UK Parking Sector Skills Strategy
29 May 2009People are the primary asset of the Parking Services in the UK and as such it is necessary to identify the recruitment and retaining of staff who possess the necessary qualifications this industry requires in order to provide a high level of customer services while enforcing those rules and regulations that have been put in place for the safety and convenience of the public.
It is necessary to identify gaps that exist in skills shortages so that ongoing qualification development can be effective. At the same time, it is necessary to improve the quality of performance by broadening knowledge as well as those skills which are so important to this industry. It is also necessary to highlight and progress career paths for current employees while standardising certain skills so those from outside the industry who have matching skills are able to find employment within it.
The Aim
The aim of the Skills Strategy is to primarily improve current knowledge, qualifications, skills and professionalism within the industry by creating a culture of learning. What this will achieve is to increase the demand for further learning whilst increasing learning opportunities. It is necessary for this industry to develop and maintain learning modules and units of learning which will ensure that staff attain or maintain accredited parking qualifications. It is therefore necessary to first identify which skills are lacking or which need further development and then supply the necessary training.
Currently there are very few specific qualifications for parking staff on the NQF, or National Qualifications Framework system. All that is required in controlling parking areas is a Level 2 S/NVQ qualification and a level 2 VRQ is required for Parking Attendants of Civil Enforcement Officers.
