SkillsTrain gets top marks
British distance learning college, SkillsTrain, has been named as the country’s top achieving college in recent exams.The company, which has trained over six million students in over 60 years, fought off competition from other full time learning institutes and colleges, to achieve the top accolade in the International Association of Book-keepers computerised book keeping exams. […]
Employers can access £65m to develop workers
Semta, the sector skills council for the science, engineering and manufacturing technologies sector, has announced a new £65m partnership with government to deliver urgently required skills training for workers in these sectors.Through Semta, companies can access grants of between £500 and £1800 per employee depending on what qualifications and training is needed. Support will be […]
Next generation of construction workers targeted through Bebo
The annual ConstructionSkills Positive Image recruitment campaign, which aims to promote the construction industry as an attractive career, is moving into new media in an attempt to keep up with today’s youth.The campaign organisers have shirked TV and printed media ads in favour of social networking site, Bebo, paid-for online search terms and banner ads […]
Technology skills key to the future
British people feel that IT skills will be the most important to have by the year 2020 but the ability to communicate effectively is crucial to success in the modern workplace, the latest industry figures have revealed.Following national Learning at Work day held on 22 May, the figures were compiled by lifelong learning charity, the […]
Managers urged to take control by training on National Learning at Work Day
As National Learning at Work Day kicks off, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is urging managers across the country to take control of their business through training. According to the National Employer Skills Survey 2007, almost 163,000 managers in England alone experience a skills gap. Of these, almost three quarters lack management skills. However, […]
Bobbies go back to school for police management training
Police in Norfolk are set to benefit from a number of bespoke training courses being run at De Montfort University (DMU) aimed at improving frontline policing services.The qualifications have been designed in response to the Constabulary’s mission to increase efficiency, modernise the workforce and ensure more effective management of resources. The four-year contract will see […]
TeamBuild 2008 returns
Budding construction specialists are being invited to participate in a competition which aims to promote understanding and co-operation between young professionals in the construction industry.TeamBuild 2008, supported by ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the industry, will see different disciplines work together to solve a real-life construction challenge, over the course of a weekend. Teams […]
Digital presentations: Practical advice
It can be difficult to translate face-to-face communication skills into the world of digital technology. This simple guide from Karen Moyse can help you get the most out of online presentations. “The goal for digital presentations is to look and sound like a relaxed and confident leader – not a ‘digital criminal’.” Film director Martin […]
Leitch impressed with skills progress
Lord Leitch recently gave evidence to the select committee which is examining progress on his skills review. Matt Henkes took a look at his evidence and found that he is impressed with the speed of change. In the latest update on his skills review Lord Leitch admitted the government was still facing an uphill struggle […]
The training spend survey: The real news
A third of employers in England did not provide any training at all to their staff over a 12 month period and 37% of all employees received no training at all. Those are the real headlines of the Learning and Skills Council’s review of investment in training, says the TUC.The TUC decided to take a […]
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Leadership expert John Fay starts an Apprentice blog today. The candidates must reassess their skills after last week’s performance, he says, and realise that being a strong leader isn’t always enough to win favour with Sir Alan. Sir Alan Sugar was left with no other option than to fire two contestants on last week’s Apprentice.We […]
Southampton boosts business with ‘welcome’ training
More than 200 frontline staff from different local businesses in Southampton have undertaken a new training scheme to help improve the visitor experience in the city.The ‘Southampton Welcomes’ training programme is designed to help participants improve their customer service skills, in order to help visitors make the most of their stay. Sue Gill, Head of […]
Skillnet bags national Ford apprentice scheme
Skillnet, a training provider for the automotive industry, has clinched a deal to manage the Ford Masters Apprenticeship Programme (FMAP) which already has more than 1,000 apprentices signed up for the three-year course. Students will receive on-the-job training, provided by dealerships across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, with local and residential college tuition. Lee […]
Leitch inquiry holds evidence session in Leeds
The Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee is hearing evidence on lifelong learning next week, as part of its inquiry into the effects of the Leitch report. The Committee will visit Leeds on Wednesday for an evidence session where issues raised by the inquiry will be discussed with organisations involved in the development and delivery […]
Deloitte initiative offers skills boost to young people
Thousands of young people are set to benefit from a new workplace training programme created by Deloitte.The Deloitte Employability Initiative has committed £2m funding over a five-year period to help 16-19 year olds develop the skills, attitudes and behaviours required to secure and sustain employment. The courses are the firm’s flagship community education programme and […]
I’m a trainer, get me out of here!
It’s always a bit of a gamble turning up to a training venue – what if the equipment fails or the participants would blatantly rather be somewhere else? Louise Druce finds out. Not every training event is going to be pitch perfect but what do you do when you turn up to find the plush […]
Very inexperienced adult learners
Hi, can anyone give me any advice as to what kind of training I could give to a group of adults who have not had any experience in training since school or very little. Thanks Sarah Price Hi, can anyone give me any advice as to what kind of training I could give to a […]
Veolia Environnement named Employer of the Year
Veolia Environnement has been named Employer of the Year at this year’s National Employer Service Learners First awards.The company was singled out for its contribution to workplace learning, beating off fierce competition from the other finalist employers, who included TUI Travel and the Royal Navy. Veolia Environnement’s commitment to training involves its purpose-designed and operated […]
Ask the expert: Dealing with difficult delegates
How do you deal with delegates who behave like seven year olds having tantrums? Andy Bradbury gives some advice. Question: I recently did a training session where two participants were told that they had to attend because of their behaviour. Right from the start they were disruptive, argumentative and would not participate in any activity. […]
Broadcasters in training awards league of their own
Broadcast companies have until 25 April to take advantage of an awards opportunity that celebrates training excellence within the audiovisual industries.That’s the deadline for firms to enter this year’s National Training Awards (NTA) – including the broadcast category, the only sector-specific accolade within the awards programme.The National Training Awards – run by UK Skills on […]
