Access Training

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 our latest newsletter please click on the link below:

Newsletter Edition 12

Step Forward the Real Apprentices!

2009-06-12T09:57:55Z
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 one of Access' own apprentices at a major event in Gateshead. Sir Alan, who is heading up the national publicity campaign for Apprenticeships, 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 met. Both 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 evening. Managing Director at Access, Malcolm Armstrong added, "We welcome the launch of the National Apprenticeship Service and were pleased to take part in the event. Jade and her employer did an excellent job in explaining the benefits of Apprenticeships to those present and then again through 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.co.uk or contact one of our Business Solutions team on 0191 490 4651/2. Photo: Hosting the Seminar in Gateshead, Sir Alan Sugar is joined by Iain Wright MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, apprentice, Jade Bruce and her employer at Rok Build, Laura Fox and Business Solutions Consultant at Access, Mel Taylor.

Psst... Access Trains Sunderland Librarians

2009-05-25T07:44:17Z
Sunderland City Library staff can hardly keep quiet about a new training programme which is really giving the service something to shout about. A training programme in providing high quality advice and guidance, being provided by local training company Access, marks a new chapter in the library's drive to improve customer service. Skills Advisers from Gateshead based Access are currently helping 10 library staff to perfect their customer service skills through NVQ accredited work based learning and apprenticeship programmes. And there are plans to roll out the programme to all staff, making all of Sunderland City Libraries an even more customer friendly zone. Denise Shields, Sunderland City Libraries, Library Development and Projects Officer said, "We have had a really good reaction from our staff about the training. We like to think of it as a natural extension of their job as it gives them the opportunity to give our customers an enhanced service. We decided to use Access because of its good reputation and from the start the training has gone extremely well." Increasingly called upon to deliver advice and guidance training to the service sector, Access can also open doors to funding packages to help support the programmes which can extend up to NVQ level 4. Christine Scott, Operations Director with Access said, "We are looking forward to helping City of Sunderland Libraries to become a leader in the way it delivers services to its customers. Library staff are called upon to provide advice and guidance on a wide range of topics extending well beyond the traditional book related enquiries. The work based training programmes will enhance and accredit the well developed skills already demonstrated by library staff." Photo: Geoff Dunn and Sharon Laidler have recently started Advice and Guidance qualifications, pictured with Denise Shields, Development and Projects Officer for Sunderland City Libraries.

Metro gets Megan's Career on Track

2009-05-08T18:01:09Z
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 twelve 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 that I would enjoy an administrative job and I am taking a business course at school. 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 Service, while on a weekly work placement. Each student is interviewed before being allocated a placement with local businesses which, as well as the Metro, include the Marriott Hotel, Rok Engineering, Arco and Llyods TSB. Claire Rainbow, Head of the Vocational Business Deapartment 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." Stewart Shackleton, Skills Adviser 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." Photo: Megan's training programme gets the green signal from (l-r) Stewart and John.

Award Winning Deborah is Going Far

2009-05-08T17:37:22Z
Accountant Deborah Lillie is number one after scooping a regional training award and being promoted to a new job within her employer's new venture. The 22 year old from Lobley Hill, Gateshead beat 300 other trainees to be crowned Personal Achiever of the Year by Access, for the commitment and dedication she showed during her Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) course. And soon afterwards she was offered the post of Assistant Accountant with Hays Beds - the company's new bed bank which will supply its distribution channels with its own accomodation only product. The fast expanding, Sunderland based travel firm also recently bought out the property rights of Freedom Direct Holidays Ltd. - after it had called in the receivers - and took on nearly all of the 109 workers who had lost their jobs. Hays now employs 800 staff. Deborah joined the company as an Apprentice three years ago and is now planning to study for Chartered Institute of Accountants qualifications. She was nominated for the award by her Manager and said, "I've worked really hard over the past three years in the foreign exchange team, as well as with Access, but I never expected to win this award. I'm over the moon and I'm sure it helped me to secure the new post." Katie Woods-Ruddick, Training Manager with Hays North East, added, "We're delighted with Deborah and very pleased with our relationship with Access. We get great support from them and the learners progress well. It is a fantastic way for them to develop as they get the academic knowledge by studying coupled with hands on experience at work." Access Skills Adviser, Steve Beavis, said, "Deborah has been one of our training stars and thoroughly deserves the award. I'm pleased the training support we've provided to Hays has been so effective." Photo: Award Winner, Deborah Lillie with Access Skills Adviser, Steve Beavis.