The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) has secured third-party accreditation for its programme of training courses and qualifications in door systems, access control, hardware scheduling, standards and regulations.

The accreditation by GQA Qualifications, a leading awarding body for specialist sectors and roles within the construction industry, affirms the content, quality and learning outcomes of the GAI education programme. 

It covers the GAI’s full range of courses and qualifications, comprising: the Foundation in Hardware; Certificate in Architectural Hardware (CiAH); Certificate in Standards and Regulations (CertSRA); and the three Diplomas in Scheduling (DipGAI); Door Systems (DipDS); and Electric Hardware and Access Control (DipAC).  

Continual improvement

“External accreditation is not just a validation of the quality of the courses and qualifications offered by the GAI, but also evidence of our commitment to continual improvement and development,” said Rachael Bliss, Chief Executive, GAI.

“This accreditation underlines our commitment to providing the best and most comprehensive training possible for those working in architectural ironmongery, door systems, access control and electric hardware, helping learners to build the demonstrable professional competence they need to develop their careers and succeed in an ever-more demanding business environment.”  

According to the company, the GAI’s education programme has developed over nearly 60 years into an internationally recognised benchmark for expertise, knowledge and professional competence in architectural ironmongery and related disciplines.

It is the only one in the world leading to qualifications and registered professional status in architectural ironmongery to British and European standards.  

In recent years, the programme has been broadened to reflect changing requirements in the sector, including the launch in 2022 of three new Stage 3 qualifications: the Certificate in Standards and Regulation (CertSRA) and (to stand alongside the existing Diploma in Scheduling (DipGAI)) the new Diploma in Door Systems (DipDS) and Diploma in Electric Hardware and Access Control (DipAC).

Creating confidence

“One of the key benefits of accredited training is that it allows us as an organisation to take a wider view of best practice and demand across the construction sector,” added Rachel Tipton, Training and Development Manager, GAI.

“This will help us make sure that we develop the programmes and learning experiences that best support not only our learners but also the requirements of the customers to whom they will ultimately be providing products and services.

 ”This means that GAI learners and their employers can be confident that they are fully and properly trained in the specifics of their role and are therefore more able to perform their duties to the highest standards, on a consistent basis.”  

GQA Qualifications is regulated by Ofqual, SQA Accreditation, Qualifications Wales and the CCEA and is one of the most respected awarding organisations in the UK.

Its accredited training service provides independent external monitoring to ensure that qualifications for industry are delivered consistently to the highest standards.  

Focusing on learning outcomes

“GQA Qualifications is proud to support The Guild of Architectural Ironmonger’s commitment to delivering high-quality, rigorous training through GQA accreditation.,” concluded Martin Sadler, Technical Officer, GQA.

“Our accreditation process provides reassurance that the required learning objectives are defined, the learning outcomes are verified, course content is properly structured and training is delivered consistently with monitoring by a third party.  

“By focusing on learning outcomes and emphasising an assessment of comprehension over attendance, this collaboration ensures that high standards of learning are maintained and consistently regulated, leading to a more competent and safer workforce.”  

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