Union Learning Representatives

I have just completed my Adult Literacy Level 2 for which I passed (thank god!) But it did take me quite a long time to pluck up the courage to sign up for the course, Mainly due to my age, at 41 years old with a home and family and full time job to cope with, I didn’t know whether or not I could handle it, but also there was the stigma factor, that maybe some people may think that I was a bit thick!!!
I need not have worried though, as I found the whole experience very enjoyable, as everyone was in same boat. The sessions were very relaxed and were set at a pace that everyone could manage.
I would recommend the course to anyone who asked.
Thanks
A Manager

When I was seconded as PA having only occasionally taken minutes in my previous positions, I realised I would need to improve this skill. I identified this learning need on my personal development plan, and was placed on the waiting list for the next available course.
The syllabus consisted of grammar, punctuation, use of thesaurus before finally, in the afternoon, preparing agenda and taking minutes. The tutor also went on to explain preparation was a key to good minute taking, understanding the agenda beforehand.
With illustrations on the flip chart, the tutor helped us understand that sentences can be read and understood completely differently by the reader, with incorrect punctuation. The message there was to proof read carefully.
My confidence continues to grow following this course – yes there will always be meetings with difficult agendas that no matter how hard I try to prepare before hand seem just to complex, but practice makes perfect.

A Personal Assistant

My manager requested that I apply for the NVQ in Team Leading. At first I was concerned as I was not completely in a team leading role. However a new member was shortly to be joining our team, which would provide opportunities for me to meet the agreed standards.
The NVQ in Team Leading Programme has made me become more organised as I have had to be when showing the new team member. The practical evidence for this programme has been backed up by knowledge questions which has helped my understanding further. I found the support from the external training company excellent for this programme as I had an assessor and advisor and regular meetings were held. There was also support in that I was able to e-mail the assessor if I required clarification on a unit between visits.
Without the assistance of NVQ accounts via the Staff Development Coordinator/Union Learning Rep access to this kind of training would have been difficult in our current financial climate.
A Team Leader

Currently I am studying towards my key skills in numeracy. I need this qualification if I’ve got any hope of going into nursing, which in the future is something I would like to do.
It was quite difficult admitting to my peers that I needed help with his subject, I felt people might think I was ‘a bit thick’, or maybe even think I wasn’t up to the job I was currently doing (which was slightly worrying) but not at all, everyone was very supportive and encouraging and didn’t make any judgment whatsoever.
I nervously spoke to my Line Manager and to the Staff Development Coordinator/Union Learning Rep, both were very supportive and encouraging and didn’t make me feel any of those things I had thought, they both made me feel very at ease and straight away Louise told me of a course which was suitable and made all the necessary enquiries.
Before I knew it I was completing my assessment and I found myself at the Education Centre at Royal Bolton Hospital with a room full of people who looked as nervous as I felt. There was no need to be nervous though all these people also currently held down very responsible jobs but felt they needed this qualification either for personal achievement or like me to continue on their professional journey. Once the nerves had subsided and everyone started talking it became apparent that everyone had the same feelings as I had, they too had felt nervous about joining the course and wondering what other people would think
The course is great, it’s equivalent to an O level but without going into too much depth around algebra and other things you don’t use in everyday life. I also feel it will help me when my daughter starts coming home from school with maths homework and asking for help. I think I’ll be able to support her now, which makes me feel better.
These courses and others like them are widely available for all staff, and my advice to everyone would be to put your nerves aside, learning is great fun and I’ve met a whole classroom of new friends to boot – how good is that!

A Clerical Officer