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CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF TRAINING IN THE SOUTH WEST GLOUCESTER RUGBY AND PROSPECT TRAINING CELEBRATE ONSIDE SUCCESS IN PARLIAMENT Learning Innovation Grant Phase 4 Evaluation Moodle Hive In the current financial climate and with the changes to funding proposed the identification of funds to cover the cost of staff training and development activities could form a significant barrier to the promotion of the benefits of e-learning. By combining their resources, and with the help of the LIG 4 project grant, the WTPN & GWP networks have been able to establish a network of VLE’s designated ‘Moodle Hive’. Each provider appointed an e-learning champion to look for innovative and flexible ways in which blended learning can take the place of traditional didactic delivery. The lead provider, S&B Automotive Academy (moodle.sandbaa.com), devised and delivered an innovative cooperative development plan and this enabled the partner members to focus on using rich dynamic high quality e-learning content within the VLE environment. The conclusion of this project has produced substantial benefits to learning providers, practitioners, employers and over 5,000 learners by providing 24/7 availability to resources, information and technologies previously unavailable or difficult to access. The project can be summarised by a quote from one of the partners “We must not diminish the financial aspect; a small organisation such as ours would take years to find the resources and funds to complete a task as complex and wide ranging as this”. This has been achieved within a 6 month time scale.
Apprenticeships: wall to wall coverage A group of young people have just spent a day ‘rolling around’ to get some good coverage for apprenticeships.
Timed to coincide with national Apprenticeship Week and funded by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) it was one of many nationwide makeover projects to highlight apprentices’ skills and enthusiasm. Avon Vale Training is a leading provider of engineering apprenticeships. They guide about 300 apprentices each year and have trained almost 2,500 engineers since 1969. Formerly a Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) and now awarded the Training Quality Standard (TQS) with excellence in engineering, the company delivers innovative and award winning apprenticeships. Steve Gale, (Avon Vale’s General Manager) said: “Young people seldom get a good press, and hopefully this should paint them in a new light! I know we’re very lucky to have so many committed and talented young people. We need to let more employers know how apprentices can transform business and help companies to grow. Despite the biting cold and howling winds the apprentices showed exemplary grit and determination. They were joined by Melvin Packham and Sally Timmins from NAS, the Mayor of Chippenham, Cllr Sylvia Gibson and local politician Wilfred Emmanulle-Jones aka “The Black Farmer”. They offered their support and encouragement and were impressed with the apprentices’ unconquerable energy. Cathy Campbell, (SW Learner Services Director for the NAS) said: “Apprenticeships are a tried and tested way for businesses to get the skilled, highly motivated workforce they need and for apprentices to get a springboard start to their careers. “I’m delighted that Avon Vale’s apprentices are using their skills and talents to help the local community in Chippenham and have no doubt that Westmead House will be transformed as a result.” 25 February 2010
Haddon Training says well done to Joe Curtis Haddon Training together with Sarah West from Southill Stables are so pleased to be able to announce that Joe Curtis is the first Haddon Training Learner to start and achieve his Level 1 NVQ, continue onto his Apprenticeship at Level 2 and finally successfully complete his Advanced Apprenticeship in Horse Care and Management. No other Learner has successfully achieved this accolade. Many have started at Level 1 and managed to scrape through their Apprenticeship. Even more have started an Apprenticeship and then completed an Advanced Apprenticeship, but no one has successfully completed all three levels. Haddon Training delivered the 14-16 Year Old Increased Flexibility Programme with the support of Swindon College. Joe joined the programme, encouraged by his school where he had experienced some difficulties: the programme enabled him to undertake training in an area he was passionate about and had an obvious aptitude for. This started him on the qualification ladder he never thought he could climb. Joe comes from a non-horsey family and, in his own words "tolerated school and did not want to do any more exams". He was very excited about doing one day and week at Southill during term-time and being able to do his Level 1 NVQ. Joe only started riding at the age of 14, six months before going to Southill Stables to start his Level 1. Despite his limited experience he flew through the qualification, completing in just seven months - setting the standard for the next two levels. His Apprenticeship at Level 2 was equally successful. He worked remarkably hard with Schooling as his option, not only at the practical tasks but also at his portfolio. He took his Technical Certificate with the help of a reader and a writer and passed with a very credible 83%. He was surprised and pleased to find that in concentrating on a subject that he really enjoyed, he did not find revising difficult and did not mind doing the Key Skills because he was learning a lot of associated information. Now having completed his Advanced Apprenticeship, Joe has the position of Yard Manager at Southill in his sites. He is so much more confident in his own ability, is knowledgeable, self assured, happy to answer questions (a big stumbling block when he first arrived at Southill) and forward thinking. He is important and valued. He appreciates how much he has learnt and achieved in the last three years and is not cocky, and also knows that he still has a lot more to learn. The best thing about his training - "meeting everyone at Haddon and learning so much about so many different areas in horses". The worst thing about his training - "writing but it has to be done and Hayley and Caroline were so supportive (Haddon Training Assessor and Literacy Support)" Joe's final comments were: "I think I did good - really good. The only student to do L1 to Advanced - wicked and cool"! Definite approval from someone who never thought they could make it! 18 November 2009
Linzi Weare, 19 from Berry Hill, a Royal Forest of Dean College Hairdressing Apprentice who is employed and fully trained by Reds Hair Company, has recently represented the UK at the Worldskills competition in Calgary Canada.
WorldSkills International was established in 1950. Today it is made up of 51 Member countries/regions worldwide. Participants compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals - striving to excel in world-class standards in 45 skill categories including hairdressing. “I was extremely proud to be representing the UK and being in the national squad means a lot to me. I gained valuable experience and the event has helped build my confidence as well as providing a high sense of personal achievement. I am very competitive and enjoy the competition environment. I am pleased to have received a medallion of excellence.” said Linzi. Linzi underwent a rigorous selection process where she competed against approximately 300 applicants from across the UK before achieving her place in the Worldskills squad. This included regional and national heats, followed by squad and team selection, where she had to demonstrate a range of hairdressing skills including ladies hair up, men’s hair, cuts and colours. Janak Patel, RFDC Principal said “The College are thrilled with Linzi’s achievements; she is a great ambassador for young people. We are proud of her success in Canada” 24 September 2009
Celebrating 40 years of training in the South West Avon Vale Training’s awards ceremony and party to celebrate their 40th Anniversary was a tremendous success. The event, held at Lackham House, Lacock, on Wednesday 24th June, marked a significant milestone for the UK’s leading provider of engineering training and apprenticeships.
The awards are designed to
recognise excellence among apprentices and outstanding support given
by employers; they also highlighted forty years of delivering first
class engineering training to industry. Avon Vale is now the South
West’s largest engineering training provider, guiding 300
apprentices each year, and since its establishment in 1969 it has
trained almost 2,500 engineers.
Timed to coincide with national Vocational Qualification (VQ) Day, they will help raise the profile of apprenticeships and vocational training. The South West’s leading business figures and engineering employers plus industry bodies and politicians were in attendance along with past employees who helped shape the company. Like any good birthday party there was balloons, a cake and some bubbly. There were also a buffet lunch, prizes of driving experience days at Castle Combe and photos in the gardens following the presentations. The awards were hosted by BBC Points West Presenter, Sally Challoner. General Manager, Steve Gale, said; “After forty years, it’s very satisfying to step back and realise that we are responsible for training an entire generation of engineers. To see youngsters grow during their apprenticeship and go on to develop successful careers is rewarding. Many former apprentices are now in senior positions running huge operations. This is a very special time for us as we have recently achieved the Matrix award and important Training Quality Standard (TQS), whilst our learner achievement rates remain extremely high. One thing which is very clear to me is that we have been successful as a company because of the passion and commitment of our staff. Despite the intense challenges industry currently faces, I am resolutely optimistic about the future. The employers best placed to prosper are those that invest the most in the skills of their workforce. I know that there are thousands of bright, enthusiastic young people eager to become fine engineers. We need to provide the right opportunities to realise their potential.” Malcolm Gillespie, Regional Director LSC said: "Through the Apprenticeship programme and other work based learning, Avon Vale Training has demonstrated a fantastic contribution to skills development across the region - I would like to congratulate them for their commitment to delivering high quality training over the past 40 years and wish them continued success." 20 August 2009
Gloucester Rugby and Prospect Training celebrate onside success in Parliament On Wednesday 29 April, Gloucester Rugby Community team received the highly commended innovation award at the annual Parliamentary Rugby Union Citizenship Awards for their Onside programme in partnership with Prospect Training Services, Gloucester’s premier training company. The Onside programme was launched in January and is a revolutionary new scheme aimed at 16-18 year olds and is designed to improve confidence, communication skills, physical fitness and self-esteem in order to assist them into further education, training or employment. The project is a partnership between Gloucester Rugby and Prospect Training Services. The programme is currently sponsored by Wooden Spoon and TNT. Gary Little, Gloucester Rugby Community Manager, said: ‘We are delighted to have received this award and the recognition for our community work. Gloucester Rugby is very much a community club and we run a whole range of programmes that support the development of the game, encouraging kids to learn to love and play it to the best of their ability and educational programmes that promote health and wellbeing’. ‘The Onside programme is a new and innovative scheme and although it is still in the pilot phase we have received much positive feedback. We hope that with ongoing support and funding we can continue to deliver the programme next season and seasons to come.’ Mike Tindall, adding his support as programme ambassador said: ‘As a youngster there were plenty of distractions centred around anti-social behaviour – but through sport and rugby in particular, I found a drive and an energy to focus on something extremely positive in my life.’ ‘If, in any way possible, I can provide encouragement, a positive role model and an ambassadorial role then I am delighted to do so. This scheme is vital to the young people of Gloucester and everyone has been working extremely hard to make it a success.’ Andy Reed MP, who has been a judge for all four years of its existence said: ‘The sophistication and breadth of the projects being undertaken at the Guinness Premiership clubs is fantastic. There are a clutch of clubs who have shown they are excellent delivery partners for private and public sector organisations.’ 13 August 2009
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Avon Vale Training arranged for 8 of their engineering apprentices
to give a fresh coat of paint to Westmead House, an unloved
community building in Chippenham. This is the first of an annual
initiative to get young people involved in the community and raise
the profile of apprenticeships.
Every two years, hundreds of
the best young professionals from trades, service and technical
programmes around the world gather to showcase their talents and
abilities. This thrilling, high-performance, four day WorldSkills
Competition is the biggest event of its kind in the world.
