Training the trainer

The Building Futures Group is confident that training contributes to a healthy ROI (return on investment), boosts the sector’s reputation and offers fair and fruitful career opportunities. The benefits of training programmes for the cleaning industry are manifold. We believe that the right kind of training boosts morale and motivation, and helps companies to retain valuable employees. When skills are encouraged and improved, confidence grows, impacting on performance. Cleaning is a technical skill and professional training is crucial to performing daily duties safely, whilst maintaining standards and promoting sustainability and best practice within the workplace.

In the instance of candidate numbers outstripping training budgets, a company may benefit from training the trainer, which will enable them to leverage their training investment, often in ways that are not obvious. There is an ancient Chinese proverb: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." Train one trainer and they have the ability to impart their knowledge within their own organisation. There is certainly a benefit to leveraging the investment in training in this way, as well as many hidden or not so recognisable benefits. 

Oxford Brookes University

Training is an investment in the future of the company and its employees. By sustaining and improving skills and knowledge, the payback for each company comes in increased competitiveness. The estates department at Oxford Brookes University took this opportunity with a tailor-made course and were delighted with the results. Lyn Crowther, trainer at Cleanwise, with 17 years’ experience in the cleaning industry discussed the benefits and impact on staff. 

The benefits of training the trainer can be:

• Building the self-confidence of the trainer by allowing them to take on a new or expanded role
• The ability to train within working hours in their place of work using real life examples 
• Ensuring the trainer effectively communicates key messages related to course material
• Ensuring trainers understand and utilise interactive/experiential delivery techniques properly
• Using an internal resource to train other employees can help form new alliances and teams
• Helping employees feel more comfortable in sharing
• Improving employee retention by allowing them to feel like an important part of the institution
• Adapting in-house to trainers who may not speak English as a first language
• Applying far greater relevance to the needs of the client as trainers/assessors have a full working knowledge of the site and needs of the client apply far greater relevance

Training is vital in the practical skills and safe use and storage of chemicals and use and care of equipment, ensuring vital health and safety for all. With an in-house training system, companies can be assured that they are fulfilling their legal and moral obligations to both their staff and clients. Cleaning supports the economy by providing employment and a safer, cleaner environment for everyone and, as such, deserves the very best training to underpin an excellent service industry.