Wednesday, 01.07.2009
Trainers of jobless need range of skills, says report

A RANGE of standard skills must be demanded of those involved in the training of the growing number of people seeking to improve their work prospects, according to a report to government. The Trainers Network has identified a range of personal, technical and business competencies which it claims should be the basic requirements of all those working for training agencies, colleges and professional bodies involved in upskilling the current and prospective work force. <br /><br /> In a report presented to Minister of State Sean Haughey, who has responsibility for lifelong learning, said the quality of people delivering the training needed to rekindle Ireland's competitiveness is vitally important. <br /><br /> "The role of trainers and the environment in which they operate has become increasingly complex. In the first instance, they are interacting with a much better educated and a more diverse workforce and also with a rapidly changing and globalised socio-economic context," it said. <br /><br /> The group has set out personal skills such as listening and communications, emotional intelligence, conflict management and sensitivity to equality issues among key requirements of trainers. Business strengths such as an ability to use new technologies, organisational effectiveness and understanding of the changing nature of work were also identified, along with technical skills including the designing of learning objectives and training administration. <br /><br /> The network recommends the development of a national standard in the various skills with awards up to ordinary bachelor degree, or level 7 on the national qualifications framework. <br /><br /> Mr Haughey said last night that the training sector has a vital role to play in raising the skills level of the workforce. <br /><br /> "It is of concern to me that participation by adults in education and training is still significantly underdeveloped here, compared to other economies," he said.