New training incentive from the BSGA

The BSGA has launched a major new training incentive for both new and existing members.

The Association is underwriting part of the cost of participating in the highly acclaimed  ‘Make it Happen’ education course run by sign consultant Sam Armstrong.

‘Make it Happen’ is a BSGA member and has been receiving great reviews for its  one-day education course which is designed to ‘deliver more information about sign making in a few hours than any sign company will normally deal with over a full month’.

“It’s a great starting point for anyone who is new to sign making but, equally, has proved a  great refresher course for experienced signmakers,” said BSGA Director David Catanach.

David Allen, Director of Lincoln and Nottingham-based Allen Signs said that, having sent two members of his team on the course and received great feedback, he decided to attend himself.

“I’d recommend the course to everyone in our industry, either to gain insights if you’re new to the trade or to refresh the knowledge you have if you are an experienced signmaker.”

The BSGA incentive provides new members with two free places on the course, which normally costs £150.00 per person, plus a £50.00 contribution per delegate for up to six more staff during the first year.

Existing members of the association can also benefit from the incentive.  “The BSGA will contribute £50.00 per delegate for up to eight members of staff each year for full and affiliate members,” said David Catanach.

“If new members take up the whole allocation they will benefit to the tune of £600.00 and it could be worth £400.00 a year to existing members, year on year.  The only stipulation is that fees or fee arrangements must be up to date to qualify for the deal.” (click here for full Terms and Conditions).*

The Make it Happen couses are currently run at sign fabricator companies, where delegates can see some of the processes first hand.  However, if numbers stack up, Make it Happen is happy to run the courses at a sign company’s own facility.

Typically, the subjects covered in a Make it Happen course will include flat cut letters, fixings, built-up letters, illuminated letters, panels, stencil cut panels, lightboxes, hanging and projecting signs, totems and engraving and printing, plus hints and tips.

Sam Armstrong said that during the 16 years she spent working with a sign fabricator it became apparent there was very little support or training in the field of fabricated and illuminated signs. The Make it Happen Training Course is designed to help fill the gap.

“Attendees at the course have ranged from people who have been in the industry for just two days to those with 30 years’ experience and we have received tremendous feedback from them all.  Our aim is that no one leaves without learning something new,” she added.

David Catanach said that the association had decided to support the course because they had also recognised the need for an additional training opportunity in the area of sign fabrication and illumination.

“It also provides yet another way for the BSGA to actively help members improve their businesses and make the most of the opportunities available to them.”

Visit www.bsga.co.uk and www.makeih.co.uk for more information.

Funding is only available for candidates from companies that are members of the BSGA and will be for courses taking place while the membership is current. In addition, It is a condition that either the full amount of the Membership Fee has been paid to the BSGA or the Member Company has set up a direct debit for monthly payments and at least the first of these has been paid.

Sign Companies that are members of a franchise group and who automatically receive membership of the BSGA will not be subject to the conditions regarding Membership Fees however, there will be slightly different conditions for funding availability – see details below.

Should the Member Company choose to cancel its Membership before the natural expiry of Membership or fail to honour its standing order commitments during the period of Membership, the Member Company agrees to assume the cost of any funding provided by the BSGA and will reimburse the BSGA in full for the amount funded in addition to any amounts owed. The BSGA reserves its right to recoup expenditure made on the Member’s behalf.

We would remind you that membership cannot be cancelled in the first 12 months of membership and that there is a 3 month notice of cancellation for periods thereafter.

For new members to the BSGA (excluding Sign Companies who are members of a franchise group), the BSGA will fund £150 per person for up to 2 candidates attending courses during the first 12 months of Membership. In addition, the BSGA will fund at a rate of £50 per person for up to 6 more candidates attending courses during the first 12 months of Membership. There will not be an allowance for any carry over of funding for subsequent periods of Membership.

For existing Members of the BSGA (excluding Sign Companies who are members of a franchise group), the BSGA will fund at a rate of £50 per person for up to 6 candidates attending courses during the Membership Year subject to the Membership Fee criteria set out above. There will not be an allowance for any carry over of funding for subsequent periods of Membership.

For Sign Companies who are members of a franchise group, the BSGA will provide funding as follows:  Sign Companies in the first 12 months of Membership of the BSGA, funding will be for up to 2 candidates at £150 per person.

Franchise Sign Company Members who have completed their first 12 months of Membership, will receive funding for up to 2 candidates at £50 per person.

Funding is only available subject to the franchisor having paid their BSGA Membership fee for the 12-month period in which the attendance to the course takes place. There will not be an allowance for any carry over of funding for subsequent periods of Membership.

All funding will be paid direct to Make It Happen.