IITT Launches ground breaking move to upgrade trainer performance quality
In a ground breaking move following extensive research and development, the Institute of IT Training (IITT) has today launched a nationwide programme to upgrade and monitor the performance quality of trainers of all disciplines.
'The role of the trainer is constantly changing and evolving,' explained the IITT's chief executive ColinIITT LAUNCHES GROUND BREAKING MOVE TO UPGRADE TRAINER PERFORMANCE QUALITY Steed.
'The Institute of IT Training has recognised the need for training managers to become empowered to assess, monitor and benchmark the performance of their own trainers, the outcome of which is contributory to the achievement of an accredited qualification, as recognised on the Qualifications and Credit Framework.
'Consequently, the Institute of IT Training is today launching the IITT Trainer Performance Monitoring & Assessment Service (TPMA) which will help you achieve just that, and as each organisation has very different requirements, there are a number of options available.
'This monitoring and assessment service, which is authorised, governed and monitored by the IITT, is a record of the training professional's quality of performance in a live environment aligned to national standards - a real quality benchmark of your trainers.
'The service is designed to be cost effective; you may already have an in-house train the trainer course that you would like us to map against these standards. By ensuring your trainers are adequately assessed and monitored within your own programme, the IITT can authorise this and subsequently provide Certification for your own trainers through the Institute Certified Training Practitioner certificate (ICTP).
The assessor's report from the TPMA assessment will form part of a portfolio of evidence that leads to achievement of the nationally recognised qualification - Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS). The new ICTP certificate is a joint award from the IITT and BCS. The Level 3/4 Award PTLLS is a QCF accredited qualification and is accepted for IITT membership at the Professional grade of Senior Associate.
'Should you wish to be able to assess your trainers to this standard in-house, the new IITT TPMA service will also enable you to do this.'
The New Standards
The Institute of IT Training has for the past 13 years been successfully working with its members in raising the standards of training. In the past, it ensured that members were certified to at least Level 3 equivalent standards but has been working closely with national Sector Skills Councils and Awarding Bodies, including, OCR and the BCS, to update the quality requirements for training provision to modern standards.
Following an extensive programme of research and development, the IITT has combined national, BCS (ACTT) and IITT standards to create a best of breed, de facto, comprehensive standard for trainers, tutors and teachers. The IITT believes this will significantly upgrade the standards of performance of training delivery for the entire training industry.
This provision allows for a clear industry wide set of standards suitable for all trainers, whether they are trainers, tutors or teachers.
Why assess the performance of your trainers?
Steed explained that today's Training Manager, irrespective of the type of organisation, must ensure that:
- the quality of all training is performed and monitored to the highest quality standards which are aligned to national standards in the form of accredited qualifications on the Qualifications and Credit Framework
- that the learners actually acquire a sound learning experience and that the learning acquired is able to be applied to the learner's workplace;
- all training delivery is consistent and monitored for quality across the organisation.
He continued: 'To facilitate this, it is imperative that each trainer is assessed in a live environment on a regular basis and that each assessment conforms to set standards, is maintained and governed externally and independently, and is then linked to each candidate's Continual Professional Development. This also can, and should, be linked to the individual's Appraisal process.
'The IITT strongly believes that the true way to judge the ongoing quality of performance and that a regular, live, independently governed assessment is the only way to ensure that every training professional:
- Facilitates/delivers learning to recognised standards within a national framework
- Receives objective guidance on potential improvement and developmental activity which should link to individual's appraisals
- Provides the employer with an objective benchmark to monitor the performance and quality of all trainers and the learning for all employees.
- Has an opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised qualification in the form of a Level 3/4 Award on the Qualifications and Credit Framework
- Achieves Professional membership of the Institute of IT Training, with post nominal letters after their name.
'This truly is a ground breaking step to upgrade training professionals' quality of delivery and I am extremely proud to be part of it,' he said.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
For Training Providers and Training Departments
After being authorised by the IITT to become an IITT Authorised Assessment Centre or an IITT Authorised Qualification and Assessment Centre, you will be able to:
- Assess and benchmark your own trainers to that are aligned with those sought by the nationally-recognised PTLLS. This will provide you with a full set of Key Performance Indicators against each of the pertinent Competency Measures, which will provide key data so that you can measure each trainer's performance and development, set a benchmark for your trainers and use the KPIs to highlight areas for development. Additionally, this data will allow you to upgrade, maintain and control the high standards that you require of your training team.
- Reduce training costs. You can now reduce your training development costs as you will control the ongoing performance standards of your training staff.
- Create a revenue stream. By offering IITT Authorised Assessment Centre services, you can provide trainer performance monitoring and assessment services to outside companies and charge an appropriate fee which, after deducting the IITT Certification and Registration fee, is all yours to keep.
For Trainers (including freelance/contract trainers)
Now you can receive a regular assessment of your performance aligned to the pertinent Competency Measures outlined in the Institute's revised competency framework.
You will receive an Assessor's Report, outlining your individual Key Performance Indicators, which you can use to obtain the Institute Certified Training Practitioner certificate (ICTP) and if you wish use the resultant Assessor report as evidence towards gaining a nationally recognised qualification (PTLLS). This accredited qualification, through the Qualifications and Credit Framework, has credits that are transferable and only needs to be taken once.
Your regular assessment is also the key to becoming a Professional member of the Institute of IT Training with the right to post nominal letters after your name (eg SAIITT).
You will also receive, as part of your Assessor's Report, Key Development Indicators which will outline areas that you may need to develop - and this can be used in your organisation's Appraisal Process.
If you are a Freelance/Contract trainer, you may receive an Assessment from a nationwide network of IITT Authorised Assessment Centres and use the Assessor's Report for evidence when applying for 3rd party projects.