by Brianna Crandall — July 11, 2014—The Building Futures Group recently announced access to a six-figure budget for its members to develop industry-led training and development opportunities—in addition to discounts on its current training offerings that have been developed by a range of industry experts for members. As part of its commitment to raising the profile and standards of the U.K. cleaning industry, the organization is also planning a nationwide campaign to help raise the profile of the wide-ranging careers accessible in the cleaning industry.
The Building Futures Group is the newly formed trade association for the U.K. facilities management/cleaning industry created from the merger of Asset Skills, the Cleaning and Support Services Association (CSSA) and the Facilities Management Association (FMA).
The rationale for this announcement is that successful companies know that people are the key to businesses success, and good people are a result of quality training and development, says the organization. The group wants to address serious skills shortages in the industry and to empower members at all levels to develop the skills needed to remain competitive.
The training arm of The Building Futures Group—Asset Skills Training—is building on its track record of supporting the cleaning industry over the past ten years. The organization has reportedly delivered impressive benefits for the cleaning industry including:
- Delivered public-funded learning programs worth over £5 million for cleaning industry employers;
- Enabled 4,000 free level 2 training places;
- Provided over 1,100 free or subsidized apprenticeships for cleaning employers;
- Delivered rounds 1 and 2 of the Sector Priority Fund programs in Wales, which have benefited 150 employers and over 500 candidates, many of whom were part of the cleaning industry; and
- Continues to deliver funded training to employers in the cleaning industry in Northern Ireland.
Asset Skills Training offers discounted courses and training to The Building Futures Group members, who benefit from at least 15% or more. Asset Skills Training has a comprehensive program of training and development for the cleaning industry, from induction to diploma courses.
Over the next few months, the organization will be giving support to companies wishing to provide apprenticeships. It will also be calling industry leaders together for an SME Summit, where they can shape the work of The Building Futures Group in the cleaning sector.
