ICA's new look training retains 'top marks' with delegates

27 Apr '11

4 min read

“The Complete Cotton training programme, in its new format, proved to be as popular as ever,” said Lisa Stratford, a trader from Plexus Cotton and Chair of the ICA Training Committee. “With 38 delegates from 19 different countries attending, it was fantastic to see such a large and varied group of people come together to increase their knowledge, network with industry professionals and form new friendships along the way. With 94% of the delegates rating the course either 'excellent' or 'good', we can safely say that it was a great success and our thanks go out to all the presenters who kindly contributed their time and expertise.”

Having revamped the training to make it more relevant to today's market conditions, Complete Cotton took place in Liverpool, UK – the 'original city of cotton' – from 11 April until 20 April. Specially developed for industry professionals, the training provided delegates with a unique opportunity to learn about the complexities of the cotton industry from some of the world's leading professionals. With 17 tailored modules, delivered by 18 presenters, Complete Cotton delivered an insight into every aspect of the raw cotton trade - from cotton growing to spinning and everything else in between.

Speaking about the new look programme, Kai Hughes, ICA Managing Director explained: “We made some improvements for 2011. We rationalised the syllabus, making it more relevant to today's market conditions.

We reduced the length of the course, allowing delegates more flexibility when making travel arrangements and less time away from their commitments back home. We were also able to reduce the cost and offer a better discount for ICA members.”

During their studies, the delegates got the chance to network, socialise and take in the sights of Liverpool.

They attended a number of specially sponsored events, including dinner at the Maritime Museum at Liverpool's UNESCO waterfront site, a trip to Anfield - home to Liverpool Football Club and a visit to one of Britain's greatest industrial heritage sites - Quarry Bank Mill, which was founded in 1784 and has been restored as a fully working cotton mill and museum. Many of the delegates also took the opportunity to sit the ICA Arbitrator Training Course and Exam (Basic Level 1), the cost of which was included in the training programme.

Kai concludes: “Over the years, this training has provided an excellent grounding for many of today's key players in the cotton world. The benefits are far reaching. Not only do the delegates gain access to training and networking opportunities that may otherwise be inaccessible, they transfer the learning back home to help make a positive impact within their own workplace and community. This has a knock-on effect for the industry as a whole and helps to promote good trading practice.

“We want to pass on our sincere thanks to the delegates for their input and for their feedback, which we will use to help shape future training events. We also want to pass on our thanks to the training presenters – who flew in from all over the world to give their time, to the Training Committee for their valuable contribution and to the social event sponsors – Cotton Incorporated, SGS, Plexus Cotton and Wakefield Inspection Services."

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