Help shape the future of our industry and profit
August 1st 2006

This September, Asset Skills is hosting a series of regional roadshows to examine the issues raised by the Skills Need Assessment and discuss with industry its skills and training needs. Employers are invited to share their thoughts over breakfast

Since its launch in September 2004, Asset Skills has worked closely with employers, professional bodies and training providers to promote the work of the sector and draw attention to the skills needs of those working within it. Working with our partners we strive to raise the knowledge and skills of employees, which in turn will increase productivity and ensure that organisations and the industry as a whole can compete effectively in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The recent development of Skills Need Assessment is Asset Skills first step in the production of a Sector Skills Agreement which will become a compact between government and employers on the current skills climate and a strategy to develop and evolve skills and education for the industry.

Staff turnover within the cleaning industry is frequently reported as being very high with an average of three months length of stay quoted. The Asset Skills Research Team reported an annual staff turnover rate of 70 per cent amongst larger companies in the sector. Pay is considered to be an important factor in this, although a number of other factors also contribute.

Competition is intense and, given the relatively low profit margins, price differentiation amongst firms is not a major factor. Customers are increasingly evaluating levels of service in terms of more generic customer service skills such as communication and professionalism.

Data gathered from the Assessment shows a clear need to develop a variety of skills for those working at all levels within the industry, not only to allow firms to become more competitive, but to improve staff retention and morale.

The drivers for change which have been identified through the report include a steep increase in the use of technology for all those within the sector, including operatives utilising the latest equipment, and managers quoting for jobs using specialist software.

With 39 per cent of the current workforce having no formal qualifications, it is important that companies seriously undertake the need to increase basic skills and contribute to personal development plans for their employees which will enable them to develop effective working relationships. This will then provide customers with an increased level of customer service in line with raising expectations.

Asset Skills will be hosting a series of breakfast sessions throughout the UK to address the issues raised in the report and discuss the future of skills and training for the industry. We want to hear your views, knowledge and experience which will assist in building a strategy to take skills and training for cleaning into the future.

Asset Skills Sector Specialist, Bev Yates comments "It is very important that employers contribute to the Sector Skills Agreement. They are, after all, the ones who are working in the industry at the coalface and know exactly what skills they and their customers want from their employees."

Numbers for each of the breakfast sessions are limited to ensure that everyone attending has an opportunity to participate in the discussion, voicing their opinions and needs impacting on the development of skills and qualifications specifically for the cleaning industry.

Asset Skills Head of Research, Sally Walters, adds "by working with Asset Skills, you can have a real influence on education and skills provision which directly affects the sector in which you work, helping to ensure that the future generation are fully equipped to take your organisation and industry forward successfully".

To register your interest in attending the road shows log onto www.roadshows.assetskills.net or contact the bookings team on 01392 423399 or via e-mail events@assetskills.org. For further information on the Sector Skills Agreement and expressing your views on skills and training please contact Sally Walters on 01604 233336 or via e-mail swalters@assetskills.org. For advice on skills and qualifications issues, contact Bev Yates on 07841 362143 or via e-mail at byates@assetskills.org.

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