In April 2017, the government introduced the Apprenticeship levy meaning that many businesses within the cleaning industry who are required to pay the levy now have a dedicated budget for the training and development of their staff.
The levy enables companies to invest in workforce development and allows for best practice of management techniques and it can also help to encourage companies to look to sustainable solutions for the future.
Many employers across a wide range if sectors point out how apprenticeships can create a ‘win win’ situation for both employer and employee and we encourage the cleaning industry to support it and follow other industries that have been taking on apprentices for many years.
Staff that have been offered training and development within the organisation that they work for are more likely to stay loyal to their employer and furthermore it has been well documented that investing in the skills and development of our teams results in less absence, fewer health and safety issues and increased productivity not to mention a more professional image to our customers.
Specific areas when apprenticeships can impact positively in the cleaning sector include risk management, health and safety and hospitality.
Staff can learn on the job rather than having to try and put into practice something they have been taught in a classroom environment or hypothetical scenario for example a window cleaning apprenticeship would not only include the practical skills associated with cleaning windows but would also include carrying out risk assessments, using specialist equipment such as telescopic poles, personal protective equipment and pure water technology.
Get all of this right and the next generation of window cleaners will be experts in their field.
So whether the levy applies to you as an organisation or not, or if you are a young person considering working within the cleaning sector, apprenticeships are the future for cleaning, invest now and benefit long term.
