The Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association (DPHA), the trade organization for professionals whose mission is to connect, educate and elevate, announces the expansion of its online education system, DPHA University. The Vault, DPHA University’s testing and certificate program, offers the nation’s only modular-based education program dedicated to showroom staff, manufacturer’s reps and others involved in the specification and sale of decorative plumbing and hardware fixtures.

“We firmly believe that at every level, people benefit from continuing to learn,” said Kymberly Glazer, director of marketing and sales for DPHA. “We’ve structured our courses to meet people where they are in their careers; members are able to choose courses specific to their immediate needs while also being able to continue learning at their own pace.”

The Vault offers courses specifically designed for all levels of industry knowledge:

• Onboarding for new hires

• Refresher courses for seasoned associates

• Product-specific courses that provide critically important information from basic design styles to true technical know-how

• Micro-learning modules developed to respect the time and schedules of anyone taking courses and allow for better knowledge retention

• NEW! Video learning is being added to the micro-learning modules with hydrotherapy and bathtub installation videos already available in the Bathtubs course

The Vault courses are available ‘On Demand’ to provide flexibility. Courses are divided into three categories: Bathroom & Kitchen, Hardware and General Knowledge. There are several sub-categories within each section so attendees can choose whichever courses suit their specific needs. 

The micro-learning modules and the videos provide significant educational value; specific product information provided in a digestible format. 

“In an industry dependent on experience in every facet of decorative hardware and plumbing, it’s easy to overwhelm new hires with too much information all at once. DPHA University offers a bite-sized approach to the vast wealth of knowledge needed to be proficient in our industry and is a must-have resource to prepare our people for success, with a very easy starting point when hiring talent outside of the industry.” Nathanael Chown, Chown Hardware. 

The benefits of this program go beyond personal knowledge and growth. When each course is completed, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion. Once all Vault courses are completed, participants will receive a graduate badge to use as they please. The badge will also be added to their member profile on DPHA.net.

Core courses, found under the heading The Core are included as a benefit for all DPHA members. The Vault is a testing and certificate program with more than 20 courses that builds upon the fundamental knowledge that any individual needs to be successful in the industry. 

Cost Structure for DPHA University

While The Core is available to all DPHA members, annual enrollment in The Vault carries an additional fee. Showroom owners are encouraged to offer these courses for the benefit of their associates and to provide incentive, 2024 DPHA members are given one complimentary Vault enrollment per company. 

For additional information on DPHA and the organization’s many offerings, please contact Kymberly Glazer at Kymberly@dpha.net