Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has launched a new accredited training programme designed to give professionals across the building hardware sector the knowledge and recognised qualification needed to support competence and career development. DHF Core Competencies: Understanding Building Hardware is an innovative online learning programme leading to an Ofqual-regulated Level 2 certificate, accredited by the Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE). The course is now live and is available exclusively to DHF members until January 2027, when access will be opened to the wider industry.
DEVELOPED WITH everyone from customer service teams to product managers, as well as those looking to enter the building hardware sector, the programme provides a solid grounding in building hardware fundamentals while enabling learners to build specialist knowledge through a range of product-specific modules. It is also ideal for employee induction and ongoing professional development. All learners complete a mandatory Core Module, comprising six guided learning units and multiple-choice assessments, before choosing at least one of 12 Product Modules. Further modules can be purchased at any time, enabling learners to tailor their learning to their role and responsibilities.
On successful completion, learners receive a DHF Level 2 Certificate in Core Competencies: Understanding Building Hardware, as well as an Ofqual-branded certificate from ABBE. The certificate also lists every product module completed, providing employers with clear evidence of the individual's knowledge and achievement. To support learning, every participant can download a dedicated study guide containing module learning outcomes, guided note-taking sections and prompts to reinforce key concepts throughout the course.
The programme has been developed with significant input from industry, with leading manufacturers and specialists contributing their experience and knowledge to help shape the content.
Richard Bromley, Vice President, Chief Technology Officer & Head of Residential at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland and Chair of DHF’s Building Hardware Group, says the programme addresses an important gap within the sector:
“There was a gap as no formal training programme existed which offers in-depth, specific product training which employers can select from and tailor to the exact needs of their businesses. Having an in-depth, detailed Ofqual accredited training programme enables employers to develop their staff’s demonstrable competence levels towards developing industry needs such as BS 8670-2.”
“This programme represents a step change for the building hardware sector and is, without doubt, one of the most significant investments DHF has made in developing competence within our building hardware industry,” explains DHF’s Chief Executive, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “From the outset, we listened carefully to our members to understand the knowledge gaps that existed across manufacturing, distribution, technical support and sales. We then developed a programme that directly addresses those needs while aligning it with the CPA’s White Paper on Construction Product Competence, which has since evolved into the draft BS 8670-2 standard. As an industry, we believe we are ‘ahead of the curve’ by providing a qualification that meets both current and emerging competence expectations.”
She continued, “The first booking came from DHF member Access2, which was closely followed by ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, and they keep coming; demonstrating early support from the industry for the new qualification and the importance businesses are placing on developing knowledge and competence within their teams.”
Russell Coldwell, Technical Director at Royde & Tucker, was also involved in developing the programme and says it addresses a long-standing gap within the sector:
“Our industry has never had a consistent foundation of knowledge for people coming into it. The programme gives employers a structured way to induct and develop staff, and gives learners a recognised, Ofqual-regulated Level 2 qualification to build a career on.”
The ABBE Level 2 Certificate in Core Competencies: Understanding Building Hardware is an Ofqual-regulated qualification and provides employers with clear evidence of the knowledge element of the Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (SKEB) framework. For individuals, it provides a recognised route to develop their knowledge as their career progresses, while employers can see that their staff have completed training directly related to the work they do.
Deborah Cannon, Product Manager at dormakaba, believes the programme will help raise standards across the sector, saying: “Sharing knowledge is one of the best ways to raise standards across our industry, and this programme helps create a consistent foundation of knowledge for everyone working in building hardware.”
The programme is delivered through the DHF Training Academy using the digital learning platform in which DHF first invested in 2019. Learners can work through the course at their own pace, while managers and training teams can use a dedicated portal to follow their progress and see what they have completed.
“We are incredibly proud to add this qualification to DHF’s portfolio,” concludes Patricia. “It gives people working in building hardware a clear route to develop their knowledge and gives businesses a better way of managing competence across their workforce. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the programme, particularly our Working Group Committees, members and industry partners, who have given their time and knowledge to help us develop a qualification that meets the needs of the industry.”
Find out more: www.dhfonline.org.uk