PPC124 | TRAINING AND CPD

The future of pest management depends upon having the right people, with the right knowledge and skills, supported by high-quality training. 

That’s why BPCA is expanding its network of specialist associate trainers, and we’re inviting experienced pest management professionals with a passion for sharing their knowledge to express an interest in joining it. 

We’ve worked with associate trainers for many years, bringing specialist expertise and practical experience into our training courses and qualifications. Our associate trainers work with us on a flexible, consultancy basis, delivering training when opportunities arise.  They are paid an agreed day rate, with travel and subsistence expenses covered by agreement. 

But this is about more than just simply meeting demand for training courses. 

Teaching a new framework

BPCA, supported by industry stakeholders, is developing a new qualification framework designed to establish clear standards across all levels of the pest management profession. Our ambition is to provide technicians with a clear and progressive career pathway, from entry-level learning through to higher-level professional recognition and academic achievement.

Pest technicians should be proud of the work they do. The role is far more complex than it can sometimes appear from the outside. Technicians need knowledge of pest biology and behaviour, legislation, risk management, treatment methods, environmental considerations, customer communication and much more. 

As the complexity and expectations of the role continue to grow, qualifications need to properly recognise the level of knowledge, skills and professional responsibility that professional technicians provide on a day-to-day basis. 

Our new qualification framework will help provide that recognition. It will give people opportunities to develop and demonstrate their competence at different stages of their careers, with progression through both vocational and academic routes. Ultimately, we want a career pathway that is accessible to all, clear to all and beneficial to all. 

All the puzzle pieces

Qualifications alone, however, do not raise standards. The quality and consistency of the training supporting those qualifications are equally important. As BPCA develops its new qualification framework, we are also looking at how we can provide greater cohesion in the way our courses and qualifications are delivered, while still drawing on the experience and expertise of skilled trainers. 

Our ambition is to develop a consistent training experience, with high-quality learning materials, activities and guidance that ensure technicians receive the same core learning wherever their training is delivered. 

As the framework develops, there will be opportunities for BPCA trainers to play an important role in delivering this training and helping us maintain the standards expected across the profession. 

That is why we are building a broader network of experienced trainers with different technical specialisms, geographic coverage and professional experience. 

We want to bring together like-minded people who can do more than deliver information – people who can make learning practical, engaging and relevant to the real challenges technicians face in the field. 

Our associate trainers may deliver established BPCA courses and qualifications, as well as specialist technical and practical training. 

We are particularly interested in professionals who combine strong technical knowledge with training experience and a genuine interest in developing others. 

A recognised teaching qualification is useful, but we are also interested in people with the right experience who are prepared to develop their training skills further. 

This is an important part of the BPCA’s wider ambition to professionalise the sector, raise standards and ensure that the people delivering training are helping technicians achieve the level of competence the industry needs. 

If you have the technical expertise, experience and enthusiasm to help develop the next generation of pest management professionals, we’d like to hear from you.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A TRAINER?

To express your interest head to bpca.org.uk/trainer or contact training@bpca.org.uk today for more information.