This time last year, TrainingZONE was reporting the launch of a new professional institute for those involved in training. A year on, the Institute of Training and Occupational Learning (ITOL) celebrates its first birthday this month. We take a brief look back at the aims and achievements of the institute in its first year.

Launched in response to a perceived lack of representation for practicing training professionals by a group of around 20 trainers funding it themselves, ITOL set out to represent trainers working full-time or part-time who wanted to engage with other trainers about professional issues, and were looking for recognition for their own abilities and professional standing. It now boasts members from a wide range of training-related occupations in UK industry, commerce and academia.

Jeffrey Brooks, ITOL's Director, took a year's 'sabbatical' from this own training company to get the Institute going. One year on, he's pleased at the way the Institute is developing: "We are delighted with our achievements over the past year. Our membership base has grown strongly, our Journal is now well established and into its second volume, our Certificate and Diploma qualifications in Training & Occupational Learning are close to launch and our new Glossary of UK Training and Occupational Learning Terms (subject of a recent TrainingZONE review) has been published to critical acclaim."

Those working on the development of the Institute certainly don't seem to have been 'resting on their laurels' - the last year has seen the publication of two volumes of a journal and the launch of a members-only website containing discussion forums, book reviews and an electronic library of over 100 articles on training and learning. The institute is also offering a new qualification, the Certificate in Training and Occupational Learning, which aims provides a professional foundation for newly or recently appointed trainers. Keeping members actively involved remains a key to the Institutes aim to be "by the members, for the members".

Looking to the future, Jeffrey says the work of the institute has only just begun: "We have achieved a great deal in the last 12 months, but there is still much to do. Training and occupational learning needs to be moved up the national agenda and we intend that ITOL should be part of such change. To do so will demand more of our resources so there is no room for any relaxation - the next twelve months could be even more hectic than the last!"

TrainingZONE looks forward to reporting back on the Institute's second birthday!

For more information about the work of the Institute or for enquiries about membership visit