CONSULTATION
A consultation is open concerning the future of pest management qualifications.
Business owners, sole traders and technicians of every level are encouraged to participate in the consultation process.
Take Survey (Approx. 20 minutes).
BPCA, through its Professional Standards Committee, has been working collaboratively with the sector on the development of a new qualification framework.
Karen Dawes, BPCA’s Training and Development Manager, said:
This framework aims to provide new entrants and existing technicians with a clear and progressive career route demonstrating competency, knowledge, and understanding.
Karen Dawes, BPCA Training and Development Manager
“This new qualification framework will help professionalise the sector and remove misperceptions over levels of qualification.”
The framework covers five qualification skill levels, from basic awareness to Field Biologist. Specialist working groups will be formed to develop each level of qualifications.
It is expected that the framework will be completed by 2030.
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National framework level
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New qualification modules
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Level 1
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- Introduction to Pest Management
- Health and Safety in the Workplace.
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Level 2
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- Health, Safety and Legal Aspects
- Safe Use of Rodenticides
- Safe Use of Insecticides.
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Level 3
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Mandatory modules
- Control of Vertebrate Pests
- Control of Invertebrate Pests
- Competency Unit.
Specialisms (optional, stand-alone qualifications), for example:
- Bed Bug Control
- Bird Management
- Bird Control
- Wildlife Management
- Pest Control in Food Environments
- Surveying.
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Level 4
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Standalone qualifications
- Advanced Rodent Specialist
- Advanced Insect Specialist
- Advanced Bird Specialist
- Advanced Wildlife Specialist.
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Level 5
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- Technical Inspector
- Field Biologist.
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Proposed Qualification Framework 2024
Upgrading core pest management qualifications first
BPCA is beginning to develop a new Level 3 qualification, which will become the core qualification for pest technicians in the future.
We believe that most pest technicians are already working to this level, which stipulates the required knowledge and skills as:
- Having sufficient factual, procedural and theoretical knowledge to complete tasks that, while well-defined, may be complex and non-route
- Be able to use appropriate investigation to inform actions
- Be able to review how effective methods and actions have been.
Those currently holding the BPCA/RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management (or equivalent) qualification can carry over the Vertebrate and Invertebrate modules from their existing award.
Therefore, most technicians will only have to complete a Competency Unit to achieve their Level 3 qualification.
Those new to the sector would need to take all three modules.
Stepping up our professionalism
BPCA Chief Executive Ian Andrew said:
Our professionalism mainly depends on the skills and knowledge required to ensure pest technicians can work safely and effectively.
By accepting that most technicians are already working to this standard and investing in their continued development, we can all help end the misconception that anyone can do pest control.
Ian Andrew, BPCA Chief Executive
Karen continued:
“The sector suffers from a confusing and, sometimes, conflicting array of qualifications and accreditations, the two Level 2 Award qualifications being a prime example.
“When fully in place, this new qualification framework will provide a well-defined and coherent approach to competency levels in pest management”.
CONSULTATION OPEN
BPCA is now gathering feedback from the sector through an open consultation. Business owners, sole traders and technicians are all welcome to contribute.
You may choose to complete this survey anonymously.
Your feedback will help us deliver the right core qualifications to the pest management sector, improving the industry's professionalism.
Take Survey (Approx. 20 minutes).
CONSULTATION EVENTS
BPCA is also running a series of consultation events to learn more about the qualification plans have your say.
Register for any event that works for you.
- 8am, 6 September 2024 Book
- 12.30pm, 11 September 2024 Book
- 12.30pm, 18 September 2024 - The Balmoral Hotel, Blacks Road, Dunmurry, Belfast, BT10 0NF Book
- 6pm, 19 September 2024 Book
- 12.30pm, 25 September 2024 Book
- 12.30pm, 4 October 2024 Book
- 6pm, 10 October 2024 Book
- 8am, 18 October 2024 Book
- 6pm, 21 October 2024 Book
- 8am, 31 October 2024 Book
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