Education and training are cornerstones of an effectively managed business, and this applies especially to any organisation that aspires to achieve ISO certification or have done so already. Companies must adapt to rapid changes in the workplace; this situation has intensified further during COVID-19.
STEP runs a variety of distance learning and live training courses designed to help staff familiarise themselves with the requirements of ISO certification and implement them throughout the organisation.
These courses are broadly divided into pre-certification and post-certification training which fulfil the needs of clients at their particular stage of ISO preparedness.
Training courses
STEP offers a range of training courses for companies that aim at attaining ISO-certified status and for those that already achieved certification. Training is delivered by qualified instructors who can tailor the delivery of the content to specific industries and skill levels.
One of the most widely recognised benefits of these courses is that companies can make a head-start on their ISO journey and facilitate their progress towards certification by raising awareness among their staff and eventually translate that into action that implements international standards. However, there are also benefits to regular training after achieving certification.
Post-certification, a training course can be an invaluable tool to refresh the memory and strengthen the habits and lessons picked up during the certification process. It is also an essential part of combatting loss of skills and knowledge due to employee turnover so that new employees are aligned with the company’s protocols and recognise the importance of following certain procedures to ensure customer satisfaction.
There are currently four types of courses available for organisations and individuals:
For organisations
Introductory ISO courses
To provide an overview of a specific standard before certification so that participants may familiarise themselves with key aspects and requirements.
Advanced ISO courses
To provide an in-depth understanding of a specific standard so that participants can manage or implement more effectively a particular management system.
For individuals
Internal auditing
To provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyse processes in their workplace, compare them to international standards, and initiate change in the organisation.
Lead auditing
To provide advanced training to professional who want to earn new qualifications to advance their careers or start on a new track.
The above training courses may be offered online, in a classroom environment for small groups, or through a mix of distance and classroom learning.
Funding options
Companies may apply to obtain partial refunding of trainers’ costs and trainee expenses through the Investing in Skills (IIS) scheme by Jobsplus.
The second call for applicants to the IIS scheme launched on 6th May 2020, and eligible companies may claim up to 70% of the eligible expenses. More details about the IIS scheme by Jobsplus are available here.
Specialised training for ISO certification
ISO Advanced Training
An in-depth (roughly 4-hour) customised “classroom style” training session provided by STEP with a maximum of 3–5 employees per session, including their managers. The training can take place online, and attendees will be encouraged to interact and ask questions and will partake in a number of workshops to practice the concepts learnt during the session.
It is recommended that the number of participants is kept low for this training so that the training may be delivered more effectively.
At the end of the training session, attendees will be given a test to ensure the effectiveness of the training provided. A Certificate of Attendance will also be sent.
ISO Induction Training/Refresher Course
Live instructor training
This is a short (approx. 1 hour) customised “classroom style” training session provided by STEP with a maximum of 12 participants per group. The training can also be provided remotely and attendees will be encouraged to interact and ask questions.
At the end of the training session, attendees will be assigned a short test to ensure the effectiveness of the training provided. A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to each participant.
Self-directed distance learning
Participating organisations are given access to an online presentation with slides and information relating to a specific ISO management system standard. Each organisation will be provided with a link which they can share internally within the company where employees can access the presentation and perform a short test to ensure the effectiveness of the training provided.
Access to the online presentation and test will be open for about a month. A Certificate of Attendance will be sent upon completion of the training.
Contact STEP today to request more information about our training programmes and book a place for your team in upcoming courses.
