In Greece and Cyprus there are now some persons who have had their vocational training in accordance with the Swedish standard outlined in the recently translated book Professional Cleaning Service. It follows the standard of SRY - Swedish Cleaning and Service Entrepreneurs. The training has been conducted by a trainer with a SRY Diploma.
The objective is to train more people following the standards of SRY. Steps have already been taken, in formulating a national standard for the competence of cleaning staff in Cyprus and Greece. For example, Cyprus has a lot to learn from the Swedish standard concerning ergonomics, environmental issues and the use of chemicals. Plaskola Trading Ltd, a cleaning company which is training staff according to SRY-standards, is only using ecological chemicals and equipment that is ergonomically good.
The need of trained staff is increasing when customers realize the quality aspects and there are plans made for training professional vocational educators who can take on the challenge of training new staff, using the Swedish model.
In a few countries the competence requirements is even higher than the SRY-standard but in many countries, like Greece and Cyprus there is much that has to be done in order to enhance the quality and reputation of the cleaning sector. Maybe there will soon be a Vocational Certificate like the Swedish one, in Greece and Cyprus?
The photos shows a company which is using the SRY-logo to communicate they are working with quality. The other picture shows the prestigious English private school – Heritage - which is using the services, both indoors and outdoors, of Plaskola Trading Ltd. The service to keep the place tidy and inviting is done by using trained staff and equipment in accordance with the Swedish standard.
Text: Bengt Storbacka