Leading recruiter urges employers to support transport planners through new NOS qualification

Leading recruiter in the transportation industry, Resourcing Solutions Ltd, has called on employers within the sector to support their workers through the newly introduced National Occupational Standards (NOS) qualification in an attempt to retain their top talent and improve professional standards.

The call comes as a new survey carried out by Resourcing Solutions has revealed that, while a third of those working in the transport industry do intend to take the NOS qualification,

Just 8% would be willing to pay all the cost of the qualification themselves

47% would be willing to part fund the qualification

However, 74% expect their employer to pay all or part of the cost of the qualification as part of their continuing professional development and company training programme.

Graham Everitt, sector manager, Highways and Transportation at Resourcing Solutions said: ìIn an industry that people enter without the backing of a degree dedicated to the subject, it would seem that the NOS would provide job candidates with a recognisable qualification, that endorses their commitment to their chosen career and elevates them above other applicants. But at the end of the day the cost of such a qualification, is always going to be an issue.î

Some of the surveyís participants believe the answer lies in sharing the cost between employer and employee. One anonymous respondent said: ìCost should be shared as the skills learned would benefit both the employer and the employee. In some similar cases, the employer can be tied into an agreement to recoup the costs if the candidate leaves the firm within a specified time after completion.î

Historically employers have been wary of investing in training for their staff as they fear their skilled up workers will use their new qualifications to seek work elsewhere. However previous research by Sirota Survey intelligence has revealed that being clear about potential career paths and providing greater opportunities for development is one of the key ways of improving staff retention.

Everitt added: ìFor employees, the NOS qualification proves their competence and commitment to professional standards and ethics set by their industry. But there are benefits for their employers too ñ reassurance that their staff are equipped with a qualification that is approved by both the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) which directly impacts on their reputation with existing and potential new clients.î