Train to succeed
BPMA students explain what they get from their industry education
London-based Project Merchandise distributor Project Merchandise specialises in sustainable merchandise. It received its B Corp accreditation in 2022 and takes people development seriously. It currently has two staff members undertaking BPMA course. They told Product Media about their training journeys.
Natalie Ellison
“I’m a marketing executive for Project Merchandise, a sustainable merch distributor. My day-to-day mostly involves putting together decks for the sales team, which all include visuals of how their products will look, so a thorough understanding of branding methods is essential.
Having no previous experience in the promo industry was certainly daunting to begin with – there was so much to learn and wrap my head around. I was very quickly enrolled on to the next intake of the BPMA TPM, which started a couple of months later. Getting going on this massively helped me to understand all the new vernacular being thrown my way, and it was very interesting and helpful to learn more about the industry as a whole, especially its history.
At first, it was relatively easy to fit my studying in, but inevitably as I became more comfortable in my role, I was given an increased workload and finding the time to complete the course became a bit more challenging, so I would definitely recommend other students knuckle down ASAP while your plate has less on it.
Overall, I really enjoyed my experience with this course and it really helps to provide a deeper understanding of the promo industry, particularly if you’re new to it like I was. As an added bonus, all the staff are really friendly so you can always go to them with any questions whenever you need.”
Vyk Aravinda
“My name is Vyk, and I am a junior sales executive at Project Merchandise. I have been here for just under a month. The industry was completely foreign to me when I joined and studying the level 1 BPMA course helped me rapidly learn the industry.
From key information such as branding methods, to a thorough understanding of the importance of sustainability, the BPMA is tailored for individuals to grasp a better understanding of merchandise and its role. I personally feel the elective modules should be compulsory as it contains very useful information.
I recommend this highly to any starter seeking to learn the industry as a novice, as it is ultimately a provision for success. Fortunately, my employer gave me time to study all the information. I would highly recommend to those studying for the exam to prepare by taking notes. I would put particular importance on the webinars as they are an easy way to soak up information prior to the exam. Good luck.”
Learn your own way
The BPMA Education Programme is designed to empower learners and promote best practice within the industry.
It offers a three-tiered continuous learning platform, catering for all levels of experience within the promotional products industry. From new starters to experienced industry professionals, the BPMA offers the only recognised industry qualifications of its type, only open to BPMA members.
TPM – the Trained in Promotional Merchandise qualification is the starting point of your continuous professional development journey in merchandise. It is aimed at individuals who have up to three years’ promotional merchandise industry experience.
CPM – for more experienced practitioners with a minimum of three years’ industry experience, the Certified in Promotional Merchandise qualification is the next step. The course was recently fully updated and refreshed.
MPM – take your professional development journey to the highest level with the Master of Promotional Merchandise qualification. The MPM is for industry leaders with more than five years’ experience and this course is being fully updated.
For more details on any of the BPMA courses, contact education@bpma.co.uk.
