Environmental training: Knowledge is money
10 Jan 2011
When the going gets tough, think about environmental training, advises Richard Ball
Environmental training might not be top of the priority list for many organisations right now, but the truth is that in tough financial times, training can give your organisation the competitive advantage it needs to keep its head above water.
Whether you are struggling to understand the ever-growing requirements of environmental laws, need to implement or re-energise an environmental management system such as ISO 14001, or are looking to find cost savings by using less resource, environmental training can bring real benefits.
The first step on the ladder is a one-day programme, such as the new CIEH (Chartered Institute of Environmental Health) level 2 award in environmental principles and best practice - a qualification that provides a foundation to deliver environmental change.
The course has a modular approach, with units including resource management, energy use and environmental management systems, and filled with practical activities that can be implemented in the workplace.
For those with greater responsibilities, the intermediate-level NEBOSH National Environmental Certificate will provide more of a challenge, as well as greater benefits.
Consider your options
This five-day course covers a broad range of environmental themes including energy, waste, air and water. It is delivered with a strong focus on environmental management systems.
For those desiring a career in environmental management, a professional programme such as the IEMA Associate Certificate in Environmental Management provides an in-depth knowledge of environmental requirements and a wider understanding of industry’s best practices.
This course can be a route to IEMA Associate membership, and beyond, by producing a portfolio of work-based evidence that demonstrates an understanding of the performance criteria, but also an ability to apply the techniques at work.
The applied-learning delivery method allows participants to work at their own pace and manage their work and life commitments, while still achieving a high-level qualification, with minimal disruption to their business.
And there could not be a better time to invest in environmental skills; regulator the Environment Agency now has civil powers to issue fixed penalties or variable monetary penalties of up £250,000 without going to criminal court for low-level offences.
So if you are looking to grow your organisation, consider turning over a new leaf. Take a fresh look at environmental training and you may be rewarded in more ways than you think.
Richard Ball is head of environment at Corporate Risk Systems
Cogent unveils its Biovision
Cogent Sector Skills Council has launched a report entitled BioVision - Skills for Growth in the UK Bioeconomy, which focuses on the skills needs of the fast-growing area of biotechnology within the pharmaceuticals, chemicals and other process sectors.
Launching the report, Cogent chief executive Joanna Woolf said: “We are putting in place a national, integrated approach to skills for the emerging bioscience industries.”
Building on existing work, Woolf added that the initiative would bring together all our key partners “in order to put forward ’one voice’ from industry to shape further education, higher education and policy”.
Meanwhile, Ian Shott, chair of the UK Innovation Growth Team for Biotechnology said that talent and skills were central to a successful bioeconomy. He highlighted the importance of Cogent and its partner Skills Academy for the Process Industries in growing vocational skills, as well as developing the right kind of undergraduate and post-graduate courses.
Another key group is the Cogent Life Science Industries Advisory Council, which has a remit to ensure that the life science industries have access to the right skills, at the right time. It also works to ensure that training delivered through flexible, unitised and easy-to-access learning provision that is underpinned by national industry standards.
