An international training provider is using SkillsActive endorsement to demonstrate the quality of its courses to learners and save money registering new courses.
Intelligent Training Systems Ltd, which provides evidence-based education, design and consultancy services, began working with SkillsActive to strengthen its training provision in 2007.
CEO Martin Haines says: “SkillsActive endorsement was important to us because we don't fit in a currently defined educational mould. The process ensures we met the industry criteria needed for endorsement while retaining our own unique information.”
SkillsActive’s strategic lead for endorsement recommended Intelligent Training Systems Ltd apply for a course training provider licence for its Level 2 and 3 training CPD courses to demonstrate the quality of its provision to learners and employers and increase its customer base.
The license enables training providers to offer unlimited endorsed courses for up to two years without having to submit each individual course for evaluation every time. Training providers are also included on the REPs list of approved training providers, which is viewed REPs’ 28,000 members, as well as quality assurance support and key market information to improve delivery.
Martin says: “The process was simple. From the initial submission document through to the evaluation visit, everything was well laid out and we knew exactly what we needed to do at each stage and our course was approved first time.”
Intelligent Training Systems Ltd also submitted and had approved a Level 4 course (Level 4 Award in Lower Back Pain) for endorsement. An independent panel evaluates these courses using criteria clearly outlined on the SkillsActive website.
Martin says endorsement gives the company a competitive edge over other providers in the fitness sector.
“Endorsement gives us credibility. Students can attend our courses knowing that they are attending a course that has been subject to a vigorous quality process and, as the criteria becomes standardised internationally, it will help us save costs registering our courses in new territories.
“Becoming endorsed is important for the fitness industry because, as educators, we shape the future of the industry. We need to have our courses continually assessed to be confident we’re taking the industry forward with evidence based practice.
“Endorsement will help you sell your course and improve it.”
SkillsActive now has ready made templates to support new organisations looking to gain endorsement. To find out more about how endorsement can improve your training provision visit www.skillsactive.com/endorsement or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
