Gateshead Collective

Gateshead Collective tag:www.gatesheadcollective.co.uk,2010://1 2010-03-02T16:34:05Z Movable Type 4.23-en Get Up & Go 2010 Success tag:www.gatesheadcollective.co.uk,2010://1.46 2010-03-02T16:31:38Z 2010-03-02T16:34:05Z

Gateshead Collective in partnership with Connexions Gateshead, the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) and Gateshead MBC Raising Achievement Service hosted the Gateshead Get Up and Go Event 2010 at the Gateshead Skills Academy. The event was held over two days 9.30am...

David Leahy Gateshead Collective in partnership with Connexions Gateshead, the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) and Gateshead MBC Raising Achievement Service hosted the Gateshead Get Up and Go Event 2010 at the Gateshead Skills Academy. The event was held over two days 9.30am - 3.30pm on Friday 05 February 2010 and 10am - 3pm Saturday 06 February 2010. The event was supported by local Gateshead based work-based learning providers from a range of occupational areas, including Business Administration, Engineering, Hairdressing, IT, Motor Vehicle, Warehousing, Alarm Installation and various Construction trades. Connexions Advisers and representatives from the National Apprenticeship Service were also on hand to give advice. On Friday 5th February, Get Up and Go 2010 got underway. Eight of the sixteen senior schools agreed to send their Year 10 pupils. Buses were provided by the Collective to transport to and from the Skills Academy. Over 350 pupils were welcomed over the course of the day, all of whom were given information, advice and guidance about the wide range of opportunities available in Apprenticeships and work-based learning. The event welcomed Blaydon MP Dave Anderson who himself undertook an Apprenticeship as a fitter after leaving school. Mr Anderson commented "Events such as this are extremely important in ensuring our young people are fully informed about the many options available to them after leaving school. "Apprenticeships and work-based learning provide a great opportunity to study and gain experience and skills at the same time. They offer a very direct route into employment and employers are increasingly recognising the benefits they get from hiring apprentices." On Saturday 6th February Get Up and Go opened its doors to several hundred young people from Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 of Gateshead Schools, many of whom were accompanied by their parents and guardians and were given information, advice and guidance about the wide range of opportunities available in Apprenticeships and work-based learning. The event has received very positive feedback from young people, parents and guardians, schools and training providers. By completing an evaluation form, attendees were entered into a prize draw. Two lucky winners Andrew Gladstone of Cedars School and Craig Currie of Thomas Hepburn School each received a Netbook supplied by Gateshead Collective. Watch this space for Get Up and Go 2011 dates. Gateshead Get Up and Go 2010 - 10am to 3pm Saturday 6th February 2010 tag:www.gatesheadcollective.co.uk,2010://1.45 2010-01-25T12:03:33Z 2010-01-25T13:28:24Z

• Leaving school or college this summer? • Hoping to earn and learn through an Apprenticeship or Work Based learning programme. • Interested in finding out more about local learning opportunities and not sure about which direction to take?...

David Leahy • Leaving school or college this summer? • Hoping to earn and learn through an Apprenticeship or Work Based learning programme. • Interested in finding out more about local learning opportunities and not sure about which direction to take? Get Up and Go is a great chance for you (and your parents and carers ) to sit down and talk things through with people who actually offer Apprenticeships and other Work Based Learning opportunities in your area - and they're recruiting people like you right now. Come along and find out about the type of work available, the money on offer, the qualifications and what it's really like to earn and learn. Training providers from the Gateshead offering a variety of opportunities in Business Administration, Accounts, Health & Social Care,Construction, Engineering, ICT, Hairdressing, Customer Service, Retail, Contact Centres, Manufacturing, Warehousing and Motor Vehicle Trades will be available throughout the event. Connexions and National Apprenticeship Service will also be there to offer advice and information to help you plan for your future! Interested? Just Get Up and Go to: Gateshead Skills Academy 8th Avenue Kingsway Team Valley Gateshead NE11 0JL. Apprenticeships - Your questions answered tag:www.gatesheadcollective.co.uk,2009://1.44 2009-08-19T13:27:08Z 2009-08-19T13:47:20Z

If you are 16-18 years old and considering an Apprenticeship or you are an employer interested in offering an Apprenticeship opportunity, the following may help...

David Leahy If you are 16-18 years old and considering an Apprenticeship or you are an employer interested in offering an Apprenticeship opportunity, the following may help Frequently asked questions about Apprenticeships 1. What is an Apprenticeship? An Apprenticeship is not just a qualification, but is a package of learning and qualifications combined with practical work experience gained through employment in a chosen industry. Apprenticeships involve a partnership approach. They are designed by industry, developed by businesses, training providers and Sector Skills Councils, and therefore tailored to meet the needs of each specific sector. An Apprenticeship Framework contains the following separate components:  A knowledge-based element which tests the underpinning knowledge (a technical certificate)  A competence-based element (the NVQ type qualification)  Transferable or 'key skills'  A module on employment rights and responsibilities These component qualifications are achieved through:  On the job experience, an apprentice will work alongside other employees and learn the skills of the job working towards a work based qualification such as an National Vocational Qualification (NVQ).  Off the job learning, apprentices spend time with a learning provider, working towards a technical qualification which provides them with the underpinning knowledge and key skills required for their job. This can be on a day or block release basis. Both qualifications are usually at Level 2 or 3 and the amount of time spent studying varies; it can be anything from 100 to 1,000 hours over the course of an Apprenticeship, depending on the sector. Apprentices gain key transferable skills (key skills) - like working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology. 2. What are key skills? These are the essential skills that learners need to support them in their job. They include:  communication;  application of number;  information and communications technology;* *optional  working with others;*  improving own learning and performance;*  and problem solving.* 3. How long do Apprenticeships last? Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships last as long as it takes to achieve competence in the job for which the apprentice is training. This varies by sector and by level but, in general, Apprenticeships last between one and three years. 4. Do apprentices take exams?Most assessment is carried out in the workplace but there maybe a requirement to take some tests depending on the Apprenticeship - the key skills are tested via a short test. 5. Why is it a good idea for employers? Apprenticeships can help businesses across all industries by offering a route to harness fresh new talent. UK businesses consider skills shortages and recruitment difficulties a bigger threat to performance than soaring oil prices and declining consumer spending, and more than a quarter of these rate this form of vocational training higher than any other qualification. Apprenticeships ensure that your workforce has the practical skills and qualifications your organisation needs now and in the future. The mixture of on and off the job learning ensures they learn the skills that work best for your business. Over 130,000 companies offer apprentice places because they understand the benefits that apprentices bring to their business - increased productivity, improved competitiveness and a committed and competent work-force. 6. Is there a cost for employers?All employed apprentices must receive a wage of no less than £80 per week rising in August 2009 to £95. However, recent research found that apprentices earn an average of £170 net pay per week. The highest paying sector is Electro-technical at £210 per week. Where the apprentice is 19 or over, employers are expected to make a contribution towards the cost of training. The contribution does not necessarily have to be a cash payment to the provider but can be other contributions that reduce the cost of delivery. 7. What is the target number of apprentice uptake in England? There are 130,000 employers currently offering apprenticeships, with a target of 1 in 5 young people undertaking an Apprenticeship and an overall target of 400,000 people in learning by 2020. 8. Can apprentices claim additional benefits (such as child care)? For detailed information on claiming benefits, please contact the department for work and pensions. www.dwp.gov.uk/ 9. What industries are Apprenticeships available in? There are more than 180 career choices available in approximately 80 sectors of industry and commerce, ranging from accountancy to football, engineering to veterinary nursing, business administration to construction. They generally fall into one of two categories: 'Apprenticeships', equivalent to GCSE level or 'Advanced Apprenticeships', equivalent to A-levels 10. Are working hours/conditions the same as other employees? Apprentices are employed; they are therefore treated like other employees and are entitled to at least 20 days' paid holiday per year as well as bank holidays. 11. How will taking on an apprentice help firms cope with recession? 59% of businesses report that training apprentices is more cost-effective than hiring skilled staff, with 59% believing that Apprenticeships lead to lower overall training costs and 53% feeling that they reduce recruitment costs. 12. How are potential apprentices vetted? Do employers get a say in the final choice? Yes. The selection process is just like any other job application process and individuals are put through a series of interviews, and in some cases, tests, to establish if they are the right fit for the role. It may be the learner is already employed, so if the employer agrees, they can become an apprentice where they currently work. 13. What is the average age of an appentice? Apprenticeships are open to all age groups (above 16yrs) whether you are just leaving school, have been working for years or are seeking to start a new career. 14. What key factors encourage take up of apprenticeships?Apprentices will earn while they learn and will gain practical and transferable skills whilst keeping their options open. Career progression for apprentices is excellent and over the course of their career they can earn on average £100,000 more than those who don't do an Apprenticeship. Some Apprenticeships already attract UCAS points and the Learning and Skill Council are working with UCAS to extend this system and ensure that the qualifications gained during an Apprenticeship count towards an individual's university application. Depending on the Apprenticeship chosen, they may also study for a Technical Certificate which will give further knowledge and understanding of the job. This might be a BTEC National Diploma or a City & Guilds Progression Award. The apprentices will also learn about communications and application of numbers. These important transferable skills will help them in any job and make them more employable whatever career they choose to follow. Apprenticeships can be demanding but they are very rewarding. Because Apprenticeships train learners in the skills employers want, they give them choices in their career. When the apprenticeship has finished there is the opportunity to carry on working, maybe get promoted or go on to higher education in a college or university. 15. How do you find out what is available in your area? There is lots of information on the Apprenticeship website where you can find out what Apprenticeship places are available or an employer can register and advertise their vacancy: www.apprenticeships.org.uk/ 16. Is there a limit to the number of apprentices that an employer can take on? No they can take on as many as they can afford. The employer will be responsible for giving the apprentice an induction into their role and provide on-the-job training. They are also responsible for the wages of the apprentices. You need to take your own advice in relation to your rights as an employer as an apprentice will be classed the same as your other employees. 17. How often do apprentices attend college? This varies from programme to programme it could be one day, a week, block release or may be 100% work-based 18. Are Apprenticeships a cheap 'labour' option? No. New advances are constantly challenging businesses to keep pace or catch up. Apprenticeships can help your workforce master the latest techniques to fill the skills gaps you have and ensure against those that are likely to arise. By taking on apprentices, you develop the specialist skills you need to keep pace with the latest technology and working practices in your sector. Research recently conducted on behalf of the LSC (Populus. February 2008) to launch the first National Apprenticeship Week revealed:  77% of employers believe apprenticeships make them more competitive;  76% say that apprenticeships provide higher overall productivity;  80% feel that apprenticeships reduce staff turnover;  83% of employers rely on their apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future;  Two-thirds of respondents believe that their apprenticeship programme helps them fill vacancies more quickly, whilst 88% believe that apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.  59% report that training apprentices is more cost-effective than hiring skilled staff, with 59% believing that apprenticeships lead to lower overall training costs and 53% feeling that they reduce recruitment costs;  In terms of the return on investment linked to apprenticeships, 41% say that their apprentices make a valuable contribution to the business during their training period, while a further third (33%) report that apprentices add value within their first few weeks (or even from Day One);  57% report a high proportion of their apprentices going on to management positions within the company.  Over three-quarters of respondents expect apprenticeships to play a bigger part in their recruitment policy in the future. 19. Are there specific skills in demand and are there shortages in different parts of the country? Unlike some sectors, the environmental and land-based sector is distributed across the length and breadth of England. Employers in the sector are currently reporting that high levels of their vacancies are hard-to-fill; however, the sector is becoming increasingly skilled and there is high demand for individuals with skills at an Apprenticeship level. 20. If a company has to make redundancies, aren't apprentices most at risk? No. Apprentices are treated the same as other employees. 21. What advice would you give to an employer who says they would like to help but can't afford to at the moment? The Collective suggests that they find out more details about Apprenticeships so they are fully informed and keep in touch so they receive information on any new developments. 22. Do apprentices take jobs away from 'full time' employees? No. Apprenticeships provide the opportunity for full time/ experienced employees to pass on their skills to the apprentice, therefore maintaining the skills of the workforce and ensuring these are replaced as the workforce gets older. 23. What are the benefits to employers? Apprenticeships ensure that your workforce has the practical skills and qualifications your organisation needs now and in the future. The mixture of on and off job learning ensures they learn the skills that work best for your business. Over 130,000 companies offer apprentice places because they understand the benefits that apprentices bring to their business - increased productivity, improved competitiveness and a committed and competent work-force.  Improve your productivity Because apprentices receive relevant training, they can have an immediate effect and make a real and more meaningful contribution to your business. Their training is 'on the job', so they can directly gain from the skills and experience of those around them.  Motivate your workforce Apprenticeships are available to both new and current employees. As a result of their training, apprentices are highly motivated and eager to know more. The extra responsibility also makes them feel more valued and they are easier to retain in the long term.  Give them relevant training Apprenticeships provide your workforce with expertise that's not only specific to your industry, but also directly relevant to your business. They are literally designed around your business needs by industry specialists who genuinely understand what you do.  Avoid skills shortages Change and innovation are always with us. New advances are constantly challenging us to keep pace or catch up. Apprenticeships can help your workforce master the latest techniques to fill the skills gaps you have and insure against those that are likely to arise. By taking on apprentices, you develop the specialist skills you need to keep pace with the latest technology and working practices in your sector. 24. Are there financial support/incentives to employers especially in the current economic climate? Does the support vary depending on the age of apprentice and does it impact on their wages? If the apprentice is aged between 16 and 18 the Government fully funds the training costs of an Apprenticeship programme. Where the apprentice is 19 or over, employers are expected to make a contribution towards the cost of training. The contribution does not necessarily have to be a cash payment to the provider but can be other contributions that reduce the cost of delivery. ]]> Metro gets Megan's career on track tag:www.gatesheadcollective.co.uk,2009://1.43 2009-07-03T12:55:04Z 2009-07-03T13:02:25Z

Sixth form student Megan Snowdon has grabbed the chance to get her career prospects on track by timetabling some studies with the Tyne and Wear Metro. And thanks to a programme between her school - St. Thomas More in...

David Leahy Sixth form student Megan Snowdon has grabbed the chance to get her career prospects on track by timetabling some studies with the Tyne and Wear Metro. And thanks to a programme between her school - St. Thomas More in Blaydon - and training provider Access, the signals look good for the 17-year-old from Lobley Hill. Megan is one of 12 students to be given the chance to experience the real world of work while studying for a recognised qualification through the special arrangement between the school and Access. She said: "I have always felt I would enjoy an administrative job and I am taking a business course at school. But the chance to work in a real office environment with the Metro has been fantastic. It has made me certain that this is what I want to do and given me the chance to gain a Level 2 Business Studies NVQ, all of which should help me find work when I leave education." The St. Thomas More School's tie up with Access offers sixth form students on the Vocational Business course (equivalent to two 'A' levels) an opportunity to complete an NVQ level 2 qualification in either Business Administration or Customer Services, while on a weekly work placement. Each student is interviewed before being allocated a placement with local businesses which, as well at the Metro, include the Marriott Hotel, Rok Engineering, Arco and Lloyds TSB. Claire Rainbow, Head of the Vocational Business Department at the school, said: "We recognise the value of work related learning and through these placements our students are able to develop not only their business skills, knowledge and understanding but also their generic employability skills. This aids their career planning and progression and helps them to grow in confidence. These placements are now a key part of our curriculum and complement the work done in the classroom." John Kear, Metro Safety and Training Standards Manager, added: "We are delighted to be able to help local students wanting to learn more about working life and Megan has been a great asset during her time with us." Stuart Shackleton, Skills Advisor with Access, said: "This is a fantastic programme which not only provides the students with a universally recognised qualification but allows them to get in depth experience of the type of work they have chosen to do when they leave education. This provides them with a platform not only to find employment but also to further vocational learning such as an apprenticeship." The real apprentice! tag:www.gatesheadcollective.co.uk,2009://1.41 2009-06-16T15:25:33Z 2009-06-16T15:27:39Z

Just two days after Sir Alan Sugar hired Yasmina Siadatan as his new apprentice, he came face to face with the real thing when he met an Access apprentice at a major event in Gateshead. Sir Alan is heading up...

David Leahy Just two days after Sir Alan Sugar hired Yasmina Siadatan as his new apprentice, he came face to face with the real thing when he met an Access apprentice at a major event in Gateshead. Sir Alan is heading up the national publicity campaign for apprenticeships and was in Gateshead to host the last of 4 national employer events to herald the launch of the National Apprenticeship Service. 16 year old Jade Bruce was one of three apprentices from across the region selected to meet Sir Alan and government ministers, and to answer questions from some of the 300 businesses present at the event, held at Gateshead's Lancastrian Suite. Sir Alan and Under Secretary of State Lord Young both said how impressed they had been with the apprentices they had met, and commented particularly about Jade's background as a Young Apprentice, gaining valuable experience from the age of 14 through the programme delivered by Access, ITEC North East and Kingsmeadow School. Jade, and her employer Laura Fox from Rok Build, impressed everyone so much that they were snapped up for interviews with the press and both featured on BBC and ITV local news later that night. Managing Director of Access Malcolm Armstrong added "we welcome the launch of the National Apprenticeship Service and were pleased to be part of this event. Jade and her employer did an excellent job in explaining the benefits of apprenticeships to those present and then again through the press interviews. It was plain to see how much Jade has developed in the last few years - what confidence and such great communication skills in somebody so young!" For more information about apprenticeships visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk or contact the Access Business Solutions team on 0191 490 4651 Do you want to Progress? tag:www.gatesheadcollective.co.uk,2009://1.39 2009-03-04T13:22:01Z 2009-03-04T13:29:00Z

Are you interested in an opportunity to prepare for an Apprenticeship programme in Administration, IT or Customer Service? Make the most of your time and skills with the Progress 2 Course....

David Leahy Are you interested in an opportunity to prepare for an Apprenticeship programme in Administration, IT or Customer Service? Make the most of your time and skills with the Progress 2 Course. ]]> The Progress 2 Course lasts up to 12 weeks, with the opportunity to progress onto a full Apprenticeship programme with Access or ITEC (and other options available). • You may stay up to 12 weeks working on developing your IT and administration skills and preparing for work and a full apprenticeship. • You may only be us a few days/weeks before you start work full or part time. The Progress 2 Course will see you attend the Gateshead Skills Academy for 3 days per week rising to 5, including time you spend on placement with an employer gaining work experience. • Attendance is from Monday to Wednesday approximately 9.30am to 4pm. • Lunch is 12 to 1pm, with mid morning and afternoon breaks. • Punctuality and attendance are very important. • Time spent gaining experience with an employer will be 1 to 2 days (increasing as your experience grows). This will commence when a suitable placement has been found. The Progress 2 Course will help you improve your IT Skills, including word processing, spreadsheets etc. • An opportunity to analyse your IT skills. • Increase your use of word processing to improve n accuracy and speed. • Working on spreadsheets, internet, e-mail, Outlook, Publisher etc. The Progress Course 2 will help you develop your practical office/administration skills including: • Filing • Telephone Skills • Business documents • Office equipment • Planning work • Other admin related tasks The Progress 2 Course will help you to improve your skills and knowledge in: • Communication • Team work • Interviewing • Health and Safety • Equality and Diversity • Literacy and Numeracy • Employability Skills Participants of Progress 2 will receive travel expenses and Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) paid into your bank account. • Travel expenses for every day you attend Progress 2 and are on placement with an employer. Opportunities for Progression 2: • Full Apprenticeship with either Access or ITEC either employed on minimum wage or short term placement, still receiving EMA. • Full or part time college course with Gateshead College. • Full or part time work, without working towards a qualification. • Transfer to another Training Provider for a different occupational area. • Advice from Connexions on other options available. • Entry to Employment (E2E) course to establish next steps. If you are interested in joining the Progress 2 Course please contact 0191 490 4640. tag:www.gatesheadcollective.co.uk,2009://1.38 2009-02-27T11:57:08Z 2009-02-27T12:01:06Z

Gateshead Get Up and Go ! – 10am to 3pm Saturday 28th March 2009 • Leaving school or college this summer? • Hoping to earn and learn through an Apprenticeship or Work Based learning programme. • Interested in finding out...

David Leahy Gateshead Get Up and Go ! – 10am to 3pm Saturday 28th March 2009 • Leaving school or college this summer? • Hoping to earn and learn through an Apprenticeship or Work Based learning programme. • Interested in finding out more about local learning opportunities and not sure about which direction to take? Get Up and Go! Is a great chance for you (and your parents and carers to sit down and talk things through with people who actually offer Apprenticeships and other Work Based Learning opportunities in your area – and they’re recruiting people like you right now. Come along and find out about the type of work available, the money on offer, the qualifications and what it’s really like to earn and learn. Training providers from the Gateshead Collective offering a variety of opportunities in Business Administration, Construction, Engineering, Hairdressing, ICT, Retail and Motor Vehicle Trades will be available throughout the event. Connexions personal Advisers will also be there to offer advice and information to help you plan for your future! Interested? Just Get Up and Go! to: Gateshead Skills Academy, 8th Avenue, Kingsway, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0JL. To find out more please contact 0191 490 4640 MEDICAL CENTRE ENDORSES ADULT APPRENTICESHIPS tag:www.gatesheadcollective.co.uk,2009://1.37 2009-02-13T14:41:51Z 2009-02-13T14:46:00Z

With limited funding Carolyn Power, Human Resources Manager at Seaton Park Medical Group in Ashington, welcomed an approach by ITEC to train staff through government funded Adult Apprenticeships. Facing the challenge of merging two local GP practices, structured vocational training...

David Leahy With limited funding Carolyn Power, Human Resources Manager at Seaton Park Medical Group in Ashington, welcomed an approach by ITEC to train staff through government funded Adult Apprenticeships. Facing the challenge of merging two local GP practices, structured vocational training is an excellent opportunity to give her team positive focus, working together for mutual gain and individual achievement for their Level 2 NVQ’s. Staff responsible for reception and prescriptions are studying Customer Service, whilst administrative and medicine management staff are studying Business & Administration. The practice benefits from a member of staff who as an assessor has given invaluable help overcoming initial teething problems, scheduling visits into an established weekly time-slot for staff training and development allowing ITEC’s assessor Mike Holmes, to meet with 15 candidates. Carolyn was delighted as a training practice for GP’s and clinical staff to be able to offer non-clinical staff the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications that were totally relevant to their day-to-day responsibilities. “It’s proving a huge benefit for the practice that staff remain in the workplace and are all able to work at their own pace.” An additional benefit of bonus payments to not only the staff, but also the practice will enable additional future investment into the training budget upon successful completion of each qualification. New Premises tag:www.gatesheadcollective.co.uk,2009://1.35 2009-01-19T09:56:00Z 2009-01-19T10:14:18Z

We are proud to announce that the Collective has moved. With support from the LSC and single programme funding through the Tyne Wear Partnership, the Collective and four of our partner organisations - Access, ITEC North East, Gateshead College WBL...

With support from the LSC and single programme funding through the Tyne Wear Partnership, the Collective and four of our partner organisations - Access, ITEC North East, Gateshead College WBL Unit and Neeta Limited, have co-lated to the new Skills Academy on Kingsway, Team Valley Gateshead. The multi million pound site also houses the Gateshead Education Improvement partnership 14-16 Skills and Enterprise Centre. Our new home includes training and conference facilities, which will enhance our service to learners, employers and partners. The Skills Academy was officially opened by Mr George Lobel on 22 October 2008. Our new contact details are: The Collective Gateshead Skills Academy 8th Avenue Kingsway Gateshead NE11 0JL Telephone: 0191 490 4640]]> Chairman's Report 2008 tag:www.gatesheadcollective.co.uk,2008://1.34 2008-10-01T07:36:38Z 2008-10-01T07:41:18Z

Report from Malcolm Armstrong, Chairman, Gateshead Collective for Vocational Learning. Download Report (1.2MB)...

Download Report (1.2MB) ]]> The Collective has a new home! tag:www.gatesheadcollective.co.uk,2008://1.30 2008-06-20T10:17:30Z 2008-06-20T10:24:12Z

We are proud to announce that from 30 June 2008 the Collective will have a new home! With support from the LSC and single programme funding through the Tyne Wear Partnership, the Collective and four of our partner organisations – Access, ITEC North East, Gateshead College WBL Unit and Neeta Ltd, will co-locate to the new Skills Academy on Kingsway, Team Valley Gateshead. The multi million pound site will also house the Gateshead Education Improvement partnership 14-16 Skills and Enterprise Centre. Our new home includes training and conference facilities, which will enhance our service to learners, employers and partners. An official launch of the Skills Academy is planned in the autumn. ]]> Our new contact details are: The Collective Gateshead Skills Academy 8th Avenue Kingsway Gateshead NE11 0SX Tel: 0191 490 4640 Fax: 0191 490 4642 T & G Allan Trains To gain tag:www.gatesheadcollective.co.uk,2008://1.32 2008-06-19T15:43:00Z 2008-07-24T15:46:58Z

One of the region’s longest established and most successful retailers is sold on training which it believes is supporting business development in an increasingly competitive market place. T & G Allan, which this year celebrates its 150th anniversary, is taking advantage of the Train to Gain service which is being promoted as part of a government’s drive to improve the skills of the UK’s workforce. With grants on offer to help meet costs, the company has called in Access Training to deliver pilot programmes in customer care and team leadership for 19 staff at its stores in Whitley Bay and Morpeth. The results will determine whether the stationery and gifts retailer signs up to extend the programme to its 32 branches of The Pen Shop. This is Europe's largest chain of writing instrument stores which are spread throughout the UK and one of only two pen shop chains in the world. Operations manager, Keith Gilfillan, commented: “I have always been an advocate of training in the workplace having headed up staff training at a major department store, so I know the benefits it can deliver. “I think we are already beginning to see improvements in our team working and customer services and I know that our team leaders and managers are very impressed by what they have discovered. I have no doubt everyone has a better understanding of the business and their role within it.” Malcolm Armstrong, Managing Director of Access Training added: “It’s great to see such a long established company moving with the times and developing its people to work in today’s fast changing business environment. I’m sure this has contributed to the success of the business over the years and continues to do so. Access Training provides excellence in vocational learning, encouraging individual career development to support North East employers. Specialising in work based training it provides, in partnership with ITEC North East and Gateshead College, the only Centre of Vocational Excellence for Business and Management in the region. It has helped over 4,000 young people into employment. Train to Gain is a service jointly funded in the North East by the LSC and One NorthEast and is designed to help businesses get the training they need to succeed. The cornerstone of Train to Gain is a skills brokerage service which includes free impartial advice and help in finding the best training to meet business needs and improve skills. The service offers impartial advice and matches training needs to local learning providers, to ensure that flexible, responsive training programmes are delivered to meet employers’ needs. A core element of Train to Gain is the access to appropriate funding of Skills for Life, first Level 2 NVQs, Level 3 NVQs and Management and Leadership learning opportunities. Adult Apprenticeships tag:www.gatesheadcollective.co.uk,2008://1.31 2008-06-13T10:21:24Z 2008-06-20T10:23:15Z

Building on the success of Apprenticeships for 16-24 year olds, Apprenticeship opportunities for people aged 25+ have recently been introduced. The LSC funded programme operates in specific regions in the UK at present, one of which is the North East. The Adult Apprenticeships include the following elements: • An appropriate NVQ at either Level 2 or Level 3 • Key Skills qualifications in Application of Number and Communication. • A Technical Certificate The programme can be used in two ways by: • upgrading an already achieved NVQ to a full Apprenticeship, or • completing another NVQ qualification plus the Key Skills/Technical Certificate to obtain a full Apprenticeship. Your next step For further information about Adult Apprenticeships telephone us on 0191 492 4640 or email us at info@gatesheadcollective.co. The Collective has a new partner! tag:www.gatesheadcollective.co.uk,2008://1.29 2008-06-10T10:12:14Z 2008-06-20T10:15:38Z

As well as a new home, we are also pleased to announce that Van Hee has become the eighth partner of the Collective. The Collective welcome Van Hee, who for who over 20 years has been engaged in the training,...

Visit the Van Hee website ]]> TDR Launch New Website tag:www.gatesheadcollective.co.uk,2008://1.28 2008-06-06T13:13:55Z 2008-06-06T13:17:55Z

Collective partners TDR Training have recently launched a new look website. The site allows user commenting, has newsfeed and multimedia content and keeps you bang up to date with TDR activities and initiatives. The site was developed on their...