This week’s training news
Accolade for NVQ
The National Pharmaceutical Association has won a DfES National Training
Award after the success of its Pharmacy Services NVQ scheme. The NVQ was
developed by the association for its 11,000 members and caters for a wide range
of age and experience. Over 2,500 trainees have registered for the training,
which allows healthcare professionals to make better use of support staff. www.dfes.gov.uk
McVitie’s centre
McVitie’s has opened an online learning centre at its Harlesden factory in
London. The centre, launched in partnership with SkillsIT and Learndirect,
offers employees access to over 400 learning modules. It will encourage staff
to develop skills and will be open 24 hours to accommodate shift patterns. The
firm expects to sign up at least 100 people in the next year. www.learndirect.co.uk
Online assessment
Panasonic UK has implemented an online assessment system for 800 staff at
its sales and commercial division. The Focus system will replace the old annual
paper review to give 360-degree assessment, appraisal and training needs
analysis. The software is aimed at lowering staff turnover, leading to a more
effective workforce. www.panasonic.co.uk
CAB gets IT advice
Staff and volunteers at the Citizens Advice Bureau are to get IT training to
help improve skills and IT advice giving. The organisation has teamed up with
Compaq to develop the programme, which will include basic IT skills, coaching,
and application training. A CD-Rom database of information for advisers is
already available and electronic case management is planned. www.nacab.org.uk
E-learning taskforce
A new e-learning strategy taskforce has been announced by education and
skills minister Estelle Morris. The committee, headed by Steve Morrision of
Granada, will investigate ways in which e-learning can improve opportunities
for young people at college and in lifelong learning. The panel includes
representatives from industry and education and will deliver a strategy to the
Secretary of State. www.dfes.gov.uk
New course for airline
Airjet is launching a tailored training scheme following the acquisition of
a new fleet of Saab 2000 aircraft. Vega has developed the programme to support
pilot training at its facility at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris. The scheme
consists of 24 modules of interactive training covering all aspects of the
aircraft’s systems and procedures. www.vega.co.uk
