Job Centre Plus representatives are in a stronger position to promote training and development opportunities within the cleaning industry after receiving encouragement from METtraining, the Business Development Directorate of Sutton Coldfield and Matthew Boulton Colleges (who are currently in a strategic partnership).
The colleges recently hosted a seminar to dispel myths about the industry with a view to boosting recruitment and retention among cleaning sector employees. As a leading provider for a range of specialist courses in cleaning science, infection control and National Vocational Qualifications, METtraining provided education for more than 2000 students last year.
Delia Cannings, METtraining’s director of vocational and environmental science, said: “The purpose of the event was to encourage Job Centre Plus advisors to promote cleaning science as a relevant and much-respected profession, as well as making employers aware of the career progression opportunities available for staff within this field. With the support of Job Centre Plus, we hope to establish new links with private and public sector employers across the region; the emphasis being to promote the science associated with cleaning, thereby comparing this occupational area with other professional industries.