Why can quality operations training can be a game-changer in 2015?

'SIMA’s four certificate programs have now joined the ranks of less than 50 organizations nationally who have achieved such accreditation.'

By Elly Lobello
Training and education have always been an important part of SIMA’s mission and purpose. Our members consistently report that managing and developing their employees is a major long-term challenge for them. In 2014 we launched the Advanced Snow Management (ASM) certificate program to Build a Better Workforce. The ASM program has been a great success so far, with nearly 300 certificates earned since its launch. It has truly elevated training in the industry to a new level. 

In addition to developing the content and delivery of the program, a major undertaking of the staff and our Stakeholder Advisory Group was to apply for accreditation for each certificate through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) under the ANSI/ASTM E2659-09 accreditation standard. ANSI oversees the creation and use of thousands of norms and guidelines that directly impact businesses in nearly every sector. Over the course of a year, we worked hard to understand and implement ANSI-required standards for certificate management. These standards covered every aspect of the certificates, from content development and delivery to assessment creation to program policies and procedures.

We are proud to announce that our hard work paid off, and as of March 30, 2015, SIMA is an ANSI Accredited Program Certificate Issuer - Accreditation Number 1170 for the four Advanced Snow Management certificates:

• Advanced Snow Management - Core Principles
• Advanced Snow Management - Ice Management
• Advanced Snow Management - Plowing Operations
• Advanced Snow Management - Sidewalk Operations

SIMA’s four certificate programs have now joined the ranks of less than 50 organizations nationally who have achieved such accreditation, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), and the Institute of Food Safety, Health, & Hygiene.

This achievement elevates our ability as an industry to train our operations managers and operators more effectively, and verifies that every aspect of the ASM certificate programs are governed by processes and procedures that are fair, transparent, relevant and accountable. In addition, ongoing program reviews by SIMA staff and the SAG ensure constant updates and improvements, keeping content relevant and within best practices for instructional design and adult learning. 

The ANSI accreditation will be a significant talking point to insurance stakeholders in our industry, as well as property and facility managers. Investing in quality skills and training proves a commitment to managing work safely and efficiently, reducing risk, and improving service outcomes. Furthermore, employers can use it to build skill and pride in their employees, and help their key personnel look at our industry as career, not just a job.

Learn more about how to invest in quality training for your organization:

• Email Ellen@sima.org for more information about ANSI or the ASM program.
• Fill out a Team Training request form to create a plan with SIMA on how to best train your team members.
• Start earning Advanced Snow Management certificates now - visit here to get started.