July 2011
New Care Sector Work Academy
We need your help...........
We need Employers to engage with our New Care Sector Work Academy, to enable customers to develop their skills and have the opportunity to work in a real environment. Acacia Training & Development, in partnership with demand from Job Centre Plus is to launch the first Academy in Plymouth on 1st August 2011.
A work academy can last up to six weeks and has three key components:
- Pre employment training - this will be carried out at our Plymouth Centre where customers will gain knowledge to achieve Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care.
- A work experience placement
- A guaranteed job interview
Your business could benefit from being part of the Sector Academy, it is a flexible programme that could be tailored to meet your recruitment needs, the customers will have the right training and skills developed through your guidance and training. It could even allow existing staff to develop their mentoring, supervisiory and coaching skills.
Please contact Melanie Hawkins on 01752 505018 if you would like to get involved.
Please see the leaflet
June 2011
New Work Club launches at Acacia Training to help young jobseekers.
In response to local demand and to contribute to “Get Britain Working”, we are launching our Work Club for 16 – 24 year olds on 5 July 2011. Young jobseekers will be able to get advice and support on finding work in Plymouth.
The Work club will give young people the chance to meet others looking for work, build new contacts, share job-hunting experiences, and get advice on interview techniques, CV building and even volunteering opportunities.
Hazel Lessiter, Assistant Director at Acacia said: “A work club aimed at the younger age group seemed like an ideal opportunity to help match our apprenticeship vacancies with available young people. We receive no income from this voluntary club but, as part of a not-for-profit group, we are committed to contributing to the local community".
As a local Plymouth employer – you could help by alerting us to your vacancies and by offering to provide a willing speaker for a short talk on what it is like to be employed in your industry or company.
Safeguarding E-Learning
Anyone working in Devon County Council area (not Plymouth or Torbay) in a Childcare setting or as a childminder at home can take up a FREE place on an E-Learning safeguarding course. Acacia Training has partnered with the Virtual College and the Devon Safeguarding Children Board (DSCB) to offer hundreds of free licences. For further information go to the DSCB website and check which course is right for your employees. This is a limited offer - so book your place now.
Employers
Acacia Training and Development on Facebook
ATD is now on Facebook, keeping you updated with everything that's happening across our centres. So visit our page and 'Like' us for regual updates.
www.facebook.com/AcaciaTrainingandDevelopment
NEWS FLASH - New National Minimum Wage for Apprentices
Apprentice minimum wage - £2.50 per hour from 1 October 2010
The government accepted a recommendation from the Low Pay Commission (LPC) to introduce an apprentice minimum wage of £2.50 per hour.
The new rate will apply to:
apprentices under 19 and apprentices aged 19 and over, but in the first year of their apprenticeship.
For further information click here.
Our Mission
To provide high quality training services, supporting employers and their workforce in achieving their business aims and individual aspirations.
‘Learning without boundaries’
Our Aims
To deliver quality assured, seamless services within a culture where quality is everyone’s responsibility and there is a positive attitude towards continuous improvement.
To recruit and develop a professional and effective workforce, which is equipped to meet the challenges of the sector, both now and in the future.
How We Help Business
Our dedicated Business Managers advise employers on training, qualifications and funding for businesses that want to maximise their competitive advantage. We can identify training needs and skills gaps within your workforce and recommend relevant business solutions.
By helping you to ensure that your employees have the right skills to do the best job keeps you ahead of the competition.
We have a vast amount of experience in working with organisations across the region, delivering business solutions through partnership working.
Training is not only an investment in your future but it also brings with it immediate benefits that could include:
- Greater customer satisfaction
- Improved productivity and profitability
- Better staff retention and motivation
- Increased levels of employee morale and satisfaction
- Improved quality
- Increased workforce flexibility
- Improved efficiency
- Meeting compliance requirements
- Improved staff skills
Our Apprenticeship Offer
Addressing the skill needs of businesses today, we offer a range of Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships in the following areas:
Accounting
Business and Administration
Care
Childcare
Customer Service
Dental Nursing
Hairdressing/Barbering
Management
Support Services
Team Leading
We also offer a free recruitment service to employers within easy travelling distance of one of our three Centres. Contact your nearest Centre for further details.
Employer Charter
This Charter sets out our standards for working with Employers. It lets you know what you can expect from us and, in return, how you can support your employees to be successful. Download the Employer Charter here.
Skills Pledge
Acacia Training and Development Ltd, as part of the Somerset Care Group, has signed the national Skills Pledge.
The Skills Pledge is a public commitment made by the leader of an organisation confirming that they will develop the skills of their employees, including all of those lacking basic skills or a first full Level 2 qualification.
For further information or to apply please click here or on the image above.
Employer Guide
For information to guide you through the training options click here
Higher Education Progression for your employees
Click here for HE-Guidance, an on-line Education Guidance Service supported by the South West Life Long Learning Network for anyone interested in progressing onto a higher education programme in the region. The service also supports both students and advisers of people wishing to move into Higher Education or who are on H.E. Programmes and want to know about progression options