Guild award for GEZE UK's glass specialist

GEZE UK’s Cheryl Flinders is top of the class, scooping first prize in the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers’ Education Awards for achieving the best result at Level 2 in this year’s exams for the challenging GAI Diploma.

As a glass sales manager for the UK’s leading manufacturer of door and window control systems, Cheryl already has ten years’ industry experience and is committed to widening her knowledge and skills. Studying for the recognised qualification in her spare time, she gained the highest score in the UK in her second year exams.

GEZE UK’s managing director and President of the Guild, Andrew Hall, commented: “We’re delighted that Cheryl’s hard work and commitment has paid off in these exams. Our commitment as a company to training and our belief in the prestige and credibility of the GAI diploma is demonstrated clearly by Cheryl’s success. I’m sure that she will be celebrating her new status as a qualified Architectural Ironmonger in a year’s time.”

Cheryl Flinders added: “I was very surprised to hear I’d taken the top spot in this year’s exams, but it’s good to know that all my hard work has paid off. I was studying hard for just over six months, doing a few hours in the evening twice a week, and more hours at the weekend, following the Guild’s guidance notes and writing lots of my own study cards, which I tried to memorise at every opportunity.

“My colleagues were all really helpful and keen to share their knowledge and I’m very grateful to our customers who helped me understand the wider ironmongery range. I’m sure that by understanding the breadth of our customers’ responsibilities and knowledge, I will be able to assist them better in the future. I’m already planning ahead for year three, which looks particularly hard, but the sense of achievement I’m gaining from it is well worth the time and effort.”

Designed for everyone working in the architectural ironmongery industry, the Diploma equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their career, providing a sound knowledge of common products. The comprehensive programme covers every conceivable aspect of architectural ironmongery, and every element of the syllabus has a practical application, ensuring graduates of the course are trained AIs who can give exemplary service to architects and other clients.