars;
  • warm edge spacer;
  • argon-filled units;
  • desiccant;
  • primary and secondary seals;
  • edge seal failure.

Types of glass

  • clear float glass;
  • low-E glass;
  • K-Glass;
  • A-rated glass as a market term;
  • toughened / tempered glass;
  • laminated glass;
  • obscure glass;
  • patterned glass;
  • acoustic glass;
  • solar-control glass.

Diagnostics

  • condensation inside a glass unit;
  • foggy or misted double glazing;
  • cracked glass;
  • thermal stress cracks;
  • failed seals;
  • scratches;
  • water ingress complaints;
  • difference between internal condensation, external condensation and a failed sealed unit.

Practical learning

  • how to inspect a failed unit;
  • how to take useful photos;
  • how to measure width, height and thickness;
  • how to record spacer and glass details;
  • how to remove beads safely;
  • how to understand packers;
  • introduction to toe and heel;
  • fitting a replacement glass unit;
  • documenting a glazing job;
  • preparing a basic glazing quotation.

MODULE 02

Window Maintenance

This module focuses on how a window works as a complete system. Participants will learn the main components of uPVC windows and the common faults that lead to draughts, stiff handles, poor closing, water ingress and failed opening mechanisms.

Window construction

  • frame;
  • sash;
  • glazing beads;
  • gaskets;
  • drainage system;
  • hinges / friction stays;
  • espag locks;
  • shoot bolts;
  • keeps;
  • handles;
  • restrictors;
  • trickle vents;
  • packers;
  • drainage caps.

Common faults

  • window does not close properly;
  • stiff handle;
  • handle turns but window does not open;
  • broken espag;
  • failed hinges;
  • draughts;
  • water ingress;
  • dropped sash;
  • damaged gasket;
  • blocked drainage;
  • noisy operation;
  • condensation complaints.

Practical learning

  • basic window inspection;
  • checking hinges;
  • checking espag locks;
  • identifying handle problems;
  • adjusting keeps;
  • replacing handles;
  • replacing friction stays;
  • understanding drainage;
  • checking gasket condition;
  • documenting parts required;
  • preparing a window maintenance quotation.

MODULE 03

Door Repairs & Maintenance

Door repair work is a major part of the window and door repair trade. This module introduces participants to common uPVC, composite and patio door faults, including alignment problems, lock issues, worn hardware and poor sealing.

Door types

  • uPVC doors;
  • composite doors;
  • aluminium doors;
  • French doors;
  • sliding patio doors;
  • thresholds;
  • door panels;
  • glazing in doors.

Locks and hardware

  • multipoint locking systems;
  • gearboxes;
  • cylinders;
  • anti-snap cylinders;
  • handles;
  • letterboxes;
  • keeps;
  • hinges;
  • flag hinges;
  • butt hinges;
  • shoot bolts;
  • patio rollers.

Common faults

  • dropped door;
  • lock not engaging;
  • key hard to turn;
  • handle lifting problem;
  • draughts around the door;
  • water under the threshold;
  • misaligned keeps;
  • worn hinges;
  • failed gearbox;
  • patio door hard to slide;
  • broken patio rollers;
  • damaged cylinder.

Practical learning

  • basic door inspection;
  • understanding door alignment;
  • checking keeps;
  • checking cylinders;
  • identifying multipoint lock problems;
  • adjusting hinges;
  • replacing handles;
  • replacing cylinders;
  • identifying patio door roller problems;
  • documenting a door repair job;
  • preparing a door repair quotation.

MODULE 04

Windows & Doors Upgrade / Advanced Diagnostics

Not every repair is a simple parts replacement. This module helps participants understand how to assess wear, recognise when a repair makes sense, and identify when an upgrade or replacement recommendation may be more appropriate.

Advanced diagnostics

  • recognising worn hardware;
  • recognising failed or compressed gaskets;
  • identifying installation-related issues;
  • recognising distorted frames;
  • understanding temporary vs long-term repairs;
  • knowing when not to overpromise;
  • recognising when specialist advice may be needed.

Gaskets and seals

  • bubble gasket;
  • flipper gasket;
  • wedge gasket;
  • E-gasket;
  • glazing gasket;
  • door frame gasket;
  • compression;
  • profile matching;
  • taking gasket samples;
  • avoiding assumptions about universal gaskets.

Upgrade options

  • low-E glass upgrades;
  • warm edge spacer upgrades;
  • improved sealed units;
  • anti-snap cylinders;
  • security handles;
  • window restrictors;
  • trickle vents;
  • hardware upgrades;
  • repair vs replacement recommendation.

Decision-making

  • when repair makes sense;
  • when repair is possible but limited;
  • when replacement may be more cost-effective;
  • how to explain options to customers;
  • how to document customer decisions.

MODULE 05

Business Setup, Marketing & Quotations

A repair skill only becomes a business when it is priced, documented and delivered professionally. This module introduces participants to the business side of window and door repairs.

Business basics

  • sole trader vs limited company, as a topic to discuss with an accountant;
  • bookkeeping basics;
  • VAT awareness;
  • public liability insurance;
  • terms and conditions;
  • deposits;
  • invoices and receipts;
  • warranties;
  • customer records;
  • GDPR basics.

Pricing and quotations

  • call-out fee;
  • labour rate;
  • minimum charge;
  • parts markup;
  • emergency rate;
  • quotation vs estimate;
  • deposit structure;
  • travel time;
  • job photos and notes;
  • customer approval;
  • documenting declined recommendations.

Customer communication

  • how to qualify a customer enquiry;
  • what photos to request;
  • how to explain repair options;
  • how to avoid overpromising;
  • how to follow up;
  • how to request reviews professionally.

Marketing

  • Google Business Profile;
  • local SEO;
  • service pages;
  • customer reviews;
  • before/after photos;
  • Facebook local groups;
  • basic paid advertising awareness;
  • building trust locally.

Tools and setup

  • basic tool kit;
  • glazing tools;
  • PPE;
  • sample gasket kit;
  • hardware samples;
  • van setup;
  • supplier workflow;
  • stock control.

MODULE 06

FENIPAX for Contractors

FENIPAX is being built as an all-in-one workflow system for window and door contractors. The academy is planned to introduce participants to structured inspection, quotation and job control workflows using FENIPAX, subject to product readiness.

Inspections

  • customer details;
  • site notes;
  • photos;
  • measurements;
  • fault description;
  • repair recommendation.

Quotations

  • structured pricing;
  • labour;
  • parts;
  • notes;
  • customer-ready outputs;
  • quote status.

Workflow

  • job stages;
  • parts lists;
  • warehouse activity;
  • orders;
  • customer records;
  • reports;
  • follow-up.

Practical learning outcomes

Practical learning outcomes

The programme is designed to help participants understand the workflow of a professional window and door repair business.

  • identifying common glazing, window and door faults;
  • measuring and documenting glass units;
  • recognising key window and door hardware;
  • understanding common repair options;
  • identifying when a repair may not be the best option;
  • preparing clearer job notes;
  • preparing basic quotations;
  • communicating repair options to customers;
  • using a structured job workflow;
  • understanding the basics of starting or adding a repair service.

How the modules connect

From diagnosis to quotation to repair workflow.

The academy is designed to connect technical repair knowledge with the real workflow of running a professional repair service. Participants will not only learn about parts and faults; they will also learn how information moves from a customer enquiry into a quote, a job, a repair and a follow-up.

  1. 01Customer enquiry
  2. 02Photos and basic information
  3. 03Site inspection
  4. 04Diagnosis
  5. 05Measurements and parts identification
  6. 06Repair options
  7. 07Quotation
  8. 08Scheduling
  9. 09Repair work
  10. 10Completion notes and follow-up

Safety and field training

Safety and field training

Some field training days may require appropriate PPE, Safe Pass, Manual Handling or other safety requirements depending on the nature of the training site and the work being observed or carried out. Final requirements will be confirmed before the programme starts.

Founding Pilot Intake 2026

Ready to apply for the first intake?

The Founding Pilot Intake 2026 is limited to 5 selected participants. Applications are reviewed before places are offered.

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