The Locksmith Journal Mar-Apr 2015 - Issue 37 | Page 64

64 • training PROUD SPONSORS OF THIS PAGE The right training is the key The key to the right architectural ironmongery training for locksmiths hinges on the type of work they do, says Rachel Tipton, training & development manager at the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers »»The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) is the only trade body in the UK that represents the interests of the whole architectural ironmongery industry - architectural ironmongers, wholesalers and manufacturers. I joined the organisation relatively recently having had experience of it in various of my previous roles working for companies including Union and Laidlaw. Among the GAI’s hundreds of company members and its sister organisation, the Institute of Architectural Ironmongers’ (IAI) individual members are many locksmiths. Generally, they either also work with architectural ironmongery on a day-to-day basis or have more of a passing interest because their work means they are expected to have a degree of expertise from time to time. One of the main reasons that attracted me to working at the GAI was the opportunity to be involved in, and influence, the development of its education portfolio. This has been built up over 50 years and in fact, is the only recognised programme in the world that leads to a Diploma in architectural ironmongery to British and European standards. This intensive three year GAI Diploma programme is offered through blended learning – online, coursework, residential and in-house training courses and students are supported throughout their learning with telephone help, online forums, workshops and regional meetings that are facilitated around the world by the IAI. FOUNDATION IN HARDWARE For the majority of locksmiths, however, this level of training is not usually needed. For them it is probably more appropriate to consider the recently launched Foundation in Hardware, which gives a thorough grounding in all the basics of architectural ironmongery through an online toolkit and tests. It has been designed to raise knowledge and standards among those who required who are more likely to need to understand the fundamentals but don’t live and breathe ironmongery in their daily working lives. Take the case of well known and respected lock and architectural ironmongery supplier, Carlisle Brass, which has been in business for almost 30 years. While the quality of its products is extremely important to its reputation and its continued business success, the company gives great emphasis to training its staff to ensure they provide the highest levels of customer service and support. The trai