Freelance trainers and independent training providers will receive their own association next April when TrainerBase launches at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) 2008 HRD show at London’s Excel arena.
After operating for several years as an online directory of members and services, TrainerBase is reforming to become a trade and professional association and will be known as TrainerBase:the Association for Learning Practitioners.
Currently TrainerBase is owned by founder Peter Mayes’ company, GirlingMayes. Once TrainerBase is reformed as an association, Mayes’ company will provide it with a secretariat service.
He said the primary focus of TrainerBase will be to increase the quantity of work undertaken by members and the fees they receive. This will be done by marketing and promoting members’ service and by monitoring day rates and acting upon those that are deemed too low.
“There’s no doubt that rates are being squeezed,” said Mayes, “especially in the public sector. Certain public sector bodies – which I can’t name – are pushing training rates to £200 a day or less, when £350 to £400 a day should be the minimum.”
The reformed TrainerBase has offered 20 founding member places at £1,500 a head. This gives lifetime membership plus – subject to evidence – Certified Learning Practitioner (CLP) status. Mayes said 14 trainers had signed up so far.
Members with CLP status and appropriate skills and experience will be recommended by TrainerBase to clients. Status will be granted on the basis of evidence of relevant qualifications and experience, for example a CIPD training qualification will count towards it.
“We’re currently mapping such qualifications on to our accreditation process,” said Mayes. Any trainer seeking CLP status will have to undergo an assessment day which will include a trial training session.
Members will also have to meet other elements of a professional code currently being finalised by TrainerBase which will include conforming to a code of practice and running an efficient business.
Mayes said members fees will be “about £125 a year”.
