The Locksmith Journal 93 February 2024 | Page 53

SECTOR INSIGHT

ZOO PRODUCT SPECIALIST SCOOPS GAI AWARD FOR TOP PERFORMING STUDENT

» ZOO HARDWARE IS CELEBRATING after a member of its expert product team scooped a top performing student award at this year ’ s Guild of Architectural Ironmongers ( GAI ) Education Awards .
Product Support Manager Andy Hullock was awarded the prize for his results in the 2023 Certificate in Architectural Hardware Stage 2 , beating off competition from students worldwide . The 43rd annual awards celebrated the educational achievements of students who have successfully completed GAI qualifications and was attended by over 340 guests from across the industry .
Commenting on his award win , Andy said : “ Zoo is really supportive of the team ’ s professional development and it ’ s taken a lot of hard work to complete these qualifications , especially as I fast-tracked through the Stage 1 and 2 certificates . To be crowned top student in the world has made it all worthwhile and I ’ m already applying my knowledge to product development .”
The GAI education programme is the only one in the world that leads to qualifications in architectural ironmongery in line with British and European standards . It provides those working in the architectural ironmongery profession , with the latest knowledge and tools to specify and schedule architectural ironmongery and access control products . The Stage 1 and 2 qualifications cover all aspects of the architectural ironmongery industry and provide an understanding of products , standards and best practice .
Ben Parsons of Zoo Hardware added : “ The GAI Education Awards celebrate the rising stars of the AI industry and we ’ re delighted to see Andy featured as a top performing student worldwide . Zoo is renowned for its technical expertise , commitment to certification and customer support , and upskilling the next generation is central to our continued success in these areas .”
Zoo Hardware ’ s comprehensive portfolio of architectural door hardware spans levers , hinges , cylinders and door closers including its new electro-magnetic devices , all of which are available in a range of distinctive and durable finishes to assist professionals in meeting the specific requirements of every project .
www . zoohardware . co . uk

DHF warns of ‘ 12 months to go ’ for CSCS cards

» TAMWORTH-BASED trade association , the Door & Hardware Federation ( DHF ), has sounded the ‘ clarion call ’ with CSCS cards awarded by ‘ Grandfather Rights ’ set to expire on 31st December 2024 . It is predicted that up to 60,000 industry skills cards will terminate at that point and cannot be renewed . In preparation , the renewal of new CSCS cards under ‘ Grandfather Rights ’ will cease on 30th June this year .
Although CSCS cards are not a legislative requirement , it is a requirement under the Construction ( Design and Management ) Regulations 2015 ( CDM 2015 ) for contractors to ensure any individual they employ or appoint to work on a construction site has the
necessary skills , knowledge , training and experience .
DHF ’ s Commercial Director , Patricia Sowsbery- Stevens said : “ CSCS cards are supported by the government and are required by most principal contractors and major house builders in order for construction workers to access their sites .
“ The CSCS Alliance is an organisation comprising 38 different organisations representing not just the traditional construction trades but the many specialist occupations across the built environment .”
The Federation launched its government approved CSCS card partner scheme in collaboration with the Automatic Door Suppliers Association ( ADSA ) at the end
of 2019 , and offers various cards for those who work with industrial doors , domestic garage doors , automated gates and traffic barriers and metal or timber doors . As part of this scheme some cards require you to have attended and passed a DHF approved training course . DHF and ADSA also formed the ESA - https :// www . esa . uk . com / - to offer specialised NVQ ’ s in the field of automated gates , industrial doors , dock leveller , loading bay equipment and powered pedestrian doors .
Building Safety and competence are two of the Construction Leadership Council ’ s ( CLC ) priorities . The CLC Industrial Strategy states that only qualifications can provide a consistent means of proving an individual ’ s
skills . Therefore , they require everyone working in construction related occupations to obtain a recognised qualification .
CSCS is committed to playing its part in delivering a fully trained and qualified workforce . Therefore , the removal of cards issued under IA will assist in meeting industry requirements .
www . dhfonline . org . uk
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