Access Training

Focusing On Improving

2010-07-08T09:20:27Z

We are currently undertaking a review of our website to ensure it continues to remain fit for purpose.

An integral part of this review has been the feedback obtained from a cross-section of learners at two focus groups which took place in April this year.

The first focus group was kindly hosted by Peacocks Medical Group at their Newcastle premises and was attended by 17 Peacock's staff on work-based training programmes with Access.

The other focus group was held at Access and we had learners attending from Jowett's, NJM Roofing and NEETA.

A big THANK YOU to all those who gave up their time to take part. ]]>

Reduce the amount of text Provide more downloadable documents Include more links to other organisations We are incorporating all of these suggestions into the revised site along with other changes to improve navigation and the comments sections. We are always pleased to receive feedback at any time on the website or indeed any aspect of our service. Please feel free to contact us either by leaving a comment on the site or contacting us by phone or e-mail

Brushing up on performance

2010-06-15T08:51:14Z

Photograph left to right: Francesca Tones, Jackie Howett (Account Co-ordinator, Geka) and Suzanne Miller (Skills Adviser, Access)

A North East based cosmetic brush manufacturer is made up with a specialist training programme which is improving team performance. Geka, which operates from Stanley in County Durham, called in Access to support its long established apprenticeship programme. In addition to the traditional apprenticeships the company also set up a mentoring programme to support its learners.

Francesca Tones, 19 and from Tantobie, has been with Geka for just over a year and is the company's first commercial apprentice - working towards a Business Administration qualification. As well as the support of her Access Skills Adviser, she receives guidance from a number of mentors who guide her throughout the course. ]]>

Francesca's current mentor decided that she too could benefit from Access's specialist training. Jackie Howcroft, Account Co-ordinator for Geka, took a short course in Supporting Learners and Mentoring in the Workplace at the advice of her manager.

It helped her to better understand her role and responsibilities as a mentor to a young apprentice. She said: "I'm really glad I took the training. It was really beneficial to me as a mentor because I now know how to give Francesca the best support possible. It has given me more confidence which I will use the next time I mentor a young apprentice.

Melody Taylor, Business Solutions Consultant with Access, commented: "We have been working closely with Geka for some time now and have seen great results. By providing training for both apprentice and mentor we can ensure a productive and fulfilling working relationship, developing the business and increasing productivity. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Geka."

With headquarters in Germany, Geka is one of the world's leading manufacturers of Application systems and plastics packaging for the Cosmetics, Pharmaceutical and Technical industries., working with international companies which market liquid cosmetics such as mascara and eyeliner, liquid eye-shadow, lip gloss and other lip care products. With more than 80 years in the industry, Geka has manufacturing facilities in Germany, the UK and the United States, employing more than 700 people.

Newsletter - Issue 13

2010-04-12T13:39:54Z

We are pleased to announce that Issue 13 of our Newsletter is now available (please click on the link below to download a copy). The Newsletter contains information on what's been happening at Access in the past few months including some exciting new initiatives available for employers and learners. Please contact us if you would like to receive a printed copy of the Newsletter. Newsletter Edition 13 March 2010

Access takes top award

2010-03-16T11:12:31Z

Access Managing Director, Malcolm Armstrong being presented with the TQS plaque by BE-NE Chief Executive Alastair MacColl

A North East Training provider has joined an elite band of organisations to achieve the coveted Training Quality Standard (TQS). Access is the first independent training provider in Tyne and Wear to gain the award and become recognised as a top provider of high quality, high impact training to employers. They were presented with the award by Alastair MacColl, Chief Executive of Business & Enterprise North East, at their Seaham headquarters. Business & Enterprise North East is charged with helping to transform regional economies by providing efficient, effective and targeted support to new and existing businesses with the emphasis on exceptional customer service. Managing Director, Malcolm Armstrong, commented: "We support the work of BE-NE by ensuring that our training provision is clearly focussed on meeting the needs of individual businesses and through that the regional economy as a whole. It was an extremely challenging process to achieve this award but we're delighted that we can now officially claim to be one of the UK's most effective deliverers of training.]]> "Everyone here has put in a great deal of work to ensure that training programmes through Access really can make a difference to the performance of the businesses we deal with. Being the first independent training provider in Tyne & Wear to achieve this award is tremendous. Our staff can be very proud of their achievements." A large part of the assessment process involved customers being asked to rate Access in terms of likeliness to recommend their services to other employers with 83% of employers rating them 8 out of 10 or higher. The Learning and Skills Council, who developed the assessment framework say of the standard "For training providers it offers a framework to drive improvement and challenge thinking on how best to achieve impact in the employer customers' businesses. It is a mark to which training providers aspire because it is tough to achieve and through it, their performance is what really sets them apart from the competition." Alastair MacColl, chief executive of Business & Enterprise North East (BE-NE), the organisation that manages the Business Link service in the region, said: "Skills training and people development delivers real benefits to businesses, and ultimately the economy. "As an organisation BE-NE is committed to pushing forward the skills agenda in the region, so for a North East training provider to gain recognition in this way is really positive - and I congratulate the team at Access."

Polished Olympic performers

2010-02-23T13:26:08Z

Bespoke Concrete Products Apprentice Matty Rich (centre) gets a little help polishing one of the Olympic waymarkers from Production Manager Martin Kay and Access Business Solutions Consultant Mel Taylor

Concrete job offers have set a group of North East apprentices on the Olympic trail.

All employed at Bespoke Concrete Products, they will be working on projects that include the manufacture of polished concrete waymarkers, benches and special tree planters for the London Olympics.

Flood defence components, products for the building industry and highly polished concrete racking for wine cellars are also challenges being tackled by the expanding, Prudhoe based firm.

]]> Matty Rich, 22, from Throckley and David Smith, 20 from Prudhoe, working in the dry cast section; Dean Bates, 20, from Winlaton, Chris Dodd, 25, from Hexham and Daniel Pickering, 25, from Byker working in the wet cast section and Richard Young, 19, from Prudhoe working in the steel section, are all on a specially tailored Access training programme. One of the region's top training providers, Access was selected to deliver the apprenticeships in Manufacturing Operations and a newly introduced qualification in Industrial Environment Awareness because of the expertise, flexibility and responsiveness it could offer. Matty, a former professional ice hockey player in Canada and with the Newcastle Vipers, until injury cut short his career, said of his new opportunity: "Although we have just started we have been made to feel part of the set up very quickly "There is a buddying system so each of us is working with someone with experience in the industry and at the company. This is helping us to learn the ropes quickly and we're all really looking forward to the apprenticeship programme." Martin Kay, Production Controller at Bespoke Concrete Products, added: "As we expand into new, more specialist markets, we needed to increase our staff and felt apprenticeships offered the best opportunity to do that as we can train the lads in the methods and techniques required. "Working with Sunderland University and Business Link we're researching and developing some eco projects to produce much more environmentally friendly concrete products by using recycled raw materials such as glass and ash from power stations. It's all designed to reduce the carbon footprint." The company has also been involved in several other high profile projects such as the Newcastle Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the Benedict Building in Sunderland and the refurbishment of the Hancock - now Great North - Museum. Mel Taylor, Business Solutions Consultant with Access, commented: "We are delighted to have secured this new contract and look forward to helping Bespoke Concrete Products develop its workforce and expand into new business areas. "We worked closely with the company to develop a training programme which best meets its needs and this project demonstrates perfectly how investment in the right training can help a business to develop and grow." Irene Liddle, of Maia HR Solutions, has advised Bespoke Concrete Products throughout the recruitment process and training provider selection.

A well judged apprenticeship

2010-02-09T10:54:46Z

A management trainee who feared her learning wasted when her training provider went into administration is back on the career ladder thanks to Access Apprenticeships. Michelle Cook, 23 and from Seaton Delaval was six months into a team leading apprenticeship when the recession claimed her training provider. Her prospects looked bleak until Access stepped in, arranging for her to pick up her training and continue working with David Gray Solicitors. . ]]> Now she is working to complete her Advanced Apprenticeship in Management and says: "Access has been really good. They allowed me to carry on with my training and have helped me understand the work I am doing. David Gray Solicitors has also been fantastic and I am really enjoying my work." Alongside her Advanced Apprenticeship Michelle has taken an Access short course in Assertiveness that has left her more confident in her people skills. Newcastle based David Gray Solicitors was set up in 1979 and has grown to become one of the largest law firms in the North East. The majority of its administration and management training is now done through Access. Several members of their staff have now completed their training with Access, with more to continue in the next year. As part of her training Michelle is visited every three weeks by her Skills Adviser who provides one to one coaching and training. Michelle provides evidence of her work, to demonstrate how she has completed tasks and overcome challenges. Michelle's Skills Adviser at Access, Sue Tomlinson said: "Michelle has done really well, especially considering the issues she had when her previous training provider went into administration. She works very hard and David Gray Solicitors are very pleased, for them, the positive business benefits are very clear. Her Advanced Apprenticeship and Assertiveness course have provided her with the skills necessary to embark on a successful career." The law firm also takes part in Access' Young Apprentice Programme. They regularly host a placement for pupils currently working towards a Level 1NVQ in Business and Administration, providing work experience and guidance. Christine Carpenter Practice Support Manger at David Gray Solicitors said: "Michelle is a valued, intelligent and hard working member of the administration team. She is keen to acquire new skills that will help within her job role, now and in the future and develop her existing ones. The apprenticeship programme is helping Michelle achieve these goals."

Apprenticeship Week 2010

2010-02-01T13:03:16Z

Apprenticeship Week will take place from Monday 1 February to Friday 5 February 2010. The Week, which is organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), will celebrate the talents and skills of apprentices. It will see apprentices, employers, providers and all those involved with Apprenticeships programmes come together to celebrate the value of Apprenticeships Business Benefits of Apprenticeships Earlier research, conducted 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 • Over three-quarters of respondents expect apprenticeships to play a bigger part in their recruitment policy in the future. Please go to http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk for more information on Apprenticeship Week 2010

Apprenticeship Grant

2010-01-25T11:06:54Z

The National Apprenticeship Service is providing up to 5000 Apprenticeship Grants of £2500 to encourage employers to take on unemployed 16-17 year olds as apprentices. The £2500 grant is available until the end of March 2010 with small and medium sized businesses eligible to apply. The grant is in addition to the costs of training which are already met by the National Apprenticeship Service. Contact Melody or Valerie (0191 4904651/2) who will be happy to discuss your requirements and provide further information on how to access the grant.

National Learner Survey

2010-01-04T08:00:00Z

Having recently carried out our own learner survey we are now asking learners to take part in a national learner survey undertaken by the LSC. This survey captures the views of learners at colleges and training providers. Scores will be published nationally so that potential learners and employers can compare training providers based on learners' experiences. We would greatly appreciate your support in taking the time to complete the online Learner Views Survey - it should only take 3 or 4 minutes of your time. For the survey results to be valid we need over an 80% response rate, so your participation is really important to Access. Letters have been sent to all learners with details of how to access the survey and Skills Advisers will also be able to assist you if any further help is required. To encourage completion of the survey we will enter those who participate in a draw to win a £150 gift voucher - the winner will be announced via our website in February. Thank you for your support.

Access Learner Survey 2009 Prize Draw Winner

2009-12-07T10:05:33Z

Thank you to everyone who took part in out 2009 Learner Survey.

120 surveys were returned and the average satisfaction levels were very high. Scores for the 15 questions ranged from 8.7 out of 10 to 9.62 out of 10. We also received some brilliant comments and useful suggestions on how we can improve.

Lauren McConnell from Parker Domnic Hunter was the winner of our Learner Survey prize draw and was presented with £150 of Metrocentre vouchers by our Operations Director, Christine Scott at the beginning of December.

A summary of the Learner Survey results can be viewed at Access Learner Survey 2009 feedback and is also available from Skills Advisers. This highlights what learners like, what they think could be improved and the steps we are taking to introduce changes in response to your feedback.

Thank you again to those who took part - your feedback really does make a difference!

Proposal a bridal shop boss couldn't refuse

2009-10-12T10:00:41Z

When bridal shop owner Wendy Coles received a proposal to become engaged in training designed to boost her business performance, she had no hesitation in saying "I will!"

And as the anniversary of working with Access approaches, she has no regrets about tying the knot with the training provider to improve further the customer care provided to clients at her store in Monkseaton.

Wendy is one of an increasing number of Access clients taking up Advice and Guidance NVQ training and she says: "The course is great and I'm really enjoying it. Because my whole business revolves around advising people for one of the biggest days of their lives, the training couldn't be better suited.

Stewart Shackleton and Wendy Coles

]]> "I've been running my business for nine and a half years now but I think it's important to be open to new ideas and I'm very excited about what I've learned and receiving my NVQ Level 2 qualification later in the year.

And the training is already paying off. In a module designed to develop Wendy's presentation and delivery skills, she was set the task of using visual aids to help communicate with customers.

Opting for a presentation demonstrating the variations between high street dress sizes and the measurements used for wedding dresses, she gained top marks and now uses the presentation to train her own employees in how to guide customers to make the right size selections.

Access contacted Wendy by phone to propose the training course and she added: "I needed to make sure that time spent not working is both cost and time effective and this certainly is. The Access tutor who visits me is very professional, friendly and flexible and he understands if I need to reschedule at the last minute because of business commitments."

Skills advisor tutor for Access Training, Stewart Shackleton, said: "Wendy is one of my best students and I'm confident she'll achieve her NVQ Level 2 in Advice and Guidance. We've tailored the training programme to suit a bridal shop and to accommodate the changing requirements of a self employed business woman, both of which have worked tremendously well."

Established in 1989, Access Training has become one of the biggest training providers in the North East. Malcolm Armstrong, Managing Director of Access said: "We can tailor our training to meet a variety of business industries but bridal customer service was quite unusual. With Access, no job is too big or too small and we hope that Wendy and her business benefit from our bespoke accredited training."

Baltic apprentice warms to new role

2009-10-10T10:34:39Z

Baltic Publications apprentice Ashley Heir is warming to the idea of working with numbers after her training advisor suggested a change of career direction.

Far from being all at sea, the 18-year-old from Gateshead has found that adding to her skills portfolio is opening up new work based opportunities.

Having been found a business administration position with the publisher by her trainers - Access - last year, Ashley has now been persuaded to move on to an apprentice accountant's position.

After helping Ashley to achieve NVQ Level 2 in Business Admin, Baltic Publications has brought in Access once again to ensure their able apprentice passes her level 3 AAT accountancy course.

She said: "Access has been very supportive throughout both courses. I have never studied accounting before so I was hesitant at first but I enjoy a challenge and believe it will be a good career path for the future." "My new accounting skill's advisor has always been on hand to help and we meet regularly to check my progress, making my transition into accounting so much easier."

The printing house, located at the Baltic Business Centre, has been in business since 2002 and is responsible for the publication of a number of business, career and sport related magazines.

Baltic Publications' Accounts Manager Phillipa Mullen is delighted with her new apprentice's hard work, noting her competency for the role and mature attitude. She commented: "We decided to move Ashley to accounts as we thought it would be a more challenging position where she could reach her full potential. We've used Access a number of times and couldn't think of anyone better to train her."

Customer service staff hit the high notes at The Sage Gateshead

2009-07-20T08:59:34Z

The Customer Service Team at The Sage Gateshead is hitting the high notes after enrolling on a training programme. Seven staff enrolled on a Customer Service programme designed to perfect their skills through NVQ accredited work-based learning and apprenticeship programmes. The programme is being delivered through a unique partnership between local training provider Access and the Sage Gateshead's own Customer Service management team. The iconic music centre, located on Gateshead Quays, were keen to endorse the key skills of their front of house staff, encouraging them to go the extra mile for visitors and create a positive and welcoming image of The Sage Gateshead. ]]>
Left to right: Amy Bradley, Margaret McCallum, Catherine Hymers and Wendy Cook
The course, which is funded by the Learning and Skills Council, has been designed to enhance and accredit the well-developed customer focus already demonstrated by the Customer Service Team. The programme includes specific modules relating to an arts venue-based role which has made it a hit with the Sage Gateshead staff. The Sage Gateshead also runs an ongoing extensive in-house training programme for the (almost 200) members of its Customer Service Team. This training covers a wide range of topics including stewarding performances, leading tours and school visits, manual handling, operating access equipment, silver service, selling tickets, bar work, health and safety, selling merchandise and first aid, to name just a few. Margaret McCallum is one of the employees enrolled on the course. She said: "I'm really enjoying the training and feel like I'm learning valuable skills to better equip me in my role". Catherine Hymers, Head of Customer Services at The Sage Gateshead, added: "We believe in investing in our staff and as well as our in-house bespoke training we were pleased to give our staff the opportunity to try new things through working with external training companies. We want our employees to be happy and confident in what they do and we felt that NVQs were the perfect way to make this happen." Malcolm Armstrong, Managing Director of Access added "this is an excellent example a company using work based learning and apprenticeships alongside their own in house programmes to create a bespoke accredited training programme. The Sage Gateshead is to be commended for their imagination, and commitment to staff training. We are pleased to be working in partnership with them to develop such a unique programme"

Equality and Diversity

2009-07-01T11:27:25Z

To download our latest brochure, please click on the link below

Equality and Diversity Employers :

Equality and Diversity Young People:

2009-07-01T11:13:15Z

If you would like to see the previous edition please click on the link below:

Newsletter Edition 12