As part of continuing efforts to ensure demand and supply of training are properly matched, a new Quality Mark (QM) is going to be introduced in April 2006, as part of the rollout of Train to Gain (the National Employer Training Programme).
Purpose of the QM
The Standard is still under review, but in general terms, the QM is being designed:
- To allow businesses to recognise more easily those colleges and providers competent to respond to their needs.
- To create a standard for colleges and providers to aspire to; driving up their practices and performance in those areas where they work with businesses.
- To enable the LSC to form a network of those colleges and providers with the competence and the commitment to work with businesses.
Content of the Standard
It is likely that the Standard will cover the following aspects of training delivery:
- Prerequisites for working with business, including satisfactory ‘hygiene’ factors, such as inspection grades; Health and Safety; Equal Opportunities; Financial Audit; sector-specific requirements; success rates
- Responding to customer requirements.
- Delivering training solutions.
- Measuring customer outcomes.
Eligible organisations
Subject to further discussion, the whole range of training provision should be eligible to apply for the QM:
- Sector-specific provision that meets employer needs – such as a CoVE, but also non-CoVE provision
- Part-institution – such as a business development unit or particular site.
- Whole-institution – such as a college or work-based learning provider, or a private training provider.
The QM will be making its entrance in April 2006. As employers it is possible that you will be asked to provide feedback on how a training provider supported your learning needs, and provided a responsive service.
Further EEF E&S briefings will be published as more details of the scheme become available.
7 February 2006