Search Results for “Level 5” – ��ý Training

From learners to members of staff at ��ý

milliereeves — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:07:36 +0000

While everyone plays an important role within ��ý, few can boast once being a learner within the organisation before becoming a member of staff. These employees have a unique perspective on the business and a deeper understanding of the learner journey.��

We spoke to three staff members about this unique journey.��

Engagement Tutor, Callum Taylor, finished sixth form and decided he didn’t want to go to university. He wanted a job instead.��

“After a few weeks of applying for jobs, I wasn’t really getting anywhere so I went to Careers Wales and they referred me to ��ý.” Callum explained. “I did a level 1 ��ý course and after a few months, I was put on placement in Hadfield Road as a teaching assistant. I must’ve done alright, because a few months later I was offered a job.”��

Despite this, teaching wasn’t the first path that came to Callum at ��ý. “��ý initially sourced me an admin placement, which I did for a few months,” he recalled. “But it didn’t feel like the right fit for me.” Unsure of his next steps, he returned to the centre to explore other options. That’s when his tutor suggested a placement as a teaching assistant. “I decided to give it a try, and I really enjoyed it. It helped me realise that I was better suited for a role in teaching or training than in admin.”��

This experience set him on a new route. His time as a learner at ��ý taught him much more than technical skills – it gave him the knowledge he needed professionally. “I learned how to apply for jobs, present myself in interviews, and become more employable,” he explained. Beyond the practical lessons, he also gained personal insight through wellbeing sessions. “Those sessions helped me think more critically about a lot of issues and prepared me for the challenges of my work placement.”��

His placement as a teaching assistant at Hadfield Road lasted about three months, and it became a turning point in his career. “As the placement was coming to an end, the centre manager took me aside and asked if I’d be interested in turning it into a job.”��

Callum accepted the offer, initially working as a general classroom assistant. About a year later, he transitioned into his current role as an engagement tutor.��

Now, as a learning coach, his role focuses on supporting learners’ wellbeing, but it spans multiple areas. “I deliver wellbeing sessions, have one-on-one chats with learners who might be struggling, and even handle a fair amount of admin,” he said. “It’s a bit of everything, but the most rewarding part is working directly with the learners and seeing their development during their time on programme.”��

However, the transition from learner to staff wasn’t without its challenges. “At first, it was difficult because some of the learners I worked with were people I’d been friendly with as a fellow learner,” he admitted. “But over time, as I gained experience and those learners moved on, it became easier. I’ll never forget my first Christmas party, seeing the staff I worked with as a learner really let their hair down — it was such a different side to them!”��

Looking back, he believes his experiences as a learner have profoundly shaped his approach to his role. “I have so much empathy for our learners because I understand what they’re going through,” he said. “For many of them, we’re not their main priority— they’ve got other challenges in their lives. It’s important not to take it personally when they don’t prioritise their learning.”��

His journey from learner to staff member has also given him a unique perspective on ��ý as a whole.

“I’ve seen how ��ý works from both sides, and that’s given me a deeper understanding of the learner journey. It’s incredibly rewarding to now be part of that journey for others, helping them navigate their challenges and grow, just as I did.”��

At 17, life after school felt uncertain for Learner Outreach Worker Nazma Hassan. Disengaged and unsure of what career path to pursue, she found herself at a crossroads. “I wasn’t sure what to do,” she said. “But then I met with Careers Wales, and they introduced me to apprenticeship pathways with ��ý. It really clicked with me because I’m a practical learner who thrives on-the-job.”��

What made ��ý stand out wasn’t just its practical approach, but also the sense of independence it fostered. “I loved that ��ý didn’t feel like school. That freedom motivated me to stay engaged with my course.”��

Nazma chose to pursue a Business Administration course, seeing potential for growth in the field. A placement in ��ý’s Health & Safety department marked the beginning of her journey. “That’s where it all started,” she said. “I completed my Level 1 Business Admin and had the opportunity to progress to an apprenticeship, where I earned my Level 2 and 3 Business Admin qualifications. I then transitioned to the Data Administration team.”��

Her career goals evolved along the way. “When I first joined ��ý, I thought I wanted to be a teacher. But after some work placement experience, I realised it wasn’t for me. I was lucky to figure this out early and pivot toward something that felt like a better fit.”��

Through her time learning with ��ý, Nazma gained not just technical skills but also personal resilience. “One of the biggest lessons I learned was how to face challenges head-on and boost my confidence. If something didn’t work out, I found alternatives or sought support from my tutors. I became more independent and ambitious, even when some friends started to disengage from the course. I didn’t let that affect my own progression.”��

Her commitment paid off. After completing her Level 1 Business Admin, her line manager saw her potential and recommended her for an apprenticeship role within ��ý. “I went through the interview process with HR and was thrilled to be offered the position,” she said.��

For the next 14 years, she thrived as a Data Administrator. Her role encompassed everything from processing learner payments and managing data entry to auditing and reception duties. But her journey didn’t stop there. “Over a year ago, new roles were developed within the JGW+ Programme, and I applied for an Outreach Recruitment Worker position. I got the job, and it’s been incredible. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow even further.”��

When a friend suggested to Hadfield Receptionist Jess Stiff that she should join her on a hair and barbering course at ��ý, the thought of enrolling had never crossed her mind. But after touring the centre, she was intrigued.��

“I hadn’t even heard of ��ý before my friend brought it up,” Jess explained, “but once I saw what they offered, I decided to pursue a Level 1 in Animal Care instead, which eventually led to completing my Level 1 Land-Based Studies.”��

Her decision wasn’t random. A deep fascination with wildlife and a strong interest in big cats had shaped her original career goal – to become a zoologist. “I’ve always been fascinated by wildlife,” Jess said. “The idea of working with big cats and studying their behaviours really inspired me.”��

Her time as a learner at ��ý became a period of intense growth, both personally and professionally. The course taught her a wide range of practical and transferable skills, which would prove invaluable in her career. “I developed time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills,” she said. “I also improved my communication and research abilities. On the practical side, I learned basic animal care skills like feeding, watering, health checks, and proper handling techniques. I even got hands-on experience with enclosure maintenance, including choosing the right substrates and enrichment items.”��

The transition from learner to staff member was an unexpected but welcome twist in her journey. “I was still on programme when I was offered a job,” she recalled. “My tutor at the time really helped me prepare for it. Initially, I started as a placement learner, but soon they decided to take me on full-time. Now, I work here.”��

Today, her role at ��ý involves an array of responsibilities. “I handle greeting and welcoming visitors, managing incoming calls and inquiries, as well as overseeing mail and deliveries.��

“There’s also a security aspect to my role, ensuring visitor protocols are followed, and I assist with learners’ certificates. Additionally, I lead tours of the building, giving potential learners insights into our courses and what they entail.”��

Moving from being a learner to becoming part of the staff wasn’t without its challenges. “At first, it was overwhelming,” she admitted. “There was so much to learn and remember. But gradually, I got the hang of things and started to really enjoy it. The environment here is so welcoming and friendly. When I was later transferred to another centre, I felt nervous all over again, but within a week, I settled in and felt comfortable.”��

Her time at ��ý is filled with memories that highlight her growth and adaptability. “One of my favourite moments was being on stage and answering questions from Scott Quinnell about my course and career goals,” she shared. “Another standout experience was working in the café, which gave me valuable skills in a completely different setting.”��

Looking back, she credits her experience as a learner at ��ý for shaping the way she approaches her work today. “It taught me how to work both independently and as part of a team.��

“I’ve become more punctual, confident, and financially responsible. My communication skills have also improved significantly.”��

Hair and Beauty Academy: Changing the way we bring new talent to the sector

milliereeves — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:52:00 +0000

��ý’s newest Jobs Growth Wales + provision, the Hair & Beauty Academy, is setting the stage for the next generation of hair and beauty professionals.��

This cutting-edge facility, located within Cardiff’s Ocean Park House, includes a fully equipped hair studio, a dedicated nail and beauty treatment studio, and multiple classrooms. Together, these spaces are designed to create a real-life salon environment where learners can refine their skills and prepare for successful careers in the industry.��

The H&B Academy recently celebrated its soft launch with a festive gathering of partners and local businesses from related fields. The event offered attendees a sneak peek at the Academy’s facilities and a chance to witness its vision in action. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, setting a promising tone for its official opening.��

To delve deeper into what makes the Hair & Beauty Academy unique, we spoke with Charlotte Sims, the salon’s Delivery Manager, about the vision, goals, and impact of this transformative initiative.��

The Hair and Beauty Academy is a vital part of the JGW+ skills centre. Learners enrolled in hair, beauty and barbering courses through JGW+ will have access to high-quality, industry-standard salons where they can gain experience and insight not only from their tutors but also their peers. Apprenticeship learners, who are further along in their professional journey, will also benefit from fortnightly workshops with their assessors.��

Charlotte emphasised the importance of working in a salon setting for building both confidence and competence: “Our learners start on Entry Level and Level 1 courses,” she said. “Beginning their training in a professional salon environment helps them develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge, making them work-ready.��

“They practice everything from shampooing and blow-drying to nails, facials, makeup, and more. As they progress to salon placements, we work closely with their employers to ensure their training is tailored to meet the needs of the business.”��

What sets the H&B Academy apart is its personable approach to training. The focus is not only on technical skills but also on employability and personal development. “We’ve created a welcoming, supportive environment where learners can relax, make new friends, and build their confidence,” Charlotte explained. “We also emphasise the importance of health and wellbeing, as this directly impacts their success in the workplace.”��

The H&B Academy’s robust support system includes World of Work advisors, learner coaches, counselling services, and Essential Skills development tutors to ensure the underpinning of basic skills like numeracy, communication and digital literacy. These resources ensure that learners are not only developing their craft but also gaining the tools to thrive professionally and personally.��

While the practical setting provides invaluable experience, it also presents challenges. According to Charlotte, building confidence among learners is one of the most significant hurdles: “Sometimes, learners are hesitant to practice their skills on one another,” she said.

“Our tutors play a crucial role in guiding and encouraging them every step of the way.”��

However, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see learners grow and excel,” Charlotte said. “Many of our students come to us after struggling in traditional academic settings. By tapping into their creativity and providing hands-on learning opportunities, we’re often able to unlock their potential. Some have even gone on to own their own salons, barbershops, and beauty businesses.”��

Despite only launching this month, the H&B Academy has ambitious goals for the coming year. It aims to expand its cohort of learners and deepen partnerships with local salons to provide more placement opportunities.��

“We want to work closely with employers to ensure our training aligns with their needs. By doing so, we’re not only supporting our learners but also contributing to the success of local businesses,” Charlotte explained.��

The H&B Academy is also keen to find new talent. For those considering a career in hair and beauty, Charlotte’s advice is simple. She said: “If you’re passionate about this field, don’t be afraid of hard work. Every task you do, no matter how small, contributes to building your future. From arranging product displays to making clients a cup of tea, these moments teach you valuable people skills and business acumen. Most importantly, have fun. Happy, friendly professionals are what clients want to see, so let your passion shine through in everything you do.”��

If you would like to learn more about JGW+ or if you’re an employer looking to offer a placement to a future stylist or beautician, contact us.

��ý amongst most inclusive companies in the UK

milliereeves — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 16:24:16 +0000

��ý has placed 15th in this year’s Top 100 Most Inclusive UK Employers Index by the National Centre for Diversity.

The centre helps companies build friendlier, fairer and more diverse workplaces, with its index celebrating organisations that have nurtured an inclusive culture.

��ý has taken the 15th spot on the list, with its umbrella organisation, Cardiff and Vale College, taking Further Education Provider of the Year and the number two spot overall.

Rebecca Cooper, Head of People and Development at ��ý, said of the achievement: “We are thrilled to be recognised as the 15th most inclusive workplace in the UK, a remarkable achievement that reflects the dedication and hard work of our colleagues across ��ý.

“This honour, awarded by The National Centre for Diversity, marks a significant milestone in our ongoing journey toward fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for both our team and learners.

“While we acknowledge there is still work to be done, we are proud of the progress we’ve made and remain committed to further advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within ��ý.”

Solat Chaudhry, Chief Executive at the National Centre for Diversity added:��“I send my warmest congratulations to ��ý Training on successfully reaching number 15 in the Top 100 Most Inclusive UK Employers Index 2024.

“The inspiring organisations that make the Top 100, demonstrate excellent levels of employee retention and recruitment and clearly demonstrate how they value and respect the people that work for them.

“What better than to be recognised by peers and those travelling in the same direction towards the common goal of Fairness in the workplace. It is hugely motivational.”

The achievement follows a string of recognition for ��ý who recently placed 56th in 100 Best Large Companies to Work for in the UK and 5th Best Education and Training Organisation.

At the time Managing Director, Richard Spear, said: “Staff happiness and engagement is one of ��ý’s strategic aims and is the key to our success.

“��ý goes the extra mile to ensure teams feel supported, empowered and recognised for the incredible work they do every day.

“We have a strong focus on wellbeing and a well-established coaching culture throughout the organisation. This enables staff to come up with their own solutions to problems and they have the freedom and autonomy to do the right thing for learners.”

Earlier this month, ��ý was also shortlisted in the Investors in People Awards for Employer of the Year.

��ý amongst UK’s Best Companies

milliereeves — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:49:48 +0000

��ý has placed amongst the UK’s top employers in this year’s Best Companies league table, retaining its position as one of the best education providers to work for in the country.��

��ý has climbed the list since its placing last year, retaining its place in the top five education and training organisations nationally, and moving to the 56th best large company to work for in the UK, and 11th best in Wales.��

��The Best Companies accreditation recognises small, mid-size, large and big businesses across different regions and sectors nationally, rating them on important factors such as wellbeing, leadership and fair pay. These are tallied using an anonymous survey to staff.��

Head of People and Development at ��ý, Rebecca Cooper, said: “After a challenging year, we’re incredibly proud to have retained our two-star accreditation with Best Companies for outstanding levels of staff engagement, as well as to have secured our place — and even advanced — on the national, regional, and sector-specific Best Companies to Work For lists. ��

This achievement is a testament to the passion and dedication of our entire team — from senior leaders to managers and employees — who continually strive to make ��ý a fantastic place to work.��

“We recognise there’s always room for improvement. This year, we’re committed to investing significant time and resources into analysing our employee engagement data and collaborating with every team at ��ý to develop actionable plans that enhance our workplace culture even further.” ��

��ý Managing Director, Richard Spear, added: “This is a fantastic result for ��ý and, after a year filled with external challenges, truly underscores the strength and resilience of our team. ��

“We’re thrilled to have moved up the top 100 list and are immensely grateful to each member of our staff for making ��ý such a remarkable place to work. ��

“While this is a great achievement, we recognise there is always more we can do. I look forward to working together with all my colleagues to make ��ý an even better place to work and thrive.”��

��ý has been an accredited ‘Outstanding Company to Work For’ with Best Companies for nearly a decade and is dedicated to ensuring it remains a company of choice for people looking for a career in education.��

IEMA: Environmental Sustainability Skills for the Workforce

jamiewilletts1 — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 14:09:50 +0000

This concentrated one-day course provides learners with a practical introduction to environmental sustainability, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, understanding and motivation to make a positive difference within their organisation. This course is perfect for those working in any job role across all sectors, to ensure that environmental sustainability is embedded in to all job roles of a company.��

Internationally renowned businesses such as Arriva, Interserve and Hanson have already reduced their environmental impact and improved their bottom line with Sustainability Skills for the Workforce, book now to rapidly upskill your workforce and increase performance, efficiency, and impact.

Environmental Sustainability Skills for the Workforce is an introductory course which helps your team get to grips with the basics, giving a fundamental awareness of environment and sustainability issues. This is ideal for members of the team who work at an operational level. See improvements in your performance after just one day.��

Level 2 Certificate in Sustainability and the Green Environment

jamiewilletts1 — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 11:29:40 +0000

The certificate is for learners who wish to understand sustainable working practices for a specific job role. It is especially useful for those who have been given responsibility for sustainability within their organisations.��

This qualification is designed for use within land-based industries. It would be particularly useful for those learners who are progressing into the Sustainability Officer/Co-ordinator/Advisor role and those with job roles which have responsibilities for sustainability reviews and planning within businesses and organisations��

To achieve this certificate, learners will attend 4 face-to-face workshops. During these workshops, they will gain knowledge and understanding of sustainability, the environment, climate change, and net-zero. After each workshop, learners will have a break to complete sample assessment papers before sitting their final assessments.��

This short course is a step up from the award and is perfect for organisations that are working towards or have implemented an Environmental Management System, such as ISO14001.��

Investing in sustainable working practices can not only benefit the environment but also your organisation’s bottom line. By implementing sustainable practices, you can save costs on resources, improve your brand image, and even attract more customers who value sustainability.��

‘This course has motivated me far beyond what I expected’

milliereeves — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 09:44:57 +0000

For many, the draw of work-based learning is its flexibility and the ability to gain new skills within work hours. For teaching assistant Karen De Freitas this freedom was essential to fit around her role as a parent.

Karen wanted to upskill but she needed a course to work around her job in a primary school, that’s when she found the Level 3 Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools qualification (STLS) with ��ý.

The qualification provides learners with an enhanced understanding of their roles and responsibilities in an education setting, developing their professionalism, knowledge and confidence in their work with children and colleagues.

“It was a course I could do while working,” Karen explained. “Flexibility was key. I was able to improve my literacy and numeracy skills and enhance my knowledge within the role.”

As well as improving essential skills in the application of numbers and communication, Karen found that the qualification gave her a confidence boost.

“I’m a better teaching assistant than I was before. I am more secure and confident in what I am doing. I no longer feel unqualified.”

Talking about the practicalities of completing a qualification while working, Karen said: “It was great because I was able to work at my own pace and in my own space. The deadlines were achievable.

“My assessor, Charlotte, was wonderful. There were two occasions where I was close to quitting. Nothing to do with the course, but to do with confidence and resilience. When I had my meetings with Charlotte, her encouragement and boosts were a relief and a push for me to finish my course. And I did it.

My employer was also encouraging and helpful. They were great in giving Charlotte a chance to go and assess me at work.”

Despite some hurdles along the way, Karen has the learning bug and has now set her sights on an even bigger challenge.

She said: “This course, my colleagues and Charlotte have motivated me to go far beyond what I expected – as far as wanting to get a degree. I have taken the plunge and I am a university woman now, just waiting to start on the next adventure.”

Asked if she had any words of encouragement for someone on the fence as to whether to take up a course, Karen said: “Do it, it is a wonderful chance to learn new things and get your brain going. If you are a mum like me it is a chance to do something for yourself. You do it in the comfort of your home, with loads of support, and you are never alone in the course.”

If you would like to explore work-based learning options, find out more here.

Nearly all ��ý learners recommend training provider

milliereeves — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 14:22:17 +0000

Wales’ leading training provider, ��ý, has announced outstanding results from its latest Learner Voice Survey, capturing feedback from nearly 5,000 learners.

This survey, a cornerstone of ��ý’s commitment to continuous improvement and learner satisfaction, reveals high levels of student skill development.

This year’s survey saw an upswing in responses, with 4876 submissions across the network of ��ý and its partners, up by more than a thousand from last year (3721).

Within ��ý alone, 1663 gave feedback, up from just over a thousand (1196) last year.

Of that number, 99 per cent said that they felt they were treated fairly and with respect at ��ý.

Other key findings include:

94% of ��ý learners would recommend their courses to others.

86% of learners reported enhanced communication, numeracy, and literacy skills through ��ý’s Essential Skills workshops.

Overall, 96 per cent of learners would positively rate ��ý as a training provider.

Learner Representative, Lily Pandeles, whose key role is to advocate for learners across ��ý’s programmes, was pleased with the initial results.

She said: “It is amazing to see many learners share their thoughts and give us feedback. We want learners to feel empowered throughout their learning journey and to know their voices are important.”

Head of Continuous Improvement Becky Morris leads the Quality department at ��ý. She explained why the survey was so important to the organisation.

“We set up our ��ý Network learner survey with the aim of collecting feedback from learners across ��ý and our partner providers,” she said. “My team analyses the data at a network, provider, departmental and practitioner level to identify what learners feel we do well and where we need to improve.

“This information is a crucial part of our quality assurance processes, and learner voice is one of the most important measures in our self-evaluation process too.

“All of our learners matter, their voice matters, and we value the important role that our learners play in shaping what we do, and how we do it.”

These results affirm ��ý’s dedication to providing high-quality training and support, ensuring that every learner’s experience is positive and enriching. ��ý continues to lead the way in work-based learning, driven by the invaluable feedback and active participation of its learners.

Explore our comprehensive Workplace Wellbeing Courses.

isobelbirkett — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 10:43:51 +0000

Enhance your working environment with our Workplace Wellbeing Training Offer.

Designed to promote mental health, resilience, and overall employee well-being, these courses provide practical strategies and tools for managing stress, building confidence, and improving mental health awareness. Perfect for HR managers, team leaders, and employees at all levels, our wellbeing courses help create a supportive and productive workplace. Enrol today to boost your team’s morale and performance.

Learner lands dream role with help from tutors

milliereeves — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 08:05:31 +0000

Beginning your learning journey can be a nerve-wracking experience, even if you are excited to get stuck in.��

At ��ý we know that undertaking a new course of education, at any level, can be a daunting task, but we offer support to ensure you feel confident and comfortable as you get started.��

Childcare learner, Jasmine Warner, came to our Aberdare Skills centre earlier this year through our Get Ready programme (an initiative designed to ease new learners into a course before they commit to Jobs Growth Wales +).��

Initially, Jasmine was very anxious, having not had a great experience at school and having left education with no formal qualifications. Jasmine thought that ��ý may have more patience and a smaller, quieter class to settle her in. She signed up in the hope of gaining some qualifications and work experience. Jasmine’s dream job was to work with children, but she was unsure if this would ever become a reality.��

Jasmine struggled with her confidence for the first few weeks, something that was quickly picked up by her tutors who then ensured regular check-ins to monitor her progress and assist her in building her confidence and relationships with her peers.��

With time and support Jasmine came into her own and quickly progressed in the programme, moving into a main classroom with a skills tutor by the end of her stint with Get Ready.��

Jasmine pushed herself, progressing a few weeks later to the Advancement strand of her programme and securing a work placement in her dream role within a primary school.��

Talking of Jasmine’s success, Becky Jones, ��ý’s Jobs Growth Wales + Learning Coach, said: “Jasmine has done so well and it is a pleasure to her have in class and in centre. Feedback from placement has also been very positive.”��

Jasmine said: “When I first started at ��ý I was not very confident in myself. However, with the help of the staff, my confidence increased. I feel that I’m a happier person now compared to when I started. This is because of the help that I received from the staff at ��ý and the fact that they believed in me and didn’t let me give up.”��

Search Results for “Level 5” – ����ý Training

From learners to members of staff at ����ý