Training | PPC104 August 2021
The BPCA Staff team is packed with professionals who are specialists at what they do – our fab technical team, of course, but also other areas like finance, membership, CPD and marketing.
However, working in the pest management industry in a non-technical role can be challenging if you don’t have a background in the sector.
You need a basic knowledge of pest control to deal with customer enquiries, even when you won’t be carrying out treatments yourself.
The more you know
We don’t expect Lorraine to head out on a pigeon proofing job or Katrina to go searching an attic for squirrels. Niall has never carried out a treatment on a wasp nest.
But when a member of the public looks to us for advice, we need to point them in the right direction.
Whenever we hire someone new to join the BPCA Staff team, we like to make sure they aren’t thrown in at the deep end.
That’s why everyone who works at BPCA, no matter what role, takes a course on pest awareness.
Previously we would have them take our Foundation Certificate in Pest Management course, which was designed for both non-technical staff and pest technicians who were brand new to the sector, as an entry point.
Now, they’ll take our new course: Pest Awareness for Non-Technical Employees. It’s designed specifically for people whose role does not directly involve carrying out pest control treatments.
If you’re in a supporting role and regularly come into contact with customers who may require the services of a professional pest controller, understanding the way pest management is conducted will help you ensure the delivery of a seamless service.
You only get one chance at a first impression
In many companies, the first point-of-contact isn’t going to be a Level 2 Award in Pest Management qualified person or an experienced technician.
Every touchpoint in your business can impact your customer’s impression of you. If the person who answers the phone doesn’t have a basic understanding of pest management, then the potential client will struggle to trust you.
From sales to customer service to your accounts team – if you create a culture of knowledge, expertise and passion, you’ll win more customers and keep your existing clients happier.
BPCA strongly recommends that everyone in your team knows a little something about the critical role pest management plays. It’ll improve your client satisfaction, team cohesion and shows your commitment to upskilling your people.
Foundation > Online learning
BPCA Registered CPD points: 3
Not everyone in a pest management business is directly involved in carrying out pest control treatments. However, they’re likely to come into contact with customers who require the services of a professional pest controller.
That’s where this new course comes in. Understanding how pest management is conducted will help anyone in a supporting role deliver a seamless service.
During this course, you will learn:
- Definition of pest awareness
- The difference between vertebrates and invertebrates
- The common signs of pest activity
- The seven principles of pest control
- Different methods of pest control and monitoring
- Common pests
- How to manage customer expectations
- Triaging customer service calls.
Online programme
This is an online, e-learning course that can be taken at any time. Access is set at six weeks, with a study time of two hours. There are no prerequisite requirements to undertake this course.
Assessment and certificate
- There is no assessment
- Upon completion of this online course, a BPCA certificate of completion will be available to print online.
How to book
Contact to register your interest or book:
01332 225 113
training@bpca.org.uk
Introductory pricing!
Members: £55 +VAT
Non-members: £82.50 +VAT
Source: PPC104