Carlisle man finishes first in GAI education awards

Andy Hullock made the significant train journey from Carlisle to London for the annual GAI education awards on Thursday, November 23 having been named in the top three students worldwide. 

The 33-year-old works for Zoo Hardware, a leading designer and supplier of architectural door hardware for the commercial and residential markets, which was set up in Carlisle in 2009. 

The 43rd GAI Education Awards celebrated the outstanding educational achievements of students who passed GAI diplomas in 2023, as well as those who secured prizes as the top students worldwide. 

Joining more than 340 guests from across the architectural ironmongery industry was guest speaker Dr Karen Darke MBE, the paralympic cyclist, paratriathlete, adventurer and author, who provided a 'really interesting' talk on her life.

Andy's hard work and commitment paid off as he scooped the top prize at the lunch awards, which were held at The Brewery. 

He said: "I have worked at Zoo for just over seven years. GAI allows you to pick a diploma in four different subjects. Once you've done your level one and level two, you get a certificate in architectural hardware.

"I fast-tracked and did them both this year, so it was flat out from November until April, just studying and studying. If you finish in the top three of people who passed a level two that year, you get a prize. You then get invited down the education awards, and I didn't find out until Thursday that I'd won."

Andy scooped a £400 prize having bested other students from the UK, South Africa and Asia, making the long trip down to London well worthwhile. 

Andy added: "We meet people there. We had a three-course meal, then the awards were done and we heard from the guest speaker, and then everyone goes to the pub afterwards. It was fantastic, The Brewery is an amazing venue."

Andy is hoping to return to the Education Awards again next year, when he hopes to have earned his diploma.