QQI Updates 'Train the Trainer' Framework for Enhanced Standards
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) has announced a revised framework for its Level 6 'Train the Trainer' award, introducing updated assessment criteria, learning outcomes, and a strengthened focus on blended and online delivery methods. This significant update aims to further professionalise the training and development sector across the Republic of Ireland.
The QQI Level 6 Training Delivery and Evaluation (6N3326) and Training Needs Identification and Design (6N3325) are the cornerstones of this framework, replacing the former FETAC Train the Trainer award which was deactivated at the end of 2014. These qualifications are widely recognised as essential for individuals seeking to become competent and certified trainers in various sectors, including health and safety, manual handling, and first aid.
Impact on Specialist Trainer Courses and Accreditations
The updated QQI framework has direct implications for specialist trainer courses and their accreditation. For instance, in areas like Manual Handling Instruction, the QQI Level 6 qualification is considered the recognised standard in Ireland, demonstrating a trainer's knowledge, skill, and competence to deliver and assess training. While the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 do not specify a particular qualification, the QQI Level 6 is widely accepted by employers, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), and insurers as evidence of competence.
Similarly, for First Aid instructors in Ireland, the instructor course is typically HSA Level 6 accredited, qualifying individuals to train others in First Aid and meet Irish legal requirements. The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) also offers instructor qualifications for emergency response and first aid, with the First Aid Response (FAR) Instructor course preparing trainers to deliver PHECC FAR courses.
In the UK, while there isn't a single overarching regulatory body for all sectors, qualifications like the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) serve as an entry-level for teaching or training adults. For trainers delivering regulated First Aid at Work qualifications, an appropriate teaching qualification (such as the Level 3 AET or equivalent), current First Aid competence, and subject matter expertise are essential.
Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see online fire safety training or explore online manual handling training for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.
The Evolving Landscape of Trainer Qualifications
The demand for QQI Level 6 Train the Trainer qualifications has seen a significant surge across Ireland, with some training providers reporting a 40% increase in enrolments over the past two years. This trend is driven by several factors, including a broader shift towards in-house training delivery by Irish businesses aiming to reduce costs and enhance consistency, as well as heightened enforcement activity by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). The continuous evolution of qualification frameworks by bodies such as QQI underscores the dynamic nature of health and safety management.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in Great Britain and the HSA in Ireland frequently update guidance and regulations, necessitating that trainers delivering health and safety courses undertake regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure their training reflects the latest guidelines and protocols. This ensures that training remains compliant and effective in promoting workplace safety. The HSE itself mandates that all persons using work equipment receive adequate training for health and safety purposes, including risks and precautions.
In 2024, QQI began work on projects related to the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), including proposed changes to intermediate qualifications at NFQ Levels 5 and 6. A Green Paper on Intermediate Qualifications at NFQ Levels 5 and 6 was published in December 2024, proposing a single major award at NFQ Level 6 and exploring related changes at NFQ Level 5. These developments indicate QQI's ongoing commitment to ensuring the relevance and quality of qualifications in a dynamic educational and professional landscape.
For those seeking to navigate these evolving requirements and gain accredited qualifications, Abertay Training at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk offers a range of accredited 'Train the Trainer' courses across the UK and Ireland, specialising in health and safety, first aid, manual handling, and fire safety.