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Speaking to the industry at the BMAA General Meeting held on the Gold Coast in early June, Steve Quirk, Director of the Frontline Group gave attendees an overview of how training in the industry had grown since the development of the first industry training plan for the industry was developed five years ago.
In November 2022, a second training summit had been held in Victoria which led to the development of the five year plan 2023 – 2028.
Priority had been given to the Certificate III Blinds Awnings Security Screens & Grilles program. It was noted that this program had achieved the highest retention rate – 83% – of any Certificate III program in Australia of any apprenticeship or traineeship.
The training plan had been taken to Government and following engagement and dialogue with the Federal Government, $4M had been provided to businesses who have undertaken the training, with $3M having been paid to date, and a further $1M committed to be paid on the completion of the program by staff. In addition, state governments had financially supported the program by providing funding for training services – trainers, curriculum, training and assessment resources paid directly to training organisations such as RTOs and TAFE colleges.
Quirk reported that to date 400 people had enrolled, and over 60 businesses across the eastern seaboard had participated.
“Five year plans like the one the BMAA has formed demonstrate the industry’s commitment and leadership and create the basis for dialogue with government,” Quirk said.“We know the circumstances facing the industry. We know what our growth trajectory may be like. We know what the mix of our products and services are. This plan prioritises certification. It prioritises fast tracking of people going through the program.”
NSW GOVERNMENT TO MEET COSTS FOR CERT III
In breaking news shared at the SuperExpo, Quirk announced that the NSW
Government has agreed to endorse and support this program and meet the costs of training in NSW for people undertaking Certificate III for the first time.
“This is a great day,” he said.“With 40% of the industry located in New South Wales, you can see the impact that will have on the numbers of people undertaking training.”
“The impact it will have on our industry is that we have people being supported to develop and build the capability and competency to do the work.”
“So that is a fabulous outcome and that’s the value of having these five year plans. We can convince key stakeholders like the government to engage. I’m delighted to be able to announce that and to the credit of the BMAA for doing that,” Quirk added.
THE CURTAIN CLASSROOM: EMPOWERING WINDOW FURNISHING BUSINESSES WITH EDUCATION AND EXPERTISE
Lucia van Gerwen, a veteran of the window furnishing industry with over 30 years of experience, has unveiled an exciting initiative designed to empower professionals in the field. Drawing upon her extensive knowledge and expertise, van Gerwen has created The Curtain Classroom, a series of online courses aimed at equipping businesses with the skills and insights needed to succeed in this competitive industry.
Having previously run the renowned window coverings business More Than Curtains, as well as founding The Designer Chicks, an networking and training group for women designers, van Gerwen brings a wealth of experience to her role as an educator and mentor. The Curtain Classroom courses are crafted to help window furnishing businesses differentiate themselves from the competition, expand their fabric and style options, and provide exceptional service to their clients.
Recognizing a gap in structured training within the industry, van Gerwen explains, “I’ve noticed a critical need for training in this sector – but it seems that many business owners are simply handing over necessary skills to others, without any real structure.” By offering comprehensive courses, she aims to elevate the industry by providing a structured approach to learning and enhancing the expertise of participants.
One of the standout offerings from The Curtain Classroom is the exclusive Measuring Masterclass, which has already trained over 200 specifiers, designers, and retailers in accurately measuring various types of internal window coverings, determining deductions, and ordering correct meterage. While the pandemic brought in-person classes to a halt, van Gerwen has transitioned this popular course into the online program. “It enables participants to do it in the comfort of their own office or home and still get enormous benefits,” van Gerwen notes.
The online format of The Curtain Classroom allows participants to access the courses at their convenience, gaining valuable knowledge and skills without being limited by geographical constraints or lockdowns. By investing in their professional development through The Curtain Classroom, businesses can enhance their capabilities, unleash their creativity, and deliver exceptional results to their clients.
There are four online courses in The Curtain Classroom and participants will have access to YouTube videos, downloadable templates, documents and spreadsheets, depending on the course selected.
• Bronze: a ready reckoner to assist specifiers to select the correct window treatments based on clients’ criteria.
• Silver: featuring all the current industry legislation and Australian Consumer Law in one place. This includes writing Terms and Conditions, sample quote sheets, tools to get started in the business, child safety laws, and your legal obligations with warranties and refunds.
• Gold: this super course includes four modules:
In addition, Lucia will provide a one-hour Teams meeting in the Gold course, where you can “pick her brains” about anything you need to know in your business.
• The Measuring Masterclass: although contained within the Gold course, you can do this popular course separately. It teaches accurate measuring skills, learning correct deductions, and calculating fabric requirements. Even if you have invested in an online ordering system, this course will complement it. When you purchase this course, you also receive a one-hour Teams ‘pick her brain’ session with Lucia.
More information can be found at www.thecurtainclassroom.com.au
