UK Government Accredits McDonald's Training
January 28, 2008
QCA's announcement allows commercial companies the ability to award nationally accredited qualifications to employees, for the first time. Network Rail, Flybe and McDonald's all achieved the standards set by QCA for awarding accredited qualifications, enabling them to assess, track and recognise work-place learning which would have previously been lost.
The employer recognition scheme will form part of the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), which is currently being trialled in many different businesses and sectors. The credit-based framework has been devised to ensure the capture of learning and skills in a way that is clearer to employers and learners.
Dr Ken Boston, QCA's Chief Executive said:
"This announcement gives official recognition to employers' commitment to training. By becoming awarding bodies, Flybe, McDonald's and Network Rail, are enabling the skills of their employees to be recognised and recorded. They are the first three companies to gain awarding body status and we look forward to considering further applications from employers to have their valuable work related learning programmes validated."
John Denham, Secretary of State for the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills said:
"It is right that we recognise and accredit employers that have shown a commitment to training and developing their staff. This is an important step towards ending the old divisions between company training schemes and national qualifications, something that will benefit employees, employers and the country as a whole."
John Cridland, CBI Deputy Director-General said:
"Today marks a significant milestone on the road to reforming qualifications so that they better reflect the skills and competencies employers and employees need. Flybe, McDonalds and Network Rail deserve recognition for trail blazing this initiative and making it easier for companies wanting to follow in their footsteps."
Visit the QCF section of this website, via the link on the right-hand side of this page, for more information on the QCF, details on taking part in the trials and the QCF consultation.
Notes to editors
1. The QCF will be implemented across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, subject to confirmation by ministers in the three countries, from 2008.
2. Flybe
Flybe will commence by piloting their 'Airline Trainer Programme' in the middle of 2008. With courses covering everything from engineering to cabin crew training, many have the potential of being structured and awarded as QCF qualifications. All the courses will be based on Flybe's current training and modified, where needed, to achieve the QCA's awarding criteria for the QCF, which all awarding bodies need to attain. The courses will be run and evaluated by it's current training teams, each course will cater for Flybe's staff and the specific needs of the business and will deliver end qualifications from Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs grade A*-C) right up to Level 4 (equivalent to a University Degree).
Simon Witts, Director of Safety, Quality & Training at Flybe said:
"Through the test and trials of the Qualifications and Credit Framework and by becoming an accredited training provider we will have the ability to deliver officially recognised courses specifically designed to cater for our staff and business needs, increasing our competitiveness and recognising the hard work of our employees."
3. McDonald's
From January 2008, McDonald's will pilot a 'Basic Shift Managers' course, with the learning programme divided into credits, in line with QCF guidelines. The course will cover everything the 7,000 managers of McDonald’s outlets across the country need to know for the day-to-day running of a McDonald's restaurant; from basic operational requirements to finance, marketing and HR.
David Fairhurst, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer from McDonald's comments:
"Receiving official awarding body status is an important and exciting step for McDonald's. As a progressive employer we are committed to taking a leadership position on training and skills. We want to ensure that our approach to recruitment, training, and development continues to create real opportunities for social mobility."
4. Network Rail The initial qualification to be piloted by Network Rail in 2008 will be Track Engineering, focusing on technical competences in track engineering but also covering other areas such as Health and Safety. The entire Network Rail workforce of 33,000 will eventually be involved in addition to agreed contractors and other stakeholders within the rail sector. Learners will be able to achieve nationally recognised Level 2 and level 3 qualifications through the course.
Professor Andrew McNaughton, Chief Engineer of Network Rail comments:
"This is a unique step for Network Rail. Working within the Qualification & Credit Framework as an awarding body will enable us to keep on setting industry standards for technical rail skills training in the UK and attract and develop highly trained and motivated people."
5. For further information please contact Jon Waldren, QCA Press Office on 02075096789 or out of hours 0779894532.
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