MUTA, the leading trade association for UK marquees, tents, and structures, partnered with Learning Nexus to develop the first digital training course for marquee erectors in the UK.

This online course offers detailed guidance on safely assembling frame marquees, elevating safety standards across the UK’s marquee industry.

Challenges faced in the UK’s seasonal marquee industry

Due to the UK’s unpredictable weather conditions and limited daylight in winter, MUTA faced a strict deadline to develop the course in time for the seasonal peak.

Poor weather, especially in winter, significantly impacted marquee erection timelines, adding pressure to deliver this training quickly and efficiently.

Therefore, the course needed to be accessible, flexible, and cost-effective to meet the needs of marquee companies and their staff across the UK.

Collaborative course design with Learning Nexus

Learning Nexus worked closely with MUTA’s Training Working Group to develop a comprehensive and detailed digital learning experience. The project involved storyboarding, filming marquee assembly processes on-site, and reviewing the content with MUTA’s team to ensure accuracy and relevance to industry standards.

Live feedback sessions were held, ensuring that the course was tailored to MUTA’s specific requirements, ethos, and commitment to quality.

Despite time constraints, the course was completed within six months.

Bespoke digital course structure and content

The final product is a bespoke digital course, structured into four comprehensive modules that provide in-depth guidance for marquee erectors, business owners, and other stakeholders. Each module is designed to cover essential aspects of frame marquee assembly, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and best practices.

The course is expected to have a significant positive impact on the marquee industry in the UK by standardising training across the sector. Joe Chalk, General Manager at MUTA, expressed optimism about the course’s reception:

“We anticipate a strong uptake of the course, which we believe will not only drive revenue for MUTA but also pave the way for additional training programs. Our overarching goal is to equip industry professionals with the fundamental knowledge needed to erect frame marquees safely.”

Long-term impact on the marquee industry

This digital training course will do more than provide basic guidelines for frame marquee assembly. By raising the skill levels of marquee erectors across the UK, it is expected to improve safety standards, enhance business efficiency, and strengthen the reputation of the marquee industry.

The course also opens the door for future training initiatives, which could include advanced courses on other types of structures and specialised safety training.

Moreover, by generating revenue through these online courses, MUTA can continue to invest in further improving industry standards, creating a sustainable model for growth and development within the sector.

Positive feedback from MUTA

The collaborative and hands-on approach taken by Learning Nexus throughout the project was appreciated by MUTA’s team. Joe Chalk noted the value of their real-time communication and course reviews:

“Communicating desired changes over email or during virtual meetings can be challenging, so we opted for a hands-on approach by dedicating a day to reviewing the course content and pinpointing necessary adjustments. It turned out to be an incredibly productive session.”

This approach ensured that the final product aligned perfectly with MUTA’s vision and met the specific needs of the UK marquee industry.

Supporting marquee businesses across the UK

By developing the UK’s first digital training course for marquee erectors, MUTA and Learning Nexus have set a new benchmark for safety and operational standards in the industry. This initiative not only equips professionals with the knowledge needed for safe marquee assembly but also underscores MUTA’s commitment to elevating industry standards for years to come.

As the industry continues to evolve, this training course positions MUTA at the forefront of innovation, supporting marquee businesses across the UK with the tools they need to thrive.