PEFC Qualified Trainer Program kicks off

27 April 2016 News

A group of PEFC National members moved a step closer to achieving their “Qualified PEFC Chain of Custody Trainer” status yesterday with the conclusion of the first PEFC NGB Qualified Trainer Program (QTP) session.

The PEFC QTP is a program to enable PEFC National members (also known as National Governing Bodies - NGBs) to become qualified trainers for conducting national PEFC Chain of Custody auditor trainings recognised by PEFC International.

While PEFC National members can already carry out national PEFC Chain of Custody auditor training, becoming a Qualified PEFC Chain of Custody Trainer ensures the harmonization of training in terms of quality, content, effort and cost.

“It is extremely important for all the National members to have a good working knowledge of the PEFC standards,” said Morten Thorøe, National Secretary of PEFC Denmark, following the two day session. “This training program helps bring all members to that high level.”

After successful completion of the program the participants will be awarded the “Qualified PEFC Chain of Custody Trainer” certificate.

“The QTP program is one of the elements in our continuing work to strengthen our international organization,” said Michael Berger, Head of Technical Unit at PEFC International.  “It will also help to improve internal processes and the system’s overall outcome and impact.”

Why do we train auditors?

Auditors carrying out PEFC Chain of Custody audits must attend at least one training session recognized by PEFC International or a PEFC National member every two years.

The PEFC Chain of Custody Training ensures that these auditors are updated on changes to the standard and on interpretation and explanation of specific requirements. This enables them to consistently apply the Chain of Custody requirements in daily practice.

These training events also enable us to exchange experiences and to receive valuable feedback on the implementation of the standard.