The Hospitality Training Foundation is tackling skills shortages by developing resource material for schools. The material focuses on customer service, communication and basic numeracy and literacy skills in a hospitality context. Declan Swan of the HTF said, “I think most people agree that employers have a duty to look after their staff by offering the right conditions and training. But basic skills need to be fostered at a much earlier age.”
Charity council lands IT training deal for members
Members of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations will be able to take advantage of a deal with IT training firm InterQuad. Charities belonging to the council will receive volume discounts for IT skills training as a result of the deal. Members range from big-name charities such as the RSPCA and Oxfam to small groups serving local communities. Stuart Etherington, the council’s chief executive, said, “Charities rely on IT as much as any bank or retailer. Good technology staff and well-trained users of IT are essential to the well-being of the charity sector.”
Colleges subscribe to Fento membership scheme
More than one in four colleges have signed up to the Further Education National Training Organisation’s new corporate membership scheme. Colleges are being asked to pay an annual fee of £300 to join the scheme, which will create an independent source of funding for the organisation. It is funded by the DfEE and through grants. Chief executive Geoff Terry said the number signing up for corporate membership means it could retain an independent voice on behalf of the sector.
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Workforce set to double at on-line learning firm
On-line learning company Epic Group has announced it is to double its workforce in the next nine months, creating 120 jobs. The Brighton-based company has seen staff numbers grow from 81 to 116 since April – a 40 per cent increase.
