ITea & Biscuits Day

23^rd September 2010       9am – 4:30pm

On the 23^rd September 2010, Swan Training Group will be holding an ITea and Biscuits event – bringing IT to life.

Sponsored by Age UK, the event is aimed at those later in life, giving an insight into Information Technology. The day will include taster sessions in areas such as:

• Computer Basics
• Microsoft Office
• Digital Photography
• Using the Internet and Emailing
• Printing, Scanning and Editing
  

Come along and see what IT can do for you!

Disabled facilities and toilets, refreshments available.

For further information please contact us on 01283 517 519 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Burton MP Janet Dean has called on Staffordshire County Council to improve public transport links to new businesses in the parkway area of centrum 100.

Janet said,

"I recently visited the Swan Training Group at Barberry Court on the Parkway and they raised with me the lack of bus service for their staff and for the trainees, many of whom do not drive.  At present they have a long walk from bus stops on Grange Street or Morrisons - not a pleasant prospect as the nights grow darker."

"The lack of public transport on Centrum 100 has been raised with me by other businesses.  I have asked the County Council to make sure the area is given priority."

"If there is going to be a bus to serve the new B&Q store, then why not extend this route to serve other businesses?  It is good to see new and thriving businesses in Burton, but we must provide them with decent transport links."

Launch of the 8 week ‘ILM Level 3 Certificate in Management Course’

 

Swan Training Group have developed an 8 week ‘Fast Track’ training programme to offer first line managers the opportunity to learn the fundamental skills and knowledge required to function effectively in their role and the chance to gain a recognised management qualification.

The programme gives underpinning knowledge through workshops (which can be delivered in our Training Suit or on site) and deals with practical elements and behavioural aspects through observation and discussion all of which ensures that the candidate is able to demonstrate competence in their role.

The Programme consists of:

• Two x 1 day ‘Theory Workshops’
• Specified appointments for candidates in their place of work to have Assessor visits
• A half day follow up day

To find out more information and to view an Example Programme layout follow THIS LINK

What is QCF?

The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is the new framework for creating and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  It will give a wider range of learners the opportunity to get the qualifications they need, in a way that suits them.

As from the 1^st August, we will be working alongside a new framework of qualifications called the QCF.  The QCF framework will eventually replace NVQs which currently recognise vocational achievement.

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QCF Explained

On completion of each QCF unit and/or qualification, credits will be awarded which will enable more flexible routes to full qualifications, achievable in smaller steps. Credits are achieved on the completions of each unit. The credit value is based on the national average time for the learner to complete the unit.

To make vocational qualifications easier to understand, new standardised titles have been introduced. Titles of qualifications are now separated into three categories: Award, Certificate or Diploma relating to the size/volume of the qualification (see below for credit information). The difficulty of the qualification is then determined by the Level undertaken.

• Award: 1-12 credit qualifications
• Certificate: 13-36 credit qualifications
• Diploma: 37+ credit qualifications

 

Unique Learner Numbers

In late 2010, a new centralised database is set to be introduced which will allow learners to track their progression and achievements in current and past qualifications. This will come in the form of a 10 digit number and will be allocated to every person undertaking education or training.

Benefits of QCF

• Choice – Customising the qualification to you and your employer’s needs or requirements
• Progression – More accessible routes to gaining qualifications allowing progression in smaller steps
• Flexibility – Qualifications will be based on individual circumstances at a time that best suits you and your needs
• Simplicity – A new database available to all, bringing consistency across all vocational qualifications

 

Flexibility and Accessibility

From August 2010, qualifications will be simplified making it easier to meet the needs of the relevant industry area. The units you choose are specific to your job role, industry and the needs of both you and your employer.

Learners could have the chance to put credit towards another qualification, helping to avoid having to repeat learning that has already been completed.  It also means that if a learner has to stop learning unexpectedly mid way through their course, they can accumulate the credit they have already achieved and start from where they left off at a later date.

For more information on QCF qualifications that we will be offering from August 2010, please email us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Swan Training Group assessor's David Lort (left) and Hayley Blackwell (right) presenting NVQ certificates to a group of East Midlands Ambulance Service candidates.  This was part of a presentation to 35 successful make ready crew candidates from ambulance stations over the East Midlands including Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire.  This is part of an ongoing partnership with EMAS and South Nottingham College.