Since launching its first training course in September 2013 , Door & Hardware Federation ( DHF ) has assisted almost 4,000 candidates in successfully completing a DHF training course . Educating the industry is an integral part of the federation ’ s offering .

DHF ’ s first training website was launched in 2016 and offered refresher courses to those who had taken a face-to-face training course . Over time , the training programme developed significantly , and in April 2020 , amidst the uncertainty of Covid-19 , DHF launched its Distance Learning Programme ( DLP ). The organisation soon recognised that a website was needed with the capability to host the learning support for the newly launched DLP , as well as all refresher courses , a website that would ‘ future-proof ’

DHF ’ s training offering . The new training website is the single , biggest investment DHF has made , to date , and will enable users to access training information quickly and easily , providing a thorough overview of courses available to delegates .

“ The new website gives us greater flexibility and is a further

step forward in remaining a training centre of excellence for our learners ,” says DHF ’ s Head of Commercial Operations , Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens . “ Of the many benefits of the new training website , we will be able to update presentations in-house for our delegates and allow learners to sit accredited examinations

online . It also delivers our Distance Learning Programme ( DLP ) remotely ; there is no need for learners to co-ordinate with their Distance Learning tutor , instead they can learn online , controlling their own pace and learning journey . In addition , those who did not pass the face-to-face training course can now resit their examination , remotely .”

In addition to enabling a smoother training process for the learner , the new website will deliver its training presentation in ‘ bite-sized chunks ’, therefore , removing the need for delegates to sit through eight hours of presentations ahead of sitting an examination . Learners can go back through the various presentations to better absorb the information . The new website is also IOS compatible , offering the user a choice of which platform to choose .

“ Despite an unprecedented eighteen months , DHF has continued to look to the future and prioritise its training programme and its learners ( both members and non-members ),” says Patricia . “ Putting safe and compliant products on the market is central to our endeavours at DHF , and ensuring a competent workforce is very much a part of that . Our new website will ensure that our training courses are available to a much wider audience than at the present time and provides the ultimate flexibility for delegates . If they wish to learn during the evenings or at weekends , they can . Remote learning is the future ; we are delighted to be spearheading this in our sector .”

www . dhfonline . org . uk

Organised by the Institute of Carpenters ( IOC ), 35 further education member colleges across the UK have been invited to nominate their most talented thirdyear carpentry & joinery students for the Student Award 2021 . Candidates will be assessed on several factors including their technical knowledge and quality of practical work and shortlisted by a judging panel including IOC board member Martin Corton , IOC Fellow and YouTube carpentry and joinery figurehead , Robin Clevett , and Institute President , Geoff Rhodes .

As part of its continued support of the trade and ongoing , extensive relationship with the IOC , specialist ironmongery supplier , IronmongeryDirect has contributed to the sponsorship of the competition with a donation of £ 500 to the prize fund . On the company ’ s sponsorship , Dominick Sandford

, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect said : “ We have been supporters of the IOCs work for over 10 years and are delighted to sponsor this year ’ s IOC Student Award and recognise the talents of an up-and-coming generation of woodworkers . The competition provides an important platform to raise

awareness of the trade , particularly at a time when the entire construction industry is facing a national skills shortage and we are proud to be able to support the IOC with its aims in addressing this .”

Geoff Rhodes , IOC President , said : “ One of the driving forces behind our work at the IOC is the

acute shortage of qualified carpenters and joiners across the UK . We launched this award scheme to help address and improve woodworking skills by providing support and encouragement to those embarking on their careers in the industry and give them the confidence to succeed . He continued : “ By celebrating the achievements of students who demonstrate the commitment and skills the industry so needs , we hope to inspire others to join and shape the future of the wood trades sector . We are thrilled that IronmongeryDirect share our

values and has helped us achieve this with its contribution to the scheme .”

Now in its second year , the IOC 3rd Year Student Award provides a platform that raises awareness of the skills and opportunities in the industry , as well as a cause to celebrate the next generation of carpenters who exemplify professionalism and craftsmanship . The judging panel will award an outright student winner and two highly commended students at its presentation ceremony in December .

ironmongerydirect . co . uk