Franchising 101: Franchising and Professional Development
Alice Tuffery, writer
Published at 05/01/2020, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min
Professional development is a vital part of working life. Most employees look for it, and good employers provide it. Here, we take a look at the opportunities available in the franchise world, particularly in terms of industry-recognised qualifications.
According to a study by Gallup, 87 percent of millennials consider “professional or career growth and development opportunities” to be important in the workplace. What’s more, 59 percent specifically look out for them when applying for jobs. It’s clear that professional development opportunities are hugely valuable for employees.
But how does this play out in the franchise sphere? Most businesses offer comprehensive training schemes for new franchisees, but some provide the chance to gain an industry-recognised certification. This can be a huge bonus, as it’ll provide you with a qualification for life; you’ll be able to take it with you if you ever change careers within the sector.
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Getting an industry-recognised qualification
By achieving an industry-wide qualification, you can get the most out of becoming a franchisee. That’s why many entrepreneurs join a franchise that offers the chance to get one. Benefitting from this added extra – on top of a proven business model, an established customer base, ready-made products and a comprehensive training scheme – seems like a no-brainer.
Franchises offering industry-recognised qualifications
But which franchises actually offer this professional development opportunity? Let’s take a look at a few that do.
Healthy Feet
When it comes to industry-recognised qualifications, Healthy Feet is one of the best franchises. By joining up and completing its training scheme, you can become a Foot Health Practitioner. This franchise has partnered with the best training centres across the UK, so you’ll be able to achieve a Level 4 Advanced Foot Health Practitioner certificate wherever you are.
As a result, you can be sure you’ll receive tuition from institutions with a reputation for excellence and outstanding results. What’s more, you won’t miss out if you have ongoing commitments. The course involves theory modules that can be completed online and at your own pace. So, you can become a qualified and registered practitioner without altering your current lifestyle.
ChipsAway
If you’re interested in running a franchise in the automotive sector, look no further than ChipsAway. Its comprehensive, four-week training programme gives franchisees all the skills needed to run a profitable business and the chance to get up to speed with the latest vehicle repair techniques.
So, alongside training in paint and dent work, sales and marketing, and use of the CRM system, you’ll be enrolled onto a technical skills course accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry. You’ll learn how to repair minor scratches and dents, refurbish alloy wheels and apply Supagard.
The Good Estate Agent
If you’d like to enter the property sector, why not take a look at The Good Estate Agent? Although this franchise isn’t in our portfolio at the moment, it does offer an impressive business opportunity. If you sign up, you’ll get access to the franchise’s online property and applicant management system, telephone answering and message forwarding, a website, an email address and administration support. You will also be able to advertise on Rightmove, Zoopla and PrimeLocation.
Of course, The Good Estate Agent takes the time to properly train any new recruits too. That’s why you’ll be able to rely on unlimited training and support opportunities, including the chance to achieve a National Federation of Property Professionals qualification. This NFoPP certificate will be recognised by property agents across the UK.
Why choose a franchise with industry-recognised certification opportunities?
Personal and professional development should be high up on your list of considerations when deciding which franchise you’d like to join. By pursuing an industry-recognised qualification, you can make sure you’re receiving high-quality training and accurate information.
What’s more, any professionals you hope to impress should you ever move on will immediately understand your level of skill and expertise. They will have a good idea of your abilities and be confident that you have received excellent tuition.
In addition, you’ll stand out from your competitors and boost your earning potential.
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What’s in it for the franchise?
There are plenty of reasons why franchisors should look into forming partnerships with an industry training body.
Firstly, they can save the time they would have spent developing their own induction scheme. When using established programmes, employers know their recruits will be taking part in a well-structured course.
Secondly, franchises can be sure that their franchisees are learning key skills and – depending on the scheme – about the latest industry insights. Perhaps most importantly, franchisees will gain the same knowledge as competitors in the sector.
Did you know? 87 percent of millennials consider "professional or career growth and development opportunities" to be important.
Thirdly, the opportunity to achieve industry-recognised qualifications will help attract franchisees. According to Gallup’s study, 93 percent of millennials left the business they worked at when they last changed their job title. Of course, there may be many reasons behind this statistic, but it’s likely that many left because they didn’t have the chance to grow and develop professionally within the company.
Prospective franchisees will probably be more interested in joining your franchise if you can say your induction scheme includes the chance to gain a high-quality industry certificate. In fact, it may be the factor that encourages them to choose you over your competitors.
So, it makes sense for franchisors to think seriously about offering professional development opportunities – no matter what industry they operate in.
Learn more
If you’d like to find out more on the subject of franchisee training, take a look at some of our other articles:
Alice Tuffery, writer