Kent-based shutter specialist ShuttersUp has been awarded the ‘Best Staff Internal Training Programme’ accolade at the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) Awards at a ceremony in Manchester on 7 March.
The award recognises ShuttersUp’s pioneering in-house training academy, considered the first of its kind in the industry.
Through the ShuttersUp Academy, launched in 2024, the company offers school leavers a practical, financially supported route into skilled employment, with a structured 12-month training programme designed to create a pipeline of highly skilled shutter installers.
Unlike many trainee schemes, the academy is fully paid, with the necessary tools and a ShuttersUp van also included in the package.
The initiative combines technical mentoring, customer-facing learning and commercial awareness, with the goal of producing graduates who leave as fully competent installers. Technical training is supported by a dedicated development space featuring mock window installations, collaborative learning zones and video training resources.
Progress is measured through structured monthly milestones, with sign-off granted only when trainees demonstrate excellence to independently verified standards.
Awards judges were impressed with the ShuttersUp Academy, stating: “This was a new category this year to recognise the training being carried out by retailers/dealers with their own staff.
“Our strict scoring criteria saw an absolute stand-out winner: ShuttersUp. We were incredibly impressed by the comprehensive 12-month training programme, which gives young people the opportunity to enter a skilled trade without the need for academic qualifications and demonstrates ShuttersUp’s commitment to investing in the talent of the future.”
Ashley Weight, co-founder of ShuttersUp, said: “We are passionate about providing practical and supportive training to school leavers, giving them the skills and confidence to leave as professionally qualified installers, so we are delighted that our efforts have been recognised by the BBSA.
“It’s essential that the younger generation is given more accessible and financially supported pathways into practical careers to help address both youth unemployment and the UK’s productivity challenges. We are excited about continuing to evolve the ShuttersUp Academy and nurturing future talent.”
