News Release from Asset Skills
Asset Skills is calling on the cleaning industry to follow the lead of three major companies which have been granted permission to award their own qualifications, equivalent to A levels.
Restaurant chain McDonalds, rail operator Network Rail and airline Flybe have been approved by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) to offer level three diplomas.
The firms have had to meet criteria set by the QCA in its Qualifications Credit Framework (QCF). This is a nationally recognised system where learners can bank up credits for workplace learning. If they drop out of the course they can take their units with them, meaning no learning is wasted.
`As the Sector Skills Council for the cleaning industry we fully back initiatives that give employers a greater say`, says Richard Beamish, Chief Executive of Asset Skills.
`No one is better placed to know what skills their workers need than businesses themselves. We`d like to call on cleaning companies to follow this lead and become involved in developing new qualifications for the industry.`
The Government believes the awards are an important step towards ending the old divisions between company training schemes and national qualifications.
`Skills are critical to national economic competitiveness and this idea is based right in the heart of industry`, says Richard Beamish.
`Tackling skills shortages in the cleaning industry is crucial, especially at junior management level. We want to work with employers to help move this forward.`
Further information on Asset Skills can be found at www.assetskills.org
