Chris: We welcome any new initiatives regarding technology which offer greater access to qualifications. The days of learning things by rote are long gone; technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and we will embrace any relevant systems or developments that help to benefit those seeking to gain qualifications, and make progress in their careers. However, we won’t just use technology for the sake of it – it needs to work for employers and employees, and add demonstrable value.
Mark: Technology offers flexibility to learners. Thanks to learning on demand and greater on-line access to materials and resources, it means they don’t have to physically travel to a training venue. Technology is a fantastic way for employers to ‘hook’ employees into training, and get resources to them in more cost effective, efficient and relevant ways.
Caroline: With so many options for progression available these days, what is the best way to increase and develop talent?
Chris: There is no single best way yet; whatever method is chosen, it’s got to be fit for purpose and deliver the results required for each individual organisation and employee. A key requirement is that stakeholders buy into the skills and training ethos, because this will go a long way to ensuring success. Any training also needs to be as varied as possible and engage with the learner. It is important to remember that qualifying the workforce helps to embed the culture of a safe and attractive place to work and do business, which can only help productivity and profitability.
Mark: Employers are driving this agenda. WAMITAB has set up a technical advisory group to discuss where qualifications and learning need to go, which involves us working with employers and associations to take business forward. The main feedback we’ve
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had from employers is that training needs to be flexible in terms of learning outcomes, providing the facility to mix ‘units’ together to make qualifications that are relevant and deliver the desired outcome in the workplace.
Caroline: Do you think the Skills Village is all-encompassing enough to cover the wide range of areas which WAMITAB represents?
Chris: When people come to the Skills Village the focus is on skills, and they may or may not have an idea about where they want to go in terms of training. We help them to explore the opportunities and provide the information they will need to take the next steps. I feel confident that WAMITAB can cover it all – we offer 123 qualification pathways across a wide spectrum of sectors, including a suite of cleaning and street cleansing qualifications, apprenticeships, training programmes and routes to the industry through a wide range of organisations. So, as an organisation, WAMITAB is very inclusive.
Caroline: What are your hopes for the Skills Village?
Mark: WAMITAB is committed to ensuring that the Skills Village is not a one-off. Promoting skills as a key part of industry development will never lose its importance, so we can only see it becoming bigger and better in the future. As long as employers need skills, advice and guidance, WAMITAB will be there to provide it.
Chris: This year a Skills Village – next year a town, city, continent, the universe! We are determined to make this a success to build on for the future, and want to grow the initiative. This time next year, we could be talking about the replication of the Skills Village concept at other shows in our relevant industry sectors.
www.wamitab.org.uk
www.tomorrowscleaning.com
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