Feature training| PPC89 November 2017
How do you promote competitive advantage, particularly in a sector where most companies do the same thing? BPCA Training Development Manager, Karen Dawes, tells us her thoughts on how training can be turned into your unique selling point.
Having a competitive advantage is especially important in pest control. It’s easy to define the value of what you do - you get rid of pests, so your customer doesn’t have to. But it’s not so easy to differentiate why your customer should choose your business over another.
One area that isn’t always recognised as providing a tactical advantage is training. A well-crafted and defined training strategy helps employees do their jobs better than anyone else, providing them with the in-depth specialist knowledge that can be used to attract customers and new talent to your workforce.
That’s especially true in the field of pest control. Pests are good at adapting to new conditions; developing resistance to the chemicals used to prevent or kill them. At a recent presentation for the BPCA’s Regional Forum in Kent, Dr Colin Prescott from the University of Reading discussed resistance in pest control and reinforced the need to understand the biology of pests and identify the trends around reactions to treatment. Ensuring employees are continually trained to meet these changing needs is one of the most significant investments a company can make. Promoting that expertise can reap competitive rewards.
It’s easy to dismiss training as a competitive benefit because, after all, everyone does it. However, few talk about it in their marketing messages.
Through the investment of time and money to train your employees annually on the latest technical requirements of pest control, you could have a hidden gem of competitive advantage. Even if “everyone is doing it,” they might not all be “saying it.” So maybe you should. Just make sure you do it in a way that is true and accurate for your company and relevant to your customers.
Train with the best
BPCA training is recognised and well known for driving excellence in pest management.
We worked in partnership with RSPH to redevelop the Level 2 Award in Pest Management qualification, and we introduced Continuous Professional Development (CPD) as part of the membership criteria, setting members apart from their competitors. All of our courses are delivered by industry experts, well placed to adapt the training, as required, to the changing needs of the industry.
Programmes to set you apart from your competition
Looking to stand head and shoulders above the competition? Become a field biologist.
There’s a lot of work to do to achieve this qualification, including a list of prerequisites, a portfolio, and 3.5-hour exam, but once you’ve done it, you can market yourself as an industry expert with a specialism in food sites.
More information
When all professional pest control technicians have the Level 2 Award, how do you show yourself to be a cut above the rest? Take your ATPM!
This widely-recognised qualification tests your knowledge and experience as an all-round pest control technician.
More information
Having a specially trained bed bug expert can be a huge draw for a client.
This programme will teach you about bed bug biology and behaviour and how to achieve effective control, even on the toughest jobs. We’ll take you through many different scenarios and discuss situations and controls. You’ll also get the chance to talk-through any specific situations you’ve found difficult to control.
More information
Stand out from the crowd by being able to identify different insects in the field.
On this one-day course, you will be taught identification techniques and how to work with microscopes to gain experience identifying and separating the main pest insects.
We cover beetles, moths, flies, ants, bed bugs, silverfish, booklice, cockroaches, and fleas. If you have a natural curiosity and a good eye for detail – this programme is perfect for you.
More information
Traps have been used effectively within pest control for hundreds of years, and they have an essential role to play in today’s delivery of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
This one-day practical programme looks at the practical aspects of using and placing traps and help build confidence to ensure compliance when using these tools. This programme is suitable for anyone interested in learning how to use a trap safely.
More information
Enquires and booksings
bpca.org.uk/training
training@bpca.org.uk
01332 225 113
< Contents
Karen Dawes
Training Development Manager
16 November 2017 | PPC89
Source: PPC89