New ways to learn and boost skills
New ways to access CPD (continuing professional development) for architectural ironmongery professionals have been launched by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) and its sister organisation, the Institute of Architectural Ironmongers (IAI).
In response to feedback from members, they are now introducing a more flexible programme that gives learners more control over how they gain CPD points.
In addition, they are starting off a new process where different methods of learning will be introduced on a regular basis to meet the needs of their membership worldwide.
Rachel Tipton, the GAI’s manager of education, said: “CPD is the single most important way in which we each develop and enhance our abilities, and set ourselves apart as architectural ironmongery professionals. In an industry like ours where standards are changing all the time, to neglect CPD is to neglect the needs of our customers, our career development and individual status in the industry.”
The GAI and IAI have introduced new ways of collecting points in 2017.
Under the rules of the new scheme, Registered Architectural Ironmongers (RegAIs) will still be required to gain or maintain their RegAI status over a one calendar year period, and during this time each individual must still collect 10 CPD points, which are to be recorded on a log sheet.
But now, some of those points may be gained through additional routes, such as personal knowledge, development at trade shows and exhibitions, reading industry related articles, and learning via Guild and Institute approved podcasts and videos from trade bodies including the Riba and BSI.
Every RegAI is a qualified GAI Diploma holder and has been able to prove they are fully up-to-date with industry standards, regulations and legislation.