Now is the time to embrace online learning

The BPMA education programme continues to grow from strength to strength. Launched in 2012, the demand for a structured industry specific training programme that can be integrated into each business is rising steadily year on year. During these unprecedented times, online training is firmly on everyone’s agenda for 2020.

In recent weeks, the BPMA has seen a rise in the number of learners actively logging in to begin or continue their online studying on the TPM and CPM course.

During these unprecedented times, a majority of us are now working from home and are finding time to do tasks we have not always had the time for. Studying is now firmly back on the agenda for many of the 100 learners on the TPM course. Staff have been in contact and booked in for their exams, which are taken online over Skype, and they are now busy studying and prepping for exams.

If you have staff that you have invested in the education programme for them – now is the time to get them studying on the TPM course.

If you have not signed up to the programme and have always been interested but never found it the right time for you or your staff, now is the time to consider the investment. 

About the BPMA education programme.

Our education programme is an online continuous professional development training tool with optional introductory seminars and factory visits. As a trade body, we strongly believe that no matter how many years industry experience you may have, you can always learn more. It is a training programme that can enhance and support a company’s existing training and development programme or can be used as a standalone training tool.

Three courses are offered

The TPM Qualification (Trained in Promotional Merchandise) is aimed at individuals who have up to 3 years industry specific experience. 85% of our learners start at this level and work their way up through the tiers. New staff embrace the learning opportunity, recognising that their managers have invested in them and their development within the company.

The CPM Qualification, (Certified in Promotional Merchandise) is aimed at individuals who have 3 – 5 years industry specific experience.

The MPM Qualification, (Master in Promotional Merchandise) is aimed at individuals who have 5 years or more industry specific experience. Some of our MPM learners are reaching the end of the qualification by working on a written dissertation, it has been a long development journey for them but they are soon to reap the benefits and achieve personal and career goals.

With over 60 videos there is something within the education programme for everyone to benefit from. Some managers are already using it as part of their staff induction process. The BPMA training team can offer guidance on how you can integrate this programme within your business.

How it works

Each learner will be expected to study a series of mandatory content; the course then becomes tailored to each individual, as you will be required to select content to suit you, your needs and your business. Credits are obtained by studying a series of mandatory and elective video content, which is enhanced by PDF material, the learner must gain 80% in the subject related quiz to be awarded credits.

Credits can be accrued by attending BPMA led seminars / webinars and events, organised factory visits and the BPMA Education Day too. Once the credit goal has been achieved they are eligible to sit the exams.

Seminars, events and factory visits involving face to face contact will be resumed once it is safe to do so as advised by Government. We are working to provide on line versions where appropriate. 

What content will they study?

The education programme offers 14 subject categories.

Within each subject category you can expect to find anything from 3 – 12 related videos varying from 5 – 35 minutes. There are over 60 videos to study from, offering over 20 hours of online video content. Our TPM course content comprises of:

• Introduction to the industry
• The Trade Association
• Decoration Overview
• Screen Printing
• Artwork, Origination & Proofing
• What is Customer Service?
• Pad Printing
• Engraving
• And many more….

 

This cost effective training tool allows business owners to enrol their staff as part of an ongoing development and training programme. It also attracts individuals within the industry who wish to further their skills independently. A Trained in Promotional Merchandise (TPM) qualification can be gained for £175+vat and can be completed within 2 months with just 1 – 2 hours study a week.

How to study?

Most managers allocate 1 – 2 hours a week but many of our driven learners prefer to study for longer each week and in the evenings or at weekends when there is less interruption. Studying whilst working is more successful by creating a study routine making sure that you allocate the same hour every day or week to study. Let your colleagues know that you are studying so that they do not interrupt you. The course does involve an element of self- discipline but the BPMA will be in contact to help learners stay motivated.

The exam

Each level has its own exam. Timed multiple choice question exams are invigilated by the BPMA over Skype at a time to suit the learner. Our Skype invigilation enhances the industry qualifications credibility. Should anyone fail, there will of course be opportunities to sit the exam again. CPM and MPM levels will also have a written exam to take under the same strict exam conditions. The BPMA team will support the learners through this and ensure they are fully prepared for the exam.

 

To find out more about the TPM course on the BPMA education programme, please visit education.bpma.co.uk  If you would like further information emailed to you or would like to discuss in detail please contact Daniela Arena on 01372 371 182 or by email: Daniela@bpma.co.uk