A complex subject Shaun on which, naturally I have a view.
Derek has covered the NCCA aspect well. But to elaborate on some of the issues that you and Ian raise. When a person decides to take the view that he wants to learn as much as possible in his chosen industry, he will usually invest considerable amounts of time and resources into this. After this investment into his skills/business, the businessman will practice, develop and hone these new found skills. It is now appropriate that the value of his service is considered. A return on the investment will be required. As a highly trained and skilled technician, a premium value needs to be added. Hence, as a good rule of thumb, a highly trained and competent technician with the appropriate "tools of trade" will command a higher price for his services. There is, therefor, a tendancy for some to regard the higher cost cleaners as being more professional than their lower priced colleagues. If only this were true.
Within the lower price echelons of our industry, we have many fine, highly motivated and talented carpet cleaners. They have typically attended a training course or two on their entrance to our industry. It is my opinion that all the generally recognised training courses are good, but some are better. However, by taking on more training, or even repeating a course after a few years, not only do you learn or develop new skills, network with colleagues or discover new tools and equipment, but you are also more motivated. Would it be reasonable to presume that, if given the option, we'd all prefer to receive, say, £100 to clean a carpet rather than £60? That is where the value of training and experience helps to make a difference. It gives you the confidence to ask for and receive what you are truly worth. It's more than being competent at your job, it's about raising your game to that elevated position whereby your customers don't want their carpets cleaned, but they want them cleaned by
ME Why? Because you've proved yourself to be totally professional and dedicated ot your chosen trade. When you are a "Professional" you don't work to make a living, you work to make a living AND a profit.
I hope the other more experienced and established Cleanitup members agree with my viewpoint, otherwise I may be missing something (and it wouldn't be the first time
)
Ian raises the issue of advanced training. It is my view that, outside the IIRCR it doesn't exist. To achieve advanced skills, you need to seek out the individual courses that are specific to certain areas of our industry. For example, the NCCA Stain Removal Course, Woolsafe, system specific training such as Dry Fusion and Texatherm, But, as such, there is no Advanced Carpet Cleaning Course on the market. These bulletin boards are wonderful tools for educating one another, but they're not a substitute for formal training. But the boards are one tool for informing us of where and when they're available. As a professional carpet cleaner (well, I regard myself as such) I like to attend AT LEAST one training course a year. 2 years ago it was 5 in one year. IMO, this is one of the factors that go towards creating a professional carpet cleaner.
As the IICRC is primarily a training and certification body, we already have a structure for accessing and grading carpet cleaners. To date, IMO, they haven't done a very good job in the UK of getting their message over. I gather that is changing. The NCCA are also developing ideas for a more structured approach to training/qualifications. Members were given the opportunity last year to put forward and develop ideas for this structure. The plan should bare fruit in the not too distant future.
As for the NCCA making a profit from the training it offers, why not? It's a non-profit making association in as much as the profits are re-invested back into the association primarily for the benefit of the members, but frequently as a bonus for the industry at large.
The point Ian hints at about the NCCA not approving courses from manufacturers isn't strictly true. Prochem now run their courses in a way acceptable to the NCCA. So too does the IICRC. However, the NCCA teaches how to clean carpets with most generic systems available today. Some companies only manufacture and market, say, HWE machines or Dry Powder products. Although these courses will be excellent, they don't teach you enough. They wouldn't teach you Bonnet, Shampoo or combination systems for example. Hence, as such, they will never be recognised as being adequate for NCCA membership qualification.
A long and probably incomplete post. I may have lost my way in parts, so if it doesn't make sense, my appologies. Got to go, dinners ready :
safe and happy cleaning:)
Ken
