Opssys
We're singing from the same hymn sheet on this and I agree with a great deal of what you are saying. I'm not really kidding myself on here, pilots unions are very unlikely to get involved in this one, although- properly briefed, I do believe their support for higher training standards for operational staff on the ground might be obtained. Sadly, when flight dispatcher or ops officer licensing is mentioned it usually generates the notions of the FAA dispatcher problem which I've highlighted before. Pilot managers/training managers on the other hand have a role to play, particularly if they are postholders on the AOC of the airline, and/or have responsibility for ops control and the likes.
Where I do see where you're coming from on progressive module based training system, I am inclined towards a more simplistic approach. That is, very simply, anyone engaged in exercising operational control over commercial aircraft operations must have a minimum knowledge base and be accredited in some form by holding an EASA/NAA approved ops qualification. The JAA or EASA will define the MUST hold part, the airline can then define the desirable to hold. Unless, EASA make this a clear requirement it is unlikely to take root, as we have seen in years past.
The syllabus for the training is already defined in ICAO 7192 D3 and as an ICAO international requirement/recommendation that’s the place to start I believe. Now, as I've said before, 7192 D3 could do with some updating, but the basis for a minimum level of knowledge is already there. My view is, we need a requirement for a qualification which is operationally generic and designed to cover all types of aircraft operations and be broad based. In truth the model exists already- it is directly analogous to aircrew licensing. A pilot obtains a generic license, and then is type rated on the aircraft he/she will fly. For Ops staff, airlines, would bring in new ops people with their 'ticket' obtained by passing the approved course and then receive airline specific training and recurrent training as required. The trainee should/ might sit in as part of pilot/ops officer intake and complete the initial performance and relevant training at that level. The qualification is the starting point for a career in airline operations, just as the CPL/ATPL is for a commercial pilot.
There would of course need to be a transistional period and a system for people to work under supervision, but all of that would follow. The biggest issue of course, is what's the incentive for someone who has been working in Ops for 10 years to go and work hard to pass a new qualification, for no additional pay? In my last outfit I confess I found it difficult to get them to do it for a guaranteed 11% per annum increase if they pass the exams, I had only a few takers!
So, I agree wholeheartedly, it all must be driven by the regulatory authorities if it is ever to really take hold, airlines must also do their part and raise standards and start asking for higher qualification in their ops recruitment and that means pay commensurate with ability and qualification/s. Also, we need colleges and training organisations to take this requirement on board, but I won’t go there just now!
In your last paragraph you make perhaps the most important, it isn't going to happen without those in the business pushing for and embracing the idea.