In a groundbreaking step toward solving the talent gap in the door and hardware industry, the Door Security and Safety Foundation (DSSF) and the Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) have officially launched the first-ever Workforce Development Program aimed at preparing high school and college students to enter the profession with foundational industry knowledge.
This week, the program achieved a major milestone with the enrollment of 17 students from Prince William County Schools in Virginia into the Door and Hardware Industry Associate (DHIA) certificate program — marking the official start of a long-anticipated initiative to build a pipeline of new talent for the door and hardware industry.
“This vision from the Foundation of creating the first-ever ‘Talent Pool’ for the industry is now a reality,” said James Gammon, CFDAI, DHI’s chief executive officer. “We are proud to introduce a program that not only prepares students for in-demand careers but also supports our industry’s critical need for skilled professionals.”
Addressing a Critical Need
With a projected decline in credentialed professionals over the next decade due to retirements, the launch of this program couldn’t be timelier. The door security and safety industry is growing rapidly, and employers across the country — from manufacturers to distributors — report that hiring skilled talent is one of their greatest challenges.
This new initiative opens the door for young people to discover a rewarding and often overlooked career path — one that doesn’t require a college degree, offers near-guaranteed job security, and boasts high salary potential earlier than many other industries.
Program Highlights
- Free, self-paced online coursework with no prerequisites, including:
- COR101 – Fundamentals of Architectural Doors and Hardware
- COR102 – Introduction to Building Codes
- Students earn the DHIA certificate after completing 40+ hours of coursework
- Eligibility: High school or college enrollment, access to a computer and internet, and no prior industry employment
- After certification, students are featured in DHI’s Career Center and promoted to local employers seeking new talent
“Our goal is to provide students with the foundational knowledge to launch a lifelong career in a vital industry,” said Ben Boomer, Door Security and Safety Foundation president. “Manufacturers and distributors tell us all the time: if they could find candidates with even a basic understanding of our field, they’d hire them on the spot.”
Powered by Industry Support
Thanks to generous donors to the Door Security and Safety Foundation and the commitment of the DHI education team, this program is offered at no cost to students or schools.
Get Involved
DHI and the Foundation are actively enrolling additional students across the country. To learn more or begin enrollment:
Contact:
James Gammon, CFDAI
Email: jgammon@dhi.org
DHI Education Team: education@dhi.org
About the Door Security and Safety Foundation (DSSF)
The Door Security and Safety Foundation advocates for the critical role of certified professionals in maintaining the balance between life safety and security in non-residential buildings. Through campaigns like Opening the Door to School Safety and outreach to healthcare facilities, the Foundation raises awareness about fire door inspections, code compliance, and the dangers of temporary door locking devices. DSSF also provides education, scholarships, and resources to support safe, secure building openings and promote industry expertise.