This week’s training roundup
Helping the homeless
The BBC’s training and development department has launched a scheme to help
young, homeless people improve their skills through sports reporting. The
skillXchange team is working with the Foyer Federation charity and a host of
football and rugby teams. The project is designed to improve literacy and
communication skills and help candidates regain the confidence to re-enter
full-time education. www.bbc.co.uk
Improving IT skills
Medical staff in Southampton are to brush up on IT skills as part of a new
pilot scheme. Pharmaceutical company Pfizer has teamed up with training firm IT
coaching to offer the Micro-soft-based courses. A mobile training centre will
visit the staff at the workplace to fit in with their busy schedules. More than
100 GPs, prescribing advisers, practice nurses and administrators are expected
to be involved. www.pccoaching.com
Training award
Scottish & Newcastle Retail has won the John Sainsbury Award for staff
training and development. The firm has created its own NVQ, the Guild, in a bid
to attract more chefs and make the profession fun and exciting. The scheme has
helped retain and attract staff by providing a clear career path within the
firm. www.igd.com
Self-servicing Virgins
Virgin Atlantic is rolling out a new HR system across its entire
international operation. The single integrated e-business system includes HR,
payroll and e-learning applications. The airline hopes the Oracle software will
cut costs by introducing self-service access to HR, training, finance and
payroll information online. The system should go live in the spring. www.virgin-atlantic.com
Developing managers
Fifteen employees at Choice Hotels have successfully completed a two-year
management trainee course to become general managers. The chain adopted the
NVQ-based course to help develop more managers. Successful trainees graduate
with 12 formal qualifications focusing on management and catering skills. www.choicehotels.com
