BPCA has said it remains committed to the proposed reforming of the Qualification Framework, which has prompted a mixed reaction among members.
Chris Cagienard, president of BPCA and managing director of Glasgow-based Pest Solutions, said: “Our industry has become so used to saying, ‘All our people are fully qualified’ when referring to our Level 2 Award in Pest Management
“This makes us look like an absolute joke, as for most people, a Level 2 qualification is a one-day course with a multiple-choice exam.”
Mr Cagienard acknowledged that the qualification is not banded correctly and added that the current Level 2 Award is so close to Level 3 as it requires 60 hours of learning and a long-form exam.
“We must reform our qualification framework to correct this area where we are selling ourselves short. If we value our professionalism, our customers will see greater value in our services,” Mr Cagienard said.
A common challenge he hears from BPCA members is around recruitment and staff retention.
“We are an ageing industry, with 40% of our people due to retire in the next 10 years,” he said. “We face the risk of a fundamental skills drain. Is it possible to reform recruitment n the pest control industry?”
Mr Cagienard said it is possible to make recruitment breeze if companies focus in reforming the idea of a pest controller being a ‘skilled profession’ and not a ‘low-skilled trade’.
“If we can reform our pricing and service delivery, people will take pride in their work,” he said. “If we can raise the perceived value of a pest professional, we will be able to increase wages and benefits allowing the industry to attract young people to build a career in the industry.
“If we can reform our qualification framework, pest professionals will have a clearer route to building their skills”
He added: “This move to professionalism will clearly demonstrate our competency and help us fight the battle to protect our toolkit.”