[paul@ctcs]

We are looking to add some more credability to CTCS so along with IICRC and NCCA which we should have in the next 6 months tops we would like to  gain BICS membership. I understand we will need one of a few qualifications to become members but i've no idea where we can gain them and which ones would be most worthwhile??

Many Thanks
Paul

[Dynafoam]

Paul,

Student ...Over 16 and carrying outa recognised courseof study relating to the science and practice of cleaning (grade can be held for a maximum of 5 years)

Practitioner:  Cleaning Opperators Proficiency Certificate plus evidence of one years employment in cleaning or allied industry.

Associate: Over 21 and qualified as Practitioner and at least 5 years experience in cleaning.

Or ....At least 3 years experience as supervisor or management in cleaning.
Or ....Hold an NVQ or SVQ in Cleaning and Support Services.

Member: Over 21 and hold part 1 and part 2 City and Guilds 764 certificates (or reconnised equivilent) plus at least 3 years experience at supervisory or management level experience.

All applications need to be supported by a BICSc Member or, in the case of Student, course tutor.

[paul@ctcs]

Thanks John for such a detailed response  I'll have to work out which one to go for.

Paul

[George-Reid]

Paul
In addition to the credibility to clients, the meetings are a great way to meet prospective new clients who will understand where you are coming from I pick up a lot of commercial work this way.

Cheers

George

[paul@ctcs]

Guys, Do you have any idea who i should approach to gain these qualifications if i'm to become a BICS member??I would like to gain either the Cleaning Opperators Proficiency Certificate, or i would like to go for part 1 and part 2 City and Guilds 764 certificates (or recognised equivilent)
 Which one of the two is easiest to gain and which would be the better one to get???

Many Thanks
Paul

[Dynafoam]

Paul,

The COPC is the easier to gain, but the two C&G courses are more worthwhile.

There are a number of technical collages that run these courses - A phone call to 01604 678710 should find the most local venue.

It should be noted that all these courses cover the spectrum of cleaning/hygiene, barely breaking the ice of our specialised field.

[paul@ctcs]

John, Thanks for the reply  I'll call monday to find a course. CTCS is a commercial cleaning company which is why i believe BICS membership will benefit us greatly, The carpet cleaning side to CTCS is something i personally take alot of pleasure from. As I'm sure you agree carpet cleaning brings a huge amount of job satisfaction 

Many Thanks
Paul

[Dynafoam]

Paul,

As you are involved in general cleaning, dependant on the current training level of your opperators, you may find that the training courses are of even graeter value than the membership.

Registration fees are also very reasonable , starting at under £20 for the COPC course.

Yes, carpet and upholstery cleaning can be extreemly rewarding  on the job satisfaction front - it's what keeps me going 

[George-Reid]

Paul
as above If you have been in business five years you can join as an associate straight away.

Cheers

George

[Doug Holloway]

Paul,

If you feel more confident having all these letters then go for it.

I do not think an alphabet soup does much for your custmomers though , afterall they are highly unlikely to have heard of any of these organisations.

I can remember in the 70's that some peoples business cards would have 6 or 7 different sets of letters after their name  , which would have the effect of rendering all of them a bit of a joke.

I would always go with the one you feel is the most important and leave it at that.

Cheers,

Doug

[martin19842]

paul,

i tend to be in agreement with the point of view, about not joining.

ive been involved in commercial cleaning for nearly 7 years, and BICs has never ever been on my mind as a benefit to business.

and now i have gone on my own we are flying, we put our second vehicle on the road last week, two full time employees, and work is great.

regards

martin

[Dynafoam]

Martin,

I have been a member for many years and cannot say that it has been of any direct benefit to my business - but that was not my reason for supporting the organisation.

For general cleaning their training is excellent.

[martin19842]

hi john

i agree the training seems very good,   but  i think that hands on, on site is also good training.

i ahve two guys on site full time, and they do a better job than i do.

regards

martin

[paul@ctcs]

Evening Guys, I feel any advantage i can give my business is a must,  we at the moment employ 6 people and things are going great, but with a couple of potentialy huge contracts worth in excess of £250k a year each on the line any extra cred and quality training can only be a good thing.
 My business partner has been in the cleaning industry for 7 years so may be able to join as an associate as George has stated in an earlier post, so I'll look into this option.
 Thank you all for your help and advise

Paul