Bala Vignesh DipGAI
Specifications and Openings Studio™ Consultant
ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Middle East

I had been working in the door and ironmongery industry for eight years and wanted to get to grips with all the essentials of architectural ironmongery. I wanted to be able to walk into meetings with customers with confidence, knowing that everything I’m specifying is up to code and is the best choice of product. 

At the moment there are technical and regulatory changes everywhere. Locks are changing from mechanical to electrical, 2D drawings are becoming 3D models, and the way that we specify is also evolving. It is important that we stay up to date, and the GAI Diploma programme has prepared me for this.

Craig Birch DipGAI
Category Manager – Cylinders and Padlocks 
ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware & Access Control Group

The GAI diploma has been so beneficial as it has allowed me to get a full understanding of architectural hardware through many components of a door set, along with standards and the requirements of all standard modern day specifications. The third and final year was a big step up as the requirements and expectations from the course were so much more demanding and It required even more hard work and dedication to ensure I had the best chance of passing the exam.

When I found out that I had passed, the overwhelming feeling of joy and relief took over – but being a medal winner meant I wouldn’t find out my actual result until the day of the awards which kept the anticipation high. On the day of the awards, it was great to meet back up with everyone who took the classroom training course and discuss with each other how they did and what they thought about the exam. The venue was buzzing with excitement for the presentations!

To receive the silver award was a great privilege and honour, but also to represent ASSA ABLOY at this prestigious event meant a lot to me. I was proud of everyone who had worked hard and passed the diploma – it will be a day I will remember for many years to come.

Emily Bernard DipGAI
Project Manager
SDS London

By enrolling onto the GAI Education Programme I wanted to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of exactly what I am advising on and selling within the ironmongery industry. The programme gave me great insight and understanding of products and specifications and how best to advise on specific hardware.

Since completing my GAI Diploma I have progressed further in my career going from Sales and Estimator to Project Manager in Specification, which has given me great sense of achievement. The course helped me consolidate my learning at the same time as meeting other people in the industry.

Rav Jagdev DipGAI
Sales Director
Phoenix

I decided to enrol for the GAI training course because I wanted to achieve a diploma in the field I work in so I can give confidence to my customers when dealing with me.

I completed the GAI diploma because it was much more educational than I expected and was a part of my goal in this industry.

Having completed my diploma, I feel much more knowledgeable and confident when speaking to or advising clients.

I have now enrolled for CPD because completing the diploma developed me and my understanding so much that I feel not continuing to develop would be a backwards step and this is a great way to keep up to date with advancements and changes in the industry.

Catherine Hughes DipGAI 
Estimator | Doorsets
DATIM

The decision to enrol onto the GAI training programme was made because I had moved to estimating and scheduling Ironmongery and wanted to increase my knowledge and understanding of the products I was dealing with on a daily basis. The GAI Education programme has helped me to better understand what I need to think about when scheduling a range of products that best suite a particular client requirement.

Once completing the GAI Diploma I felt a great sense of achievement in my job and felt that there is always potential for learning new skills.

Having completed the GAI Diploma it has enabled me to take a positive step towards estimating and scheduling ironmongery within my company, which then keeps us ahead of the game within the ironmongery industry.       

Reinke Massolle 
Area Sales Manager
FSB

I decided to enrol for the GAI training course because At that time I was new to the door hardware industry and I wanted to gain professional knowledge as fast as possible to become an expert in my role as an Area Sales Manager. Since my company is an official member and there is no comparable programme in Germany, it was an easy decision.

I completed the GAI Diploma because the GAI Diploma is well known in the markets I’m responsible for, it’s an internationally recognised symbol of competence.

Having completed my Diploma, I feel very proud to have passed after 3 years of studying. I am also proud to be the first German having achieved this title.