BPMA launches promotional merchandise academy

A BPMA product story

Edited by the Marketingweek Marketplace editorial team Apr 23, 2008

The British Promotional Merchandising Association (BPMA) has formally launched the BPMA Academy, the first official qualification for the promotional merchandise industry.

The BPMA Academy Certificate will be the first promotional merchandise qualification of its kind.

It has been designed to help address the industry's need for staff to have a sound knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the market.

The Academy Certificate has been designed to benefit both staff new to the industry, anyone who has recently set up a business in or connected to the industry and recent graduates of associated industry disciplines looking to pursue a career in the promotional merchandise arena.

Academy teaching will be conducted through distance learning courses where candidates will be expected to study via a log in and password protected online study tool.

This will also be complemented by a compulsory introductory workshop and onsite factory visit organised by the BPMA through regional resources.

Candidates are expected to study for the qualification at their own pace, completing the course in three to five months.

Assessments will be made via a comprehensive multiple-choice final exam.

The Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (ISMM) officially introduced and endorsed the sales module of the certificate with ISMM CEO, Tim Joiner, inaugurating the initiative at a recent industry event.

Gordon Glenister, BPMA director general, commented: "The industry has long needed a training academy that provides a qualification dedicated specifically to our industry sector: the BPMA Academy will deliver just that.

"The Academy certification will not only help inject best practice and key skills among the new entrants to our vibrant industry but will also help fine tune our more experienced people".

BPMA Academy Certification Rates: BPMA Member Costs GBP499 + VAT per candidate, for BPMA Associate, Standard and Advanced member companies GBP399 + VAT per additional candidate, for BPMA Associate, Standard and Advanced member companies; Non BPMA Member Costs GBP799 + VAT per candidate GBP699 + VAT per additional candidate.