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The Mobile Radio Training Trust Survey of Training Within the Mobile Radio Industry 1995 |
The Radiocommunications Agency is very pleased to publish this further report on training within the mobile radio industry on behalf of the Mobile Radio Training Trust (MRTT). The report is a follow-up to the first MRTT report published in 1992 on Training Needs in the Mobile Radio Industry at Technician and Technical Supervisor Level and tracks progress made since then.
The message which comes through from this second report is that little progress has been made since 1992 in either recognition within the industry of the importance of training or in the provision of appropriate training. However, demand for mobile radio equipment, developments in technology, and the number of mobile radios and cellular telephones in use, continue to grow at a very fast rate. This will require a corresponding growth in well trained radio engineers and technicians to produce, install and maintain the equipment. If training does not keep pace it will be difficult for the industry to find sufficient well trained radio engineers able to work to the highest levels of quality and service.
The views contained in this report are those expressed by the industry. However, the Radiocommunications Agency recognises the importance of training and quality within the industry and is happy to give its full support to the MRTT and its initiatives in these areas.
1.1 A Survey of Training was undertaken as a follow-up to the 1992 report on Training Needs in the Mobile Radio Industry at Technician and Technical Supervisor Level, and was carried out to review the progress made within the industry since that time. The survey showed that although there had been a significant amount of training in some areas, the training often did not fully meet the identified needs. Many smaller businesses are not convinced of the need for training and the level of funds allocated to training was in many cases very low.
The report recommends that
2.1 283 selected Mobile Radio businesses (in some cases the Mobile Radio parts of larger companies) were asked to complete questionnaires on training activities and on how the importance of training was viewed. 50 replies were received and after initial analysis of the responses, in-depth interviews with each of 4 businesses were carried out.
2.2 The responses were collated and analysed and the results, conclusions and recommendations produced in the report.
3.1 Businesses asked to take part in the survey were selected to cover a wide range of Mobile Radio activities and included wholesalers, dealers, installers, maintainers, network operators, service providers and a small number of manufacturers. The responses came predominantly from Cellular and PMR businesses, with 64% being owner managed, 24% were subsidiaries of holding companies and 6% were from multinational organisations.
4.1 Identification of Training Needs: Training needs were most frequently identified by supervisors through observation of work performance.
4.2 Training Provision: Most training provided by public colleges was directed towards general principles, although colleges in the AMERC group provide directly related training for Mobile and Cellular radio. There is a growing trend for courses to be tailored to meet the requirements of major customers and then offered as general courses which improved their commercial viability.
Some private training organisations provided specific and relevant training courses but the responses indicated that they were considered to be expensive.
The most effective and relevant training was considered to be provided by equipment suppliers and network operators.
Although 10% of those who responded said they were satisfied with the training provision, 50% of the respondents indicated that they were unable to find training to fully match their requirements.
4.3 Qualifications: Many of the qualifications provided are from BTEC and City and Guilds and are generally related to principles. Most of those responding did not see NVQs as a current requirement, although it was thought that they may be at some time in the future. 12% positively supported NVQs and identified at which point in individuals' career development they thought they would be required.
4.4 Validation of the Effectiveness of Training: The predominant method of validation was by the supervisor observing performance in the workplace after completion of training.
4.5 Funding of Training: A significant number of respondents did not quote the level of funding allocated for training. The responses received indicated allocations of between 0.5% and 5% of turnover. The most common training arrangement was for the employer to fund day release training, with shared payment arrangements for some other courses.
5.1 The main conclusions drawn from the survey were:
The most relevant training was from equipment manufacturers and suppliers, although there was some evidence that other courses provided by publicly funded colleges for specific groups fully met the needs of that group.
Although many publicly funded colleges currently offer NVQ training in other disciplines, this is not so for Mobile Radio. Note: information has been received since the survey was completed that the AMERC group of colleges is working closely with TVSC and TIA to develop training in support of GNVQs and NVQS.
The effectiveness of training is judged by a combination of qualifications and on the job observation.
There is no integrated strategy for the development of technician and other training within the Mobile Radio industry, and this is reflected in the lack of provision by the publicly funded colleges.
Training is seen by many small businesses as a non-essential activity, and is given low priority. Very few businesses have a training plan. While there is a general awareness of BTEC and CGLI qualifications. there appears to be very little recognition of the advantages of NVQS.
Small businesses have problems with the funding of training, and in many cases are not aware of the availability of external funding, they also have great difficulty in releasing staff during the working day.
6.1 The report recommends that:
A campaign is mounted to make small businesses aware of the commercial benefits of employing competent staff and the advantages of using the NVQ in this respect.
Publicly funded colleges and commercial training organisations should be encouraged to develop and provide NVQ related training and provision should include evening classes and distance learning, as well as day release.
Sources of funding available for training should be identified and the information made readily available to the industry, particularly small businesses.
Representation should be made to ensure that relevant technology skills to Radio Communications are included in school science syllabuses and in the GNVQ syllabus.
NOTE 1: The Telecommunications Modern Apprenticeships (TEMAS) project was started when the survey was already in progress and so was not included in the questionnaire. However, offers of training material which could be of use in the modern apprenticeship scheme will be most welcome.
NOTE 2: Since this report was compiled, the MRTT has started discussions concerning initiatives on mobile radio training in the European union.
7.1 MRTT accepts the recommendations, and is currently considering methods for their implementation. Any comments on this report, or suggestions for the implementation of the recommendations are most welcome and should be addressed to:
The Secretary
Mobile Radio Training Trust
PO Box 4041
Worthing
Sussex
BN14 9RF
Additional copies of this report can be obtained from either the Mobile Radio Training Trust (address above) or the Radiocommunications Agency at the address given below, by requesting document reference RA 274.
Further information on the details of the report and on the Mobile Radio Training Trust, including details of membership, can be obtained from the Secretary.
The Library
Radiocommunications Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London
E14 9SX
Tel: 020-7211 0211
Fax: 020-7211 0507
| RA 274 (REV 2) MARCH 1996 |
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