The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) is playing a leading role in addressing the cleaning industry’s skills shortage with the opening of their brand-new ‘BBS Training Suite’ in Northampton.

The opening ceremony took place on Friday 5 July at Moulton Park in Northampton, and was officially opened by BBS Managing Director, Mike Fletcher FBICSc, while National Chairman, Sue Robinson FBICSc cut the ribbon on the new BICSc headquarters.

The suite offers training in enhanced cleaning skills including the Institute’s most popular qualification the ‘Licence to Practice’ which, upon completion gives cleaning professionals a three-year licence signifying their understanding of professional standards in cleaning.

Stan Atkins, Chief Executive Officer at BICSc said: “The popularity of cleaning has never been so high thanks to the rise in ‘cleanfluencers’ such as Mrs Hinch and Marie Kondo. It’s a trend we are seeing carry over to the professional cleaning sector with job applications more than doubling for cleaning positions in the last year alone.

Although this is much-needed awareness for the industry, as a knock-on effect, we are seeing a greater skills shortage in people applying for positions they aren’t properly qualified for. There’s a lot more to cleaning than many people are aware, for example understanding how different chemicals interact and how to dilute them correctly – Without adequate training in this area cleaning operatives are putting the safety of others and their own lives at risk.

Our practical, hands-on training courses enhance the learning experience by bringing together like-minded professionals and equipping cleaning operatives in all types of work to clean, safely and effectively while gaining recognition for the level of skill involved in professional cleaning.”

Mike Fletcher FBICSc said, “A big thank you to all of our sponsors who kindly donated discounted equipment, machinery, chemicals and surfaces, as well as all the BBS and BICSc staff for their tireless work and support in turning our idea into a reality.”

The new BBS Training Suite consists of six dedicated training areas, including three cleaning labs and a floor lab where candidates can complete practical skills training. There are also two classroom areas reserved for Cleanlogic™ Courses and Workshops – enhanced qualifications for current or aspiring cleaning managers and supervisors.

To learn more about BICSc and the courses they offer visit www.bics.org.uk