C&M
SPECIAL REPORT
Using apprenticeship resources where it matters most - for preparedness and to build a healthier future As Barrie Torbett passes the torch to John Shonfeld, the new Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, he’s laid out his final thoughts on what the industry should focus on in the future. NATIONAL Apprentice Week took place at
skills training/apprenticeship resources, as they
the beginning of the year, focusing on what
were not convinced that cleaning operatives
opportunities are available to employers
required off-the-job training, or any further skills
and employees alike. It also reflected how
development. This voiced loud and clear that
successfully previous apprenticeship schemes
our sector is so undervalued.
had benefited from the Apprenticeship Levy. Limited vision - now the horse has bolted
Unfortunately, it coincided with revelations in the trade and national press that an
The IOA did, however, recognise that infection
independent think tank had identified a
control formed the basis for an apprenticeship
developing trend that they branded as `fake
addressing cleaning and hygiene requirements -
apprenticeships’[1].
Barrie Torbett
but only for the healthcare sector. But, does this mean that cross contamination and infection
Allegedly over £1.2 billion has found its way
control are not relevant in all other sectors?
into the fake apprenticeship sector. Instead
I wondered how this was affecting the
of these funds being used to introduce new
cleaning and FM sectors, and so enquired
staff and providing them with the skills and
among my colleagues. I was surprised to
requiring the most extreme government directives
knowledge required to progress within their
discover that the Institute of Apprentices (IOA)
on public safety since the Second World War,
chosen sector, it has been used to upskill
rejected the proposals from the City and Guilds
affecting every sector of business and leisure, this
existing staff.
and industry associations to fund our sector for
has been proved spectacularly incorrect.
24 JUNE 2020
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,
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