This week’s training news
Learning from errors
Making mistakes is one of the best ways of learning online, according to
research by IT training consultancy Happy Computers. A survey of 400 training
professionals found that 89 per cent say the ability to experiment and learn
from errors is the most vital factor in e-learning. The least important method
of online learning is seen as the classroom, with 63 per cent citing it as
useful. www.happy.co.uk
Call centre courses
The British Safety Council has developed a Safety and Ergonomics in Call Centres
course to improve the working environment of call centres. The one-day course
is being held at the council’s training centre in Chiswick in September. It
covers musculoskeletal disorders, job design, risk assessment, ergonomics and
safety training needs. www.britishsafetycouncil.co.uk
Morris names centres
Education and Skills secretary Estelle Morris has announced the location of
the first 16 centres of vocational excellence. They are based in colleges
across the UK and will cover subjects including computing, construction,
catering and childcare. The Government will provide £100m over three years to
help transform colleges into centres of excellence. www.dfes.gov.uk
Licensed to compute
Over 50 Youth Hostel Association staff have passed an
internationally-recognised computer course, a year since it was introduced in
the north-west of England. The European Computer Driving Licence will enable
staff to use the YHA’s new computerised booking system. www.yha.org.uk
Furnished with skills
Furniture manufacturer Silentnight has taken on 14 employees through an
innovative project run by the Automotive Sector Strategic Alliance and the
Employment Service. The Sunderland-based firm has put the new staff to work on
assembly lines. The 26-week Assa programme develops trainees to enable them to
find work in the local automotive and manufacturing sectors. www.assaltd.co.uk
EEF slams reps move
The Engineering Employers’ Federation has hit out at government plans to
introduce statutory rights for learning representatives in the workplace. The
employers’ body says it is a direct breach of the principle of "better
regulation" set out by the Government. The EEF says the move will be a
burden on business, undermine voluntary relationships and encourage
confrontation. www.eef.org.uk
