Makaton training
Our local PCT has withdrawn all support for training Makaton to staff who deal with learning disabilities. I have a group of apprentices who need to know about Makaton and its basics. Are there any Makaton trainers out there who could deliver a session (or more) to staff? Sessions will be run in the North […]
In the hotseat: Peter Jones
Best known for slaying entrepreneurs in BB2’s Dragons’ Den, Peter Jones now has the nation’s business skills in his sights. Verity Gough gets the inside story. In recent years the government push for up-skilling Britain’s young people has seen a number of academies opening with the aim of helping to help bridge the skills gap. […]
Where are all the good role models?
Gemma Middleton laments the loss of the traditional role model and argues that it’s time that our leaders stepped up to the plate. Politics really does remind me of the school playground; factions of kids grouped together for whatever allegiance, cussing and embarrassing members of rival groups at every opportunity. If any business or organisation […]
Are you over the innovation hill?
Being in your 50s may mean you bring wisdom to the table, but do you still have plenty of fresh ideas? Keren Smedley argues that entering middle age doesn’t mean an end to your ability to innovate. Do we lose our creative ability when we hit 50? It’s a question that bothers many of us […]
Hacker training: Fighting fire with fire
As IT security continues to hit the headlines, Jon Wilcox looks at the next generation of hackers set to do battle with the online marauders. Maintaining IT network security is an issue for small businesses, multi-nationals, and governments alike; the threat from hackers remains very real indeed. British citizen, Gary McKinnon is currently appealing against […]
Webchat with James Caan
How do you encourage and develop innovation in your organsiation? Does encouraging open communication between employees at all levels work? Can you train someone to think more innovatively? James Caan tells us how in this live web chat. In recent years, the UK‘s strength in science, technology and innovation has been the unsung hero of […]
Brown and out
Simon Edwards, mentoring expert and CEO of Mowgli, the mentoring foundation, lists ten ways the PM could turn his life-changing summer into a career advantage. The beleaguered Prime Minister announced his plan to spend part of his summer holiday volunteering in his Kirkcaldy constituency. It is no surprise that he is looking to give back […]
Banking on the skills
As the recession trundles on, Sylvia Perrins, chief executive of the National Skills Academy for Financial Services, emphasises the importance of skills and education in getting the nation back on its feet. Skills and education have long been recognised as the essential ingredient in a strong economy. Indeed back in December 2006, the Government issued […]
Most popular Trainer’s Tip ever
Taking the top spot in our most popular Trainer’s Tips is Lindsay Campbell’s voice projection exercise. It scooped over 28,458 reads and prompted lots of great discussion. There are two key areas to focus on for voice projection: breathing technique and resonators (the ‘speakers’ in your head). I have one technique for each. Breathing technique […]
The 21st Century leader
If you want to be a successful corporate leader what abilities will you need over the next decade or so? Andrew Leigh looks at the skills tomorrow’s leaders need. There are many contenders, ranging from handling complexity to the skill of inspiring others, from business acumen through to managing risk. No single ability is likely […]
Good Samaritans
Samaritans, experts in listening skills training, has reported a surge in business as companies tap into charities’ expertise. Stephanie Sparrow reports. The change of mood in UK business is bringing a new area of training expertise into the limelight. As organisations face the dual challenge of beating the recession while embracing an ethical agenda, they […]
Live online chat: Filling your firm’s skills gap
Show date: Wednesday 8th JulyShow time: 2pm With the recession forcing many firms to let go of highly experienced and skilled members of staff, it is often left to those still on the payroll to fill the void. However, with training budgets also being simultaneously slashed, the existing employees are being expected to take on extra […]
Listening skills exercises
A regular query on Any Answers, listening skills exercises are in great demand. Fiona Nicolson has compiled this pick of the best ideas that have been shared by members over recent years. Journey to work Ask delegates to work in pairs and write down their journey to work in a very detailed way, for […]
Five minute interview: Geoff Russell
At last week’s Business & Skills Expo, Verity Gough caught up with recently appointed CEO of the Learning and Skills Council, Geoff Russell, to find out his plans for the LSC and ask: What’s the real deal with the Train to Gain funding? Firstly can you tell me how you came to take on this role – […]
Report calls for ICT skills for all
Free basic ICT training should be available to all adults, according to an independent report. The review, carried out by Baroness Estelle Morris, was commissioned by the Government to assess whether the nation’s basic computing skills needs are being met. Its findings indicate there are an estimated 11.6 million adults who lack basic computing skills […]
Staff need to come first
With the present economic environment meaning that training budgets are shrinking, organisations are going to have to be increasingly creative with what funds they have. Kevin Young explains. We live in a topsy turvy world. One minute we’re fretting over skills shortages and the scarcity of talent – the next we’re worried about being over-staffed […]
Skilled workers are more recession-proof says report
New government research has revealed that those with skills are less likely to face unemployment, while unskilled workers have suffered worst during the recession. The report found that 28% of the unskilled demographic have been left out of work for the past 12 months while other sectors suffering the effects include sales and customer service at a 16% increase […]
Mandelson’s new department unveiled
Lord Mandelson has outlined the responsibilities of his Ministerial team at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. The new department was created last week out of the merger of the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform, and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills. Lord Mandelson said of the merger: "The government needs […]
Free Thinking: Conquering the fear of public speaking
Even the greatest orators have a little help of one kind or another. Martin Shovel looks at how an understanding of technique can help us overcome our fear of speaking in public – and even become better at it. Something shocking happened to Barack Obama on 5 June 2008. He was addressing a meeting of […]
