This week’s training news
Taster success
Taster courses could be the key to attracting the disadvantaged into
training, according to research. The report, conducted by the Learning and
Skills Development Agency, found that courses lasting three to six hours were
successful in attracting adults who were new to education. IT courses were the
most popular. Â www.LSagency.org.uk
Training merger talks
Two national training authorities have begun merger talks ahead of a
government announcement on the future of NTOs. The Engineering and Marine Training
Authority expects to complete its discussions with the Science Technical and
Mathematics Council by the end of November. Â www.dfes.gov.uk
CITB adds 12 topics
The Construction Industry Training Board has added 12 topics to its health
and safety training. The Tool Box Talks and Tool Box Talks Presenter’s Course
now have a total of 69 themes, including site transport and personal hygiene.
The course can be delivered by an A6 binder, or by the presenter’s course which
is accompanied by lecture notes and slides. Â www.citb.co.uk
Craft NVQ’s milestone
The construction craft NVQ has awarded its 200,000th assessment to Colin
Head, of Edmund Nuttall. The milestone reflects the increase of on-site
assessment centres, which by May had reached 127, with 5,754 and follows last
year’s record of 51,500 NVQ registrations. The on-site training gives staff the
chance to obtain a recognised NVQ and hold a CSCS card. Â www.city-and-guilds.co.uk
Course shows way
A course to help staff deal with the Financial Services and Market Act has
been launched via a programme of e-learning solutions. N2 Briefing for All
Staff, has been developed by Wide Learning in association with KPMG, a global
network of professional service firms. The release is designed to meet the need
for greater N2 awareness and training solutions.  www.widelearning.com www.kpmg.com
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Vision for optometrists
High street optician Dollond & Aitchison is running a new training
scheme for graduate optometrists. The company wants its recruits to build on
their clinical skills with better customer care. Designed by training firm
Interaction, the course will help graduates listen to and empathise with their
patients.