Access Training

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.

Charity Donations in Lieu of Christmas Cards

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:04:21 +0000

We have decided to make donations to two charities this year in lieu of Christmas Cards. The charities we have chosen are: Great North Air Ambulance and the NSPCC.
Access would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a very happy 2010.

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.

Oooh! Suits you Sir

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:48:17 +0000
If keeping your closet in order is a challenge, spare a thought for Dave Chambers and his team. They are responsible for suiting and booting around 90,000 people a week while managing the ultimate walk-in wardrobe of 350,000 items of clothing. Based at Dewhirst's Hendon depot in Sunderland they receive clothing shipped mainly from the Far East, catalogue and store it and then despatch it to meet orders from retailers around the UK and overseas. With such a responsibility the Warehouse Manager decided some special training was in order to help his 28 strong team supply customers, such as Marks and Spencer, with the latest lines. Access was called in to provide both the NVQ Level 2 and Apprenticeship courses in Warehousing and the results are already evident. As Dave said, "There is no doubt that we have become a more efficient operation, increasing our weekly turnover by about 40%. That's an extra 25,000 items being received or distributed and we've only added two extra members of staff. Everyone is much clearer about their role within the process and people are really thinking about what they do and why, rather than just working on automatic pilot. This makes for much better organisation and team working." Gary Thorpe, Skills Adviser with Access, added, "There was a complete cross section of learners from dyed in the wool seniors to fresh faced youngsters but everyone took to the training with enthusiasm." Funding for the training was provided by Skillfast-UK - the sector skills council for fashion and textiles which has been working with the Learning and Skills Council to promote learning and development through the Future Textiles initiative. Photo: Access Skills Adviser, Gary Thorpe with Warehouse Manager, Dave Chambers and his team.

eaga to give the right advice

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:18:58 +0000

L-R Stuart Gibb - Training Manager, Shelley Pounder - Advisor
Melody Taylor - Business Solutions Consultant, Access A business which advises thousands of people every day on issues from keeping warm in winter to employment law has turned to Access for some guidance of its own. eaga, the UK's leading provider of residential energy efficiency solutions, manages the government's Warm Front heating and insulation grant programme. Its advice services department has around 150 members of staff carrying out benefit entitlement checks on behalf of various utility companies to ensure people are claiming all the state benefits to which they are entitled. It also provides advice on welfare benefits, housing law, employment law and money matters through the telephone based community legal advice scheme. Stuart Gibb, the department's training manager, says: "We are committed to improving our staff and supporting their development. But we didn't want the training to be just a paper exercise. We really wanted our advisers to get something from it and make it a worthwhile experience to help build their confidence. We looked at a number of training providers and Access was the right organisation to meet our requirements. "This NVQ level 3 in advice and guidance fits perfectly with the type of work that we do and the people who have completed the course found it very worthwhile and have got a lot out of it." Benefit Adviser, Shelley Pounder, agrees, saying: "I have to say that the NVQ process has been excellent. I can't think of anyway in which my experience could have been improved. The fact that eaga has been so willing for us to complete the qualification and also the choice of a great training organisation meant it was very straight forward." Team Valley based Access now offers a range of qualifications specifically aimed at helping businesses improve the support that they can offer to their clients. The company, awarded the Matrix standard for the delivery and quality of its own information, advice and guidance (IAG), has now been accredited to offer NVQs in Advice and Guidance at levels 2, 3 and 4. Mel Taylor, Business Development Consultant at Access, explained: "People need advice and guidance in all aspects of their lives. Whether it is help in sourcing information from a library or voluntary organisation, gaining advice about housing, benefit entitlement, energy efficiency, where to stay or even which specs to choose at an opticians, we all expect the people we ask to be qualified to provide it. "These Advice and Guidance qualifications are proving very popular as they provide organisations with the confidence that their staff are competent in communicating with and supporting their clients and ultimately providing an excellent level of service."

Training provides access for bright spark

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:07:00 +0000

(L-R) Gary Thorpe (Access Skills Adviser), Malcolm Webb (direct line manager with IDS Fire and Security) and
Chris Darling.

One of the first jobs tackled by security systems engineer Chris Darling after he completed his apprenticeship was with the training provider which boosted his career. The 21-year-old, from Kingston Park, Newcastle, who successfully completed an Advanced Apprenticeship in Security Systems earlier this year, almost immediately found himself back with training provider Access. But this time it was to install fire safety and security systems at the company’s new headquarters in the recently completed £6 million Gateshead Skills Academy on Team Valley. Having quickly impressed his employer, IDS Fire and Security, Chris was offered a permanent position as he worked towards his apprenticeship qualification. He said: “My training has taken me a long way in a fairly short space of time but I never imagined I’d be returning to Access so quickly - as a fully qualified professional rather than a student!” The move to Skills Academy, funded by the Learning and Skills Council and One North East, is part of Access’ ambitious expansion plans. Managing director, Malcolm Armstrong, said: “It’s a very exciting time for us and it’s quite fitting that a former apprentice is helping us with our expansion. “Work based learning, like apprenticeships, offer valuable experience and preparation for the working world, providing great career prospects for young people, as Chris is proving.” From its new base Access is now better placed to support the drive to improve the skills of the North East workforce and help the region to remain productive and competitive. To do this it has reorganised operations to focus on three key areas. Access Business Solutions works with employers to identify their business and training needs, providing advice on training solutions and helping to secure funding for training. Access Apprenticeships focuses on the government’s flagship training programmes for 16-24 year olds, building on the company’s excellent reputation for tailoring these national programmes for individual employers. Access Training encompasses all other training services for employers and employees including Train to Gain, commercial and short course provision, teaching and learning programmes and conference facilities.