Training & Recruitment News

Value of Apprenticeships demonstrated, BIS reports

A new report will show that Britain's apprentices are getting promoted, improving their confidence and taking on more responsibility in the workplace, Skills Minister John Hayes announced today.

The results are taken from the Apprentice Learner Survey of 5,000 apprentices and will provide fresh evidence of the real value of apprenticeships.

Key findings include:

Satisfaction amongst apprenticeships is high. Almost nine in ten apprentices (89%) were satisfied, rising to 92% amongst completers.

Satisfaction among employers is high. 88% employers were satisfied (with 69% being very satisfied) with the relevance of the training (just 4% were dissatisfied on this measure).

85% were satisfied (with 66% being very satisfied) with the quality of the training provided by their provider (only 7% were dissatisfied).

Nearly half (47%) had already recommended apprenticeships to other employers.

One third of individuals who had finished their apprenticeship had received a promotion (32%), and of those in work, three quarters reported taking on more responsibility in their job (75%).

Three quarters (75%) of all former apprentices in work were taking on more responsibility.

Eight out of ten apprentices believe that their apprenticeship has improved their ability to do their job, provided them with sector-relevant skills and knowledge, and improved their career prospects.

Apprenticeships also equip individuals with the confidence they need to fulfil their aspirations, with almost nine in ten (87%) strongly agreeing that they are more confident about their own abilities as a result of undertaking the apprenticeship.

Nearly two thirds (62%) agreed that the course had improved their overall quality of life.

A second survey of over 4,000 employers also shows high satisfaction rates among businesses.

Key findings include:

Mr Hayes said:

"I am delighted by these impressive survey results which show nine out of ten apprentices are satisfied with their training and a third have received a promotion as a result.

"We are succeeding in making apprenticeships a gold standard option for ambitious young people and sending a crystal clear message that technical excellence is as essential and highly valued as academic prowess.

"However, while these survey results are excellent I am relentless in my focus on improving quality and we will use these valuable results to identify areas where more work is needed."

David Way, Chief Executive of the National Apprenticeship Service, said:

"We are very pleased to see high levels of satisfaction amongst employers and apprentices in these surveys.

"These findings will inform our work as we continue to raise standards and focus on ensuring that all apprenticeships offer a good experience as well as encouraging more young people and employers of all sizes and sectors to engage."

A third report has also been published. ‘The Employer Investment in Apprenticeships and Workplace Learning' is the first study into the net financial benefits of training to employers.

The study assesses the amount that employers themselves invest in apprenticeships. This ranges from £39,000 per apprenticeship (level 2 and 3 combined) in engineering to around £3,000-£4,000 in retail or hospitality.

The study also looks at the time it takes for an employer to recoup their investment where the apprentice is a new recruit, which averages at around one to two years.

To see the full report go to http://news.bis.gov.uk/Press-Releases/Surveys-show-high-value-of-apprentices-679fb.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bis-news+%28BIS+News%29

Open days 15th and 19th May

Rewards is hosting two open day events in May, coinciding with Adult Learners Week.

Everyone is welcome to attend!  Try out some of our IT courses, learn about the value of an Apprenticeship and how you can brush up your English and Maths skills pain-free!  Funding can be claimed for most of our courses too!

Refreshments are provided, as is expert advice from our qualified team.  We look forward to meeting you!

Click here for your invitation.

Panorama 2nd April

For those of you who may have watched or read about the Panorama programme last night, Andrew Ayres, Managing Director of Rewards Work Based Learning Programmes has issued the following clarification in order to reassure all learners and clients of the quality of the Rewards Apprenticeship programme.

 "The programme concerned youngsters being given an Apprenticeship programme with no job outcome afterwards.  This was a Pre Apprenticeship programme which the government offered, but which ceased in April last year.  For the record, Rewards has never been part of this scheme. All of our learners carrying out Apprenticeships have a legal Contract of Employment and are employed by companies who offer training and have signed up to the Apprenticeship scheme.  All Apprenticeships last a minimum of 12 months, and are a combination of on job and off job training. There is an initial assessment to ensure the job role is of an acceptable level, as well as, where necessary, numeracy and literacy tests.  The learner builds a portfolio of learning, which is then independently internally verified and further quality assured by an external Awarding Body.  It is only then that an Apprenticeship Certificate can be awarded.

Rewards has a direct contract with the Skills Funding Agency (in Scotland, Skills Development Scotland).  We operate with our own sub-contractors who are carefully selected, monitored and audited accordingly.  This enables us to bring a wider product offering to our clients. 

There is another product offered which is available for older learners and dependent on eligibility may attract some funding.  This is a National Vocational Qualification (or SVQ in Scotland) which may be delivered in less than 12 months, but attracts considerable less funding.  Again the learner has to complete a portfolio, which is internally and externally verified, using a combination of on job and off job training."

Tuesday 3^rd April 2012

NATIONAL QUALITY MARK EQUALS NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR REWARDS TRAINING RECRUITMENT CONSULTANCY

South East based organisation, Rewards Training Recruitment Consultancy has been accredited with the nationally recognised quality mark for organisations which provide support to individuals to make learning and work more accessible - the matrix Standard.

Rewards gained re-accreditation to the matrix Standard which was first awarded to the organisation in 2008.

As a training organisation, Rewards provides services to a range of sectors including, Hospitality, Health and Social Care, Road Passenger Transport, Management, Administration and has a full range of adult learning services from literacy and numeracy to ICT and work skills.

Rewards has a team of over 50 professional trainers, teachers and assessors and is currently supporting 130 employers and over 800 learners to achieve nationally recognised qualifications and improve their career prospects and it wanted to ensure that these clients were receiving the best information, advice and guidance possible.

The organisation decided that the matrix Standard, amongst other things, would help it to "improve the processes used to ensure the quality of the advice we provide". Says  Andrew Ayres, Managing Director "Rewards first gained the matrix standard in 2008 as part of our drive to improve the quality of service given to our learners, since gaining accreditation we have used the service to measure our effectiveness and plan improvements"

 "The matrix standard has benefited our organisation by helping to challenge our standards of advice and making improvements which help service users make better decisions about the training they choose" David Allan, Managing Director at emqc Ltd said of the organisation's achievement:

"This Accreditation is another example of how the matrix Standard is proving effective for all types of organisations, helping them to provide a more professional service offering and to strive to be the best in their sector."

Rewards has been established for over 20 years and is based at Victoria Gate, 119 - 127 South Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH164LR

Any other organisations that would like to know more about how the matrix Standard might be able to help, can find out more by contacting us on 0845 304 8600.

Merger of Rewards Training Recruitment Consultancy Ltd and indigoskills Ltd.

Rewards Training is delighted to announce that Andrew Ayres and his team from indigoskills will be joining Rewards Training from 01^st August 2011.

Commenting on the merger, Marion Ward, CEO of Rewards said, "We are absolutely delighted Andrew and his team will be joining Rewards. Their knowledge and experience with Hospitality and Skills for Life in the South East is second to none and their overall expertise in Employer engagement can only help to expand our business throughout Sussex and the South East."

Andrew Ayres, Managing Director of indigoskills commented, " We are delighted to be joining with the experience and skills of Rewards Training. Together we will provide a much stronger and wider product range to employers throughout Sussex as well as helping the unemployed and the 16-18 year olds who aspire to gain employment."

Rewards Training and Recruitment Company is based in Haywards Heath. Founded in 1989 by Marion Ward it provides a wide range of Apprenticeships and Commercial Training throughout the South East. It also provides training for the unemployed through its centres in Crawley and Haywards Heath as well as e learning throughout the South East.

Indigoskills Ltd was founded in 2007 by Andrew Ayres and Linda Powell. It provides a range of Hospitality Apprenticeships as well as a range of Skills for Life and commercial training products.

For more details contact Marion Ward or Andrew Ayres on 01444 413745 or see www.rewards-trc.co.uk

Creative Skills - recognised national awards available in Scotland for anyone involved in the Creative Industries

Rewards is the only training provider in Scotland to be able to deliver these National Awards Modern Apprenticeships on a fully funded basis in Scotland.  Therefore if you are involved in any of the following six pathways or you manage an appropriate organisation, please contact Steve Haldane at Rewards on 0131 5576500 or steve.haldane@rewards-trc.co.uk for more information and to check whether funding and these qualifications would apply for you.  

Website: http://www.rewards-trc.co.uk Voice: +44 (0) 0141 332 8054 Fax: +44 (0) 871 2664005 If you would like to contact me personally by email, my address is: steve.haldane@rewards-trc.co.uk

Rewards TRC(Scotland) 3rd Floor, Savoy House 140 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow G2 3DH

Additional Funding for Training available!

Limited or No Budget for Training?

 Continued investment in training and developing staff can be a drain on resource.............Without it your business will not be as informed, motivated or profitable!! 

Rewards Training have a range of funded options available that will allow you to continue to invest in your staff. Additional Train to Gain NVQ funding has been made available to Rewards for use by employers across a wide range of business sectors. All staff from 19 years of age will be eligible for funding for work based qualifications (*prior qualification criteria applies).

The cost of a phone call could be the best investment you make today!! 

Call us now for further information, or to make a telephone or face-to-face appointment with one of our experienced team.

Thinking of recruiting? Thought of taking on an apprentice? Is an apprentice relevant for your business?

For more information on how Rewards can help your business recruit a suitable apprentice, please follow this link to the Rewards Training Academy.

Adult Learners Week 14th-20th May 2011

We invite anyone over the age of 19, employed or unemployed to come and pay our Crawley or Haywards Heath offices a visit this Adult Learners Week, for a coffee and a biscuit to discuss your learning requirements.  Why not have a go at our Online Basics course whilst you are here for the chance to enter our 'Win a Laptop' competition?

We offer short courses and qualifications in Maths, English or IT, supporting total beginners through to intermediate computer users.  With the funding we have available you could be eligible for some learning free of charge!

Alternatively are you a manager looking for development options for your staff or interested in taking on an apprentice? Looking for training for yourself?  Make the most of Adult Learners Week and our experience in Corporate and Vocational training and call our Haywards Heath office now to speak to one of our Business Development Managers to see how we can help!

Upcoming Events

Rewards will be attending the following 2 business events this week, so please come and pay us a visit to find out more about how we can support your business.

‘Lets Do Business Event' at Brighton Racecourse on Thursday 12th May 2011. 10am - 5pm.  Come along and see us on stand 104! For more details of the event click here http://www.letsdobusiness.org/brighton/

‘Burgess Hill Means Business Event' at the Martlets Hall, Burgess Hill on 13th May 2011.  10am - 4pm.  We would love to see you there.  For more details of the event click here. http://www.bhbpa.co.uk/events.php?s=121

Win a Laptop!

Rewards Training is giving one lucky learner a free laptop computer.

Over the first few months of 2011 Rewards has helped many people take their first steps with computers and life online. Rewards success in this area has been recognised with renewed contracts, and increased funding. As a way to encourage individuals to overcome their fears and begin life online, Rewards is offering the chance to win a laptop computer by entering learners who complete the “Online Basics” programme before 30th June 2011, into a prize draw.

Please click here to view a digital copy of our promotional flyer.

Please contact Rewards Training for more information, and to discuss your start date.

(Please note, this competition is open to learners in England only)

Brighton and Hove 100 in 100 Campaign

Rewards is taking part in the Brighton and Hove 100 in 100 apprenticeship campaign, getting more young people into work. Click here to see what it’s all about.

Top up your Literacy, Numeracy or It qualifications - FREE (government-funded) places available NOW!

Rewards currently* have free (government funded) places for individuals who would like to gain Literacy, Numeracy or IT qualifications.

What qualifications are available?

We offer Adult Literacy and Numeracy certificates at three different levels which are accepted by many Colleges and Universities as proof of GCSE English and Maths abilities.  We also offer the ITQ (an IT NVQ) qualification, which unusually for an NVQ can be studied by both employed and unemployed individuals.  Finally, we also offer the prestigious "ECDL" (European Computer Driving Licence) qualification which is made up of 7 Microsoft Office software packages and Windows Operating system.  Funding for the ECDL is available to those who meet a slightly stricter funding eligibility criteria.  For those who do not meet the criteria, Rewards have committed to offer the complete ECDL qualification at a reduced rate of £275 (or the ITQ for £195) until 31/01/2011.

How and where would I study?

Qualifications are provided through on-line computer based courses created by learndirect and similar organisations.  Once enrolled onto the programme you will have free access to our three training suites, with computer facilities and on-hand tutors, located in Haywards Heath, Crawley and Brighton.  Alternatively "distance learning" (logging into your studies over the Internet from home/work etc) can be negotiated.  On-line and telephone support is available to distance learners, plus, of course, you are welcome to visit your local Rewards training suite for face-to-face help from our qualified tutors.

How do I get a free (funded) place?

Government funding is conditional on age (19+), residence (you must have lived in the UK or EEA for the last 3 years) and demonstration of a learning need. Firstly, all individuals must undertake a confidential short Literacy & Numeracy assessment to determine your learning need and to ensure that our level of training materials and support is tailored to your individual requirements.    

Rewards require a commitment of 10 hours per week to ensure that training materials are covered within a reasonable time scale.  Individuals who do not commit to these hours do not benefit from the training as much and find it harder to pass the test/complete the coursework necessary to obtain their chosen qualification.  As a rough guide, Rewards estimates that individuals on Literacy or Numeracy programmes will achieve their qualification within 2-3 months (but this could be as little as one week for some!).  Individuals on the ITQ or ECDL are expected to complete within 3-4 months.  Additional support is always provided to those who wish to receive it.

Contact Rewards for more information and to book your place!

Rewards Brighton - 01273 739028 enquiries@brighton.rewards-trc.co.uk

Rewards Crawley - 01293 562651 enquiries@crawley.rewards-trc.co.uk

Rewards Haywards Heath - 01444 413745 enquiries@rewards-trc.co.uk

*Information correct at date of publishing (07/11/10).  There are a high number of free places available which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Rewards produces a short film!

In a bid to further enhance the quality training provided by the Rewards'"Road Passenger vehicle Driving" (RPVD) NVQ Assessors, Rewards has taken a bold step into the movie industry...

The result of combined efforts is a short film production titled "Road Passenger Transport". The purpose of this media is to make candidates more aware of situations that are outside of their normal job role, and not things that would normally be seen in an observation but are nevertheless important.

Useful scenarios filmed included an accident involving a passenger-carrying taxi, successfully handling angry customers, children, excess luggage and wheelchair users, dangerous driving and general customer service issues. The filming schedule involved careful planning of people and resources across several filming locations including an un-used airfield and College buildings.

Rewards staff members both wrote the film script and feature in the film, along with vehicles and drivers from Alpha Cars of Crawley. Rewards enlisted the professional help of Regis Productions, who have previous experience of similar projects, to film and edit the production.

Steve Barclay, Rewards' RPVD film production Project Manager said:

" This is the first time that we have produced this type of training material and it was a great learning experience. We believe that this short film offers an invaluable training aid to create situations which would not normally be safe to reproduce (such as the accident scene) during a typical assessor observation".

This short film will provide a training tool that allows Assessors and candidates to watch the film together and explore "what-if" scenarios in an interactive, enjoyable way. It offers added-value to the quality training already in place and the ability to view the film via CD, DVD, on-line or on the (under-development) Rewards virtual learning environment makes the training tool more accessible to a wide variety of candidates in differing working environments.

Filming was completed in early July and is currently being edited to result in a film of around 30 minutes duration. It is anticipated that the finished short film will be available to Rewards clients as of late October 2010.

New funding released 1st August 2010

Following the beginning of the new funding year (beginning 1st August 2010) Rewards are pleased to announce that we have funding available for eligible individuals on our Train to Gain, Apprenticeship and Adult Apprenticeship programmes.

Qualifications available include: Road Passenger Vehicle Driving NVQ, ITQ (Information Technology) Certificate, Customer Service Certificate, Team Leading Certificate, Business Administration Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeships, Customer Service Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeships, Health and Social Care NVQ.  Also, available in September we can secure funding for Team Leading Apprenticeships and Management Apprenticeships.

For further information, or to request a member of Rewards to visit your workplace to discuss the opportunities available, please contact Paul Williams or Tracey Robertson on 01444 413745.

Please note - Train to Gain and Adult Apprenticeships are not currently available in Scotland. To discuss alternative Apprenticeship opportunities and funding in Scotland please contact Rewards Scotland on 0131 557 6500.

Crawley’s high achieving taxi firm

Crawley-based Alpha Cars have become amongst the latest companies to invest in their staff and provide the "Road Passenger Vehicle Driving" NVQ to their drivers. Rewards Training assessors have worked closely with the taxi firm and are delighted to celebrate the success of the first 26 drivers to achieve their qualifications.

Alpha Cars Manager, Rauf Khan, said:

" Our mission is to maintain a reputation that makes us the supplier of choice to local companies and the general public. Established in 1990, we currently have over 100 CRB-checked and licensed drivers and service the entire Gatwick/Crawley area. We believe in offering added value to our customers and the NVQ delivered by Rewards enhances the high-standards that our drivers offer and ensures that this standard is company-wide. Following our success already, our core fleet of drivers have been enrolled onto the qualification".

Rewards Training Assessors, Debbie Rowland & Andy Musson, said:

"The drivers at Alpha Cars have done really well and we look forward to continuing to work with the company and have also started training an office team member on a Customer Service NVQ. In addition to covering the core functions of transport operations, the RPVD NVQ also covers communication, health & safety and customer service; therefore enhancing the service offered to local companies and residents. We were able to offer government-funding assistance to Alpha Cars for training costs and hope that other companies will follow Alpha Cars' lead and support this valuable qualification".

For further information on training (in England) contact Rewards on 01444 413745.

This press release is due to be published in the Business Matters supplement of The Crawley Observer on Thursday 22nd September 2010.