It was a busy week for our trainers based at our Scotland and Devon locations at the beginning of May 2024. For the first time, two of our Five Day Foundation Courses for industry newcomers were taking place at the same time. Students Vincent in Scotland and Chris in Devon covered the full range of subjects for the course with plenty of practical time cutting moulding, pinning frames, sizing and cutting glass, boards and creating mounts. They experienced working with textiles, lacing fabric and also canvas stretching. They also spent time on mount decoration, including creating V-grooves and traditional ruled lines.
As you’d expect there was plenty of business discussion which included technical knowledge on products, work techniques and problem solving. They also covered the all important design desk work which included detailed assistance with understanding pricing and the market bespoke framers work in.
There was plenty of opportunity for Vincent and Chris to quiz each trainer and draw on their extensive knowledge of setting up and developing a professional framing business. They had the added bonus of chatting with each other and other PFT trainers on Skype. While each trainer delivers the same syllabus, the content of each course was able to flow around the requirements of each student – highlighting just how adaptable the course is to individual learning.
Trainers Ian Kenny en Alec & Jo Palmer all agreed that it’s fantastic to see the enthusiasm of people entering the industry and taking the Five Day Foundation Course. Vincent and Chris agreed that the course had exceeded their already high expectations and they were both looking forward to developing their plans on the back of what they’d learnt.
Here’s what Chris had to say about his time in Devon:
Dear Jo and Alec,
I just wanted to drop you a line to say how much I enjoyed my week with you in the workshop. It was utterly fantastic. Utterly absorbing, and, as you had rightly mentioned at the outset – mind blowing! Both of you clearly hit the very top level of framing with every single detail, no matter how small (or big!). I have come away with a smile, feeling very fulfilled, and with a lot to consider and work through. Thanks again, for your time, patience, knowledge and extremely good-humour.
Take care, and hope to see you again.
Best, Chris