Access Training

Polished Olympic performers

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:26:08 +0000

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.

A well judged apprenticeship

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:54:46 +0000

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. .

Apprenticeship Week 2010

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:03:16 +0000

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

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:06:54 +0000

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

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0000

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

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:05:33 +0000

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

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:00:41 +0000

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

Baltic apprentice warms to new role

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:34:39 +0000

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

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:59:34 +0000

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.

Equality and Diversity

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:27:25 +0000

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

Equality and Diversity Employers :

Equality and Diversity Young People:

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:13:15 +0000

If you would like to see our latest newsletter please click on the link below:

Newsletter Edition 12

Step Forward the Real Apprentices!

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:57:55 +0000
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

Mon, 25 May 2009 08:44:17 +0000
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

Fri, 08 May 2009 19:01:09 +0000
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

Fri, 08 May 2009 18:37:22 +0000
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.