TRAINING & EDUCATION
Rise, My Apprentice
The benefit of apprenticeships is something that, in the cleaning industry, can be quite misunderstood. But Sarah Bentley, CEO of the Building Futures Group, attempts to clear up any confusion and explains why they may be of great benefit, in both the long and short term.
As a key training provider in the cleaning industry, one thing we encounter time and again are employers who believe apprenticeships mean taking on new staff. They are surprised when we tell them that apprenticeships can be used to train existing employees if that is what the business requires.
Benefits to learners By completing an apprenticeship, learners gain a qualification that is valued by employers and enhances their prospects for career progression in the future. They gain:
1. A Level 2 Certificate in Cleaning and Support Services – mandatory and optional competence units so they can demonstrate workplace abilities
2. A Level 2 Certificate in Cleaning Principles (technical certificate) to provide extra knowledge about job role
3. Employment Rights and Responsibilities (ERR)
4. Functional Skills in English and Mathematics or Essential Skills in English and Mathematics
5. England only: Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS)
For more information about how the apprenticeship can be used to train your workforce contact Asset Skills Training at
enquiries@assetskillstraining.org or call 0844 858 1643.
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There is also a general lack of knowledge about the benefits that apprenticeships can bring to their business and this also deters employers. Every cleaning company knows how important it is to have staff who are skilled, can do the job well, to time and efficiently. In the cleaning industry, training can often get overlooked because of time and cost restrictions and this can lead to problems, higher staff turnover and increased recruitment costs.
The level 2 Apprenticeship in Cleaning and Environmental Support Services is a training programme that takes this into account. It offers employers funding, flexibility and limited disruption to day-to-day operations, as well as an excellent method of ensuring their people are trained, skilled and meet a set standard. It is a nationally recognised, work-based scheme designed around the needs of employers.
And there’s also another big plus. As well as improving the motivation and loyalty of employees, apprenticeships have been proved to be good for business. A recent study found one in four consumers said they would pay more for goods and services from companies employing apprentices.
The Cleaning Apprenticeship – What’s Involved? The cleaning apprenticeship covers a number of areas at operative level like communication, personal
development, health and safety, reporting procedures, team work, technical cleaning skills and dealing with waste. It is designed for Passenger Transport Cleaners, Industrial Cleaners, Caretakers, Window Cleaners and Street Cleaning Operatives, as well as Hygiene and Cleaning Operatives.
Anyone living in England, over 16-years-old and not in full-time education can undertake an apprenticeship. The apprenticeship in cleaning takes a year to complete and candidates must combine working with studying for a work-based qualification. Funding is available in England and
Wales.The only cost to the employer is to spare staff the time to learn but with most of the training carried out ‘on-the-job’ in the workplace this should not affect business significantly. Employers must pay their apprentice at least the minimum wage.
www.thebuildingfuturesgroup.com
www.tomorrowscleaning.com
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