In November 2023, Ian was back in his car and heading south as part of the training team for more GCF Scholarship Training. Sponsored and supported by Larson-Juhl UK Ltd, The Framing Lot’s Dawlish workshop was once again the training location. This time Ian, Alec and Jo were joined by Amy and (not confusingly at all) another Jo!
With this being the third round of scholarship sessions over two days, like a well-oiled machine, the training team has the packed schedule perfectly choreographed. This allows maximum training time as each session can be set up and prepared while the previous one is being taught. The scholars move around the workshop mixing practical and theoretical topics – with plenty of time for questions and discussion. During the day some sessions are more like group discussions – where Amy and Jo were able to discuss their own business specifics and get practical time-served advice on developing areas of interest and increasing their business profitability and areas of specialisation.
With a training team of such in-depth industry specific experience, the scholars have the benefit of education from people who have learnt about their industry from the ground up, as well as having been actively involved in the industry’s trade body at the very highest level. Helping set the standards and qualifications over many years, and meeting & working alongside other industry professionals has added to their experience. This unique insight has meant that no matter what question has been brought up by any of the students, the team has been able to answer with the knowledge and experience to back it up.
We look forward to seeing Amy and Jo putting their skills to good use as their businesses grow and flourish over the coming years. As Examiners we look forward to seeing them again when they are ready to take their GCF examinations.