This month’s training news in brief
Fast-track health and safety
A modular qualification in health and safety for the construction industry
has just been launched by Warwickshire- based provider Woodland Grange. The
Diploma Part 1 has been developed in conjunction with, and accredited by, the
National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health and requires no
prior qualification. The first course will run in the autumn. www.wgrange.com
Teambuilding turn-off
More than two-thirds of office workers dread their company’s trendy team
building sessions, such as pottery according to recruitment consultancy Office
Angels. They would welcome the return of traditional methods such as outdoor
courses or role play and resent "bonding activities" and anything
encroaching on weekend leisure time. More than half the respondents said they
would prefer the money to be spent on a team leisure activity instead such as a
visit to a restaurant or sporting event. www.office-angels.com
All aboard for BTEC
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone (above) has launched a major training
initiative for his transport authority Transport for London. Staff on the
capital’s buses will be trained in safety and customer service standards
through two new vocational qualifications. The tailor-made BTEC Intermediate
Award and Advanced Award have been developed in conjunction with Edexcel and
transport union TGWU. Both qualifications are to be funded by London Buses at
around £3m a year. www.tfl.gov.uk
Failing line manages
The UK’s line managers have practical abilities but are often let down by
their soft skills, according to new research. The Personnel Today report
"UK Line managers, are they good enough?" sponsored by Computers In
Personnel and conducted in association with Richmond Events, found HR
departments were not being as tough as they could be in putting mandatory
training policies in place for line managers, yet they simultaneously rated
their people and communication skills as poor. www.personneltoday.com
