In today’s world, a facility’s health is more important than ever. Not only is safety a major factor for stakeholders in a – whether it is a hospital, office, retail store, or manufacturing plant – but it is also a matter of perception. Visitors are more compelled to go to a location for an initial visit and to return to places they deem clean. Consequently, facility managers and in-house service providers need efficient, properly trained staff more than ever.
These individuals are critical to the spaces where people live and operate every day. There are multiple opportunities for individuals to forge meaningful careers in the cleaning industry – and to expand those careers into the larger facility maintenance business. There are also training opportunities to help attract individuals to these industries and support them as they advance their skills.
By maintaining their facilities with properly trained and certified cleaners, business owners are offering heightened value to their clients and customers through a properly cleaned and maintained space. The main advantage of having certified cleaners is more than just the piece of paper, it validates a proof of an understanding of the different processes and procedures essential in providing an effective facility maintenance service. In the following articles, we take a closer look at organisations operating in the personal development space.
Offering unprecedented professional development opportunities
The cleaning industry might not be the first that comes to mind when considering professions, but it forms the backbone of public health standards in South Africa. From gleaming office towers to hospitals, professional cleaning staff ensure our spaces are safe, clean, and hygienic. Yet, unfortunately the industry itself often lacks the recognition and professionalism it deserves.
However, this is exactly why a dedicated professional body for professional cleaning in South Africa can be the game-changer:
• Skilled workforce:
A professional body champions skills development, ensuring staff in the cleaning industry are equipped with skills, the latest techniques, safety protocols, and knowledge of cleaning products. This not only empowers staff but also assures a higher standard of service for customers across cleaning industry sectors.
• Professional designations:
Awarding professional designations recognises individuals for their qualifications and experience within the cleaning industry. This elevates the industry image and instils trust with customers.
• Voice of the industry:
The professional body represents the interests of the cleaning industry for skills development to bodies such as the Services SETA, and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).
• International benchmarking:
Professional bodies are responsible for benchmarking cleaning qualifications and practices against recognised international norms and standards set by organisations such as the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association (ISSA), World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as by international training organisations.
“The past year has been a watershed year for the PBEH from a career development perspective”, says PBEH Chairperson, Arthur Bath.
For the past 20 years, the highest NQF qualification in the cleaning industry was at Level 3 – one level below matric. “Following years of lobbying, the cleaning industry was able to secure Services SETA funding to develop NQF qualifications up to Level 6 – one level below a bachelor’s degree! The road is now open for unprecedented professional development opportunities in our industry”, adds Bath.
Another exciting PBEH project has been a renewed focus on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This is an especially useful tool for industry participants to apply to the PBEH for professional designations.
The award of a professional designation acknowledges a candidate’s professionalism in the commercial cleaning industry. An important feature of a professional designation is that the candidate must keep their competence current by earning the specified number of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points each year.
The CPD requirements are, therefore, similar to those applicable to healthcare professionals. Carrying a professional designation is an assurance of a candidate’s current competence.
The PBEH is passionate about keeping South Africans respected across the globe for their skills and knowledge in the field of professional cleaning.
For more information email:info@pbeh.co.za