How can I make my business more competitive?
Whatever competitive strategy you choose for your business, your people will make it happen. Training your people is a key business task, not an optional one. More and more companies are investing in education and training as a competitive weapon. Making the right choices about how you invest in training can make all the difference.
QCFs can help you make your business more competitive and maximise the return on your training investment.
How can I be sure I'm making the right investment choices?
You can start investing effectively in your people with the help of a comprehensive system of vocational qualifications, designed around rigorous National Standards with input from employers who know how to succeed in your industry.
QCFs measure and recognise the contribution that individuals make to your business. They are the first qualifications to be designed around the skills people use on-the-job. QCFs have been developed by industry bodies to cover around 80 per cent of the UK's workforce, and their scope is ever increasing. They are based on standards set by employers, and are guaranteed by a comprehensive quality assurance system.
What can QCFs do for my business?
QCFs can make a major contribution to your business in two main areas. First, by bringing out the best in your people in ways that have an immediate positive impact. QCFs enable you to:
- recognise and build on your employees' existing skills and experience;
- increase motivation among the workforce; and
- enhance the contribution of all your people to improve company performance.
Second, QCFs help you to execute a long-term business strategy because they help you to:
- identify training needs and set clear training targets;
- develop a flexible, multi-skilled, adaptable workforce that is better able to cope with changing business demands;
- recruit the right employees for the future;
- set benchmarks for quality (QCFs are recognised by ISO 9001:2000 and Investors in People); and
- show your commitment to quality and investment in people.
Who else is using QCFs?
Many major employers are already reaping the benefits of QCFs. Small and mediumsised companies are introducing QCFs in increasing numbers as a cost-effective way of installing a structured training programme. QCFs are proof that their people meet the standards required of big-company customers.
What will QCFs cost me?
The costs involved in implementing QCFs include:
- planning and administration (management time and staff training);
- assessor training and accreditation (if you wish to train some of your staff to assess the work of others then this will involve time and fees);
- QCF registration and certification; and
- development and training activities.
The potential benefits and cost savings include:
- greater staff efficiency, meaning less wastage and down-time;
- lower staff turnover, absenteeism and recruitment costs;
- more efficient use, targeting and evaluation of training;
- greater workforce and individual flexibility so that your staff feel confident undertaking a number of different roles within the company and covering for their colleagues in times of absence and sickness;
- more rapid introduction of new procedures and processes, and
- fewer defects and higher quality standards.
Introducing QCFs should be seen as a long-term investment, not just a short-term cost.
How do QCFs work?
With the minimum of fuss. All QCFs fit into a national framework of qualifications based on the area of work they cover (such as customer service or information technology), and the level of skill and knowledge required to achieve them.
How can you find out more?
You don't need a large personnel department or sophisticated in-house training to offer your employees QCFs. All you need is a commitment to the future of your business and your people.
