Employers and anyone else interested in finding out more about the new Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship are being urged to sign up for one of a series of Zoom information sessions starting in October.

The Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship (Level 2), which is due to be launched early in 2024, will provide a way for cleaning and hygiene businesses to invest compulsory Apprenticeship Levy payments, that would otherwise go to the Government, into training their staff.

All sector employers with an annual wage bill of more than £3 million pay the Apprenticeship Levy and could implement the Apprenticeship Standard in their businesses, as could smaller businesses who have been gifted Levy payments.

Managers from these businesses, along with other interested parties, are being invited to book a place in a free expert-led AAG (Apprenticeship Advice and Guidance) Zoom session.

The sessions, which are being hosted by the British Cleaning Council, will detail what the Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship (CHO) means for businesses and how to implement it in the workplace.

AAG sessions are planned for:

• 12, 19, 26 October
• 2, 9 and 15 November

Sessions will start at 9am unless otherwise stated and will last 30 min, including Q&As. Places at the sessions will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

Topics will include:

• What are the benefits to organisations and individuals in engaging and taking the Apprenticeship qualification?
• How to access the opportunity – explaining Levy funding
• How to gift Levy funds and the benefits of gifting
• How to select a provider – credentials, experience and location
• Delivery format - mediums to study, assessment and functional skills requirements
• Curriculum content and routes to progression
• End Point Assessment (EPA) criteria

Sessions should be booked via admin@britishcleaningcouncil.org. Bookings are not transferable and are for one person only.

BCC Chair Delia Cannings said: “Introducing Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeships into the workplace will bring major benefits to cleaning and hygiene businesses, so we are urging interested employers and staff to join one of these AAG Zoom sessions for an expert briefing on the key points.

“Larger employers will be able to divert their compulsory Apprenticeship Levy payments into training for staff via the Apprenticeship Standard and smaller businesses can also gain from having Levy funds gifted to them.

“Businesses and organisations across the sector have been calling for an Apprenticeship Standard for years, so it is a great achievement to see it approved. As well as unlocking millions of pounds a year for staff training, it will help the sector and staff achieve greater recognition for the pride and professionalism with which they do their vital, skilled and frontline work.

“We now need to spread the word about the Cleaning and Hygiene Apprenticeship, highlight the advantages and encourage its widespread adoption so staff, businesses and the industry as a whole can all reap the benefits.”

Sessions should be booked via admin@britishcleaningcouncil.org