SECTOR
After extensive consultation with members, the sector, and awarding body RSPH, BPCA has committed to developing new Level 3 pest management qualifications as part of a new industry qualification framework.
The BPCA Framework covers five qualification skill levels, from basic awareness to Field Biologist.
Work will soon begin on the most critical qualification: a Level 3 Certificate in General Pest Management.
This will be the pivotal qualification for those entering the sector wishing to be a public health pest technician.
Other specialist Level 3 qualifications for bird and wildlife management will also be developed for specialist technicians.
Those with an existing RSPH/BPCA Level 2 Award or Certificate in Pest Management can choose to upgrade their current certificate or retain their old qualification.
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New to the sector
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Already hold a RSPH/BPCA level 2 award or certificate in pest management
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Safe use of pesticides qualification upon recruitment, followed by a Level 3 Certificate in General Pest Managementtaken within the first 18 months.
Some people may go straight in for their Level 3 qualification; however, we anticipate new technicians will spend some time learning at work before investing in their Level 3 qualification.
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Option 1
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Option 2
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Upgrade existing qualification with a single module assessment.
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Retain RSPH/BPCA Level 2 award or certificate.
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BPCA Training Development Manager, Karen Dawes, said:
“We now have broad agreement across the sector that our vision for pest management qualifications is right for the whole industry.
It’s now time for the real hard work to begin: to develop a syllabus for this new Level three qualification that will put our entry level qualifications on a par with other respected professions and trades.
Karen Dawes, BPCA Training and Development Manager
Jenni Peprell, the Royal Society for Public Health's Director of Qualifications, said:
"We're delighted to be supporting the pest management industry to develop this exciting new qualification framework. The majority of the areas of the public health workforce that we work with are facing real issues around workforce recruitment and retention.
“We know that educational pathways are a vital part of the puzzle in addressing these issues, attracting people to these sectors, helping them to understand the different routes available to them and to access the training that helps them to progress and achieve their aspirations.
We look forward to working with partners from across the industry to build a pathway that is clear, inclusive and accessible to all.
Jenni Peprell, Royal Society for Public Health's Director of Qualifications
The BPCA Pathway so far
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National framework level
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New qualifications
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Level 1
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Pest Awareness (pending consultation)
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Level 2
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Safe Use of Rodenticides (pending consultation)
Safe Use of Insecticides (pending consultation)
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Level 3
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Certificate in General Pest Management
Bird Management
Wildlife Management
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Level 4
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Advanced roles (pending consultation)
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Level 5
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Field biologist (pending consultation)
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The entire framework is expected to be completed by 2030; however, work on the Level 3 Certificate in General Pest Management will begin immediately.
All qualifications will be in partnership with our preferred awarding body partner, RSPH.
Martin Rose-King, Chair of BPCA’s Professional Standards Committee, said:
“A robust training framework for the sector will attract new talent, and level up our image to customers and the government, protecting our toolkit.
“BPCA members have strongly supported the committee’s proposals, and we’re excited to get started with the most important qualification.
Please don’t feel anxious about these changes: we strongly believe BPCA members are already working at a Level 3 standard. This change means we’ll actually be recognised for it!
Martin Rose-King, Chair of BPCA’s Professional Standards Committee
Get involved – Level 3 Certificate Working Group
BPCA is seeking volunteers from across the pest control industry to join the BPCA working group for the Level 3 Certificate in Pest Management.
Stakeholders will include RSPH, NPTA, and pest management companies.
If you’re interested in getting involved with the General Certificate or the Bird and Wildlife Management specialist qualifications, contact Karen Dawes for an informal chat to see if the group is right for you.
training@bpca.org.uk
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