November 2009 sees the launch of the Pitman Training Kent Careers website which has been redesigned.

The website has been re-launched with a vibrant new look, new content, significant layout updates and features the latest jobs.

The new site takes a look into careers such as: Medical Secretary Careers, Bookkeeping and accounts Careers, Business Careers, Legal Secretary Careers , Careers gained with Microsoft Skills,  Secretarial Careers and Careers in IT. You will even find a handy list of industry-recognised bodies on each sector page.

Dying to tell us ways of improving it?

We want our new recruitment website to be everything you want it to be and so would love to know your thoughts. You can be as honest as you like, so please email any (constructive) comments to kraig.godden@pitmantrainingkent.com and let us know what you think.

We're now following the crowd (and the entire world by the looks of it!) and have joined Twitter - Is there anyone not on there?

We're going to make ourselves look pretty etc. (Very important!) as soon as possible but for now we'll settle for some good Tweets.

If your a Twitter'er or in the IT industry, you can follow us via http://twitter.com/pitmaninkent where we will attempt to educate with hugely important industry news and not just tell the world what we've eaten for lunch!

An extra 85,000 jobs and training places for young unemployed people have been promised by the Government.

More than 150 major employers, including Royal Mail, Microsoft, Pfizer, Phones4U, Centrica and Morrisons, will provide apprenticeships, work or training.

The posts have been created as part of a fresh Government drive to tackle youth unemployment, which has soared in recent months as the recession has brought redundancies and recruitment freezes.

Around one in five 18 to 24-year-olds are now thought to be without a job, with 920,000 out of work.

Announcing the new posts at a “Backing Britain’s Youth” job summit in Birmingham, Gordon Brown said: "I am delighted that 150 employers recognise the value of Backing Young Britain and have joined the campaign.

“Together we can create thousands of opportunities for young people and ensure that the next generation gets its foot on the career ladder.

"This Government will do everything we can to help people who are suffering because of the global economic downturn.

“We know that people of all ages are being hit by the recession, but it is young people who can be most at risk and that's where Backing Young Britain can really make a difference."

As part of the new apprenticeships, Morrisons, the supermarket chain, pledged new training for every one of its 36,000 employees under the age of 25, along with 5,000 new apprenticeships.

Around 45,000 young people will be helped into jobs across the in retail, tourism, leisure and hospitality sectors.

And from April, all young job seekers without work for more than 10 months will be entitled to apply for help from the Future Jobs Fund, which provides employers with a £1,000 subsidy for each 18 to 24-year-old they take on.

At present, this is only available to those out of work for more than a year.

Yvette Cooper, the Work and Pensions Secretary, said: "We will not lose a generation of young people to work because of the global recession.

“We already have over 150 of Britain's top employers signing up to Backing Young Britain to create opportunities for young people.

"It is crucial for all of us that we make sure we do everything we can to harness the skills and talent of young people now so that we can all benefit in the future. We are acting now so that unemployment does not scar families, communities and the economy for generations."

But the Government was criticised by campaign group Youth Fight for Jobs, which said no real jobs were being created.

Sean Figg, the group’s spokesman, said: "Today's announcement is full of attention grabbing headlines on job creation but devoid of any meaningful detail. “Youth unemployment is a massive problem – a whole generation is in danger of being written off – but nothing we have seen today suggests any genuine movement from the government on helping solve this crisis."

And Bob Crow, general secretary of the Rail Maritime and Transport union, added: "What we don't want to see is a return to the old cheap-labour youth employment schemes that are throwback to the youth training scheme and youth opportunities scheme of the Thatcherite '80s.

"There's no point slashing real jobs in important sectors like transport and then massaging the unemployment figures with cheapskate, low-paid projects that are aimed at benefiting the bosses and letting the politicians off the hook."

We have now completed the academic year 2008-2009 with excellent results.  We have successfully delivered 100 NVQs in Customer Service, Business Administration, ITQ, team leading and Management.  Pitman Training Kent have been recognised as the best achieving NVQ provider in the South East by Train to Gain which we are very proud of. We have received excellent feedback from both candidate and employers and the combination of tutor led and online training have proved to very popular and we will continue to use these training methods to support the NVQs going forward.

 

The NVQ itself is a very non intrusive way of obtaining a certificate as all the work is given out and explained for you, then to you are able to do the work in your own time; the Team at Pitman are always on hand to help you obtain your goals. In the process I was also offered to go on one day courses at the Pitman training centre in Maidstone, I found these very instructive and a lot of fun, whilst also learning a great deal about myself and others.    

The feedback from my manager and general Manager was very constructive and they backed me all the way to achieving my NVQ. Europa has also given me a lot of support in allowing me to go on the courses and helping me to achieve my goals.

In April of this year I was promoted to Import supervisor and I believe this was achieved by my long standing commitment to the company as well as doing this NVQ, I think I have grown in confidence and become a better person within my team.

 I would finally like to say that I really think the Pitman training centre offer a great way for Europa staff already in working environments to better themselves by learning new skills and therefore the candidates are then able to give a better service to Europa. 

 

Candidate Success Story

 

My name is Tracey Jack; I have been an employee of Europa for the past sixteen years, In November of last year I was given the opportunity to do another NVQ with the Help of Pitman Training in Kent. My Manager, Mr James Allwood thought this would be a very good idea for me to complete an NVQ. With the help of my manager we decided that it would be best for me to do the NVQ Team Leading Level 2.

This NVQ would help me within my role in the department to help and assist my colleagues. At the time I was trying to get promotion to Import Supervisor and this would help me take on the new role of leading the import team in my Managers absence.

 

 

When Sir Isaac Pitman launched his revolutionary shorthand system in 1837, his main aim was to enable users to save time, a goal which is still relevant today, over 170 years later.

Pitman Training, whose head office is in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, is now internationally recognised as a leading provider of specialist courses in computing, information technology and business skills as well as traditional shorthand and typing.

At its 2008 Annual Conference, Pitman Training celebrated 170 years of Sir Isaac Pitman - the innovative teacher who revolutionised the office environment, with a special fundraising event for local children’s charity, Martin House Children’s Hospice.

The event was held in the historic city of York and was attended by over 200 people (from the UK, Ireland and international centres).

A charity auction raised over £5300 for the charity and lucky bidders won many prizes including an original painting by Yorkshire artist Nancy Murgatroyd, especially commissioned with the charity in mind , entitled “No Tears”, all expenses paid holidays, a designer handbag by Gina of London, golf at the world renowned Gleneagles hotel and much more.

Pitman Training Group’s Managing Director, Claire Lister said: “We are thrilled with the amount we have raised for Martin House Children’s Hospice. As a national training company, our centres are committed to helping people develop their skills for a better lifestyle. Martin House works with children who because of illness, will never secure themselves a better future. The care and support the children and their families receive from Martin House is incredible; we are proud to support the charity and help make a difference to these children and their families.”

This year, Martin House Children’s Hospice celebrates 21 years of helping children and their families. At the time of opening its doors in 1987, the charity was only the second children’s hospice in the UK. Over the years, the charity has played a leading role in the development of the philosophy and delivery of children's hospice care, not only in the UK but throughout the world.

Of the fundraising event, Julie Henderson, Corporate Fundraiser for Martin House Children’s Hospice commented: “We are delighted to have been chosen to benefit from Pitman Training’s charity auction. Raising £3.9m each year, to keep the hospice up and running, is such a challenge - especially with only 7% statutory funding - and we are so grateful for the help in securing the services we provide for our children and families”.

Pitman Training has 100 centres throughout UK, Ireland and internationally, delivering training across a wide range of courses from traditional secretarial courses, to Microsoft Office, book-keeping and accounts and web design.

The Pitman Training method of learning is unique in that learners can work in the centre, at the speed that suits them, whilst benefitting from interaction with other students and tutors. Students are provided with a ‘tutor in the ear’ and a workbook; they choose the study times that suit them best, working around their existing commitments. A tutor is always on hand to answer questions and provide support and encouragement.

For more information about Martin House Children’s Hospice, please visit: www.martinhouse.org.uk.

Pitman Training has just launched 'Management Professional' - an online learning programme for managers and team leaders to develop and enhance their skills.

Learners can develop their management career through part-time, online learning - without giving up their job. They can choose one small chunk of learning or one of three nationally recognised BTEC qualifications. There is also the option to progree their study to degree level, Pitman Training having partnered with two UK universities.

Management bodies also recognise these courses. Successfully gaining a BTEC qualification will lead to fast-tracked recognition by both the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) and Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

"Our new, innovative range of online management courses has real, identifiable benefits for both individuals and employers. Employers gain high quality staff development, staff gain credible and transferable skills, expertise and recognised qualifications. Add to all this our online, flexible learning approach and you have a winning combination for all concerned" commented Laurence Gillam, Product and Training Principal.

A new survey has revealed that 19% of people in work are actively looking for a new job and a further 25% are considering a change; making a staggering 44% who might be on the move*.

According to a study by recruitment consultants Angela Mortimer, the average cost of recruitment is £5,000 per employee. It therefore makes financial sense to develop a team of loyal, motivated and productive staff rather than accepting a high turnover of disengaged employees and having to invest heavily in recruitment, just to maintain basic staff levels.

Andy Kemp is managing director of Pitman Training Kent, one of the UK’s leading business and IT skills training companies; “There is strong evidence to show that training improves efficiency, productivity, staff morale and reliability – as well as increasing loyalty,” he says. “ We have 8 training centres across Kent our centre managers work with many businesses in their local areas. We carried out an online survey around the country to find out if people are happy and motivated by their current jobs.

Andy continues; “By finding out what ambitions staff have and demonstrating belief in their potential, employers are often rewarded with a far more loyal, motivated and effective work-force.”

As well as improving their efficiency and building their loyalty, training also helps people gain self confidence. Developing new skills often helps individuals to see that they can achieve far more than they thought possible. As well as whole raft of practical, work-focused skills which will be of value to their employer, they often take this new-found confidence and enthusiasm back to the work-place with them.

For many years, skills development has been acknowledged as a vital part of the UK’s economic strategy for remaining competitive. In 2004 the government commissioned Lord Leitch to examine the UK’s long-term skills needs and his report published in 2006, examined the UK's long-term skills needs and set out ambitious goals for skills development, to be achieved by 2020. But what about 2009? Is the skills gap really a significant issue for businesses when they have a potential recession to worry about?

“There is an unquestionable link between skills and economic success however when times are tough financially, the HR department is often the first area within a company which is looked to for proof that it is running efficiently,” Andy Kemp continues.

But despite the obvious benefits, employers need to be sure that training offers tangible value to their business. Whilst many managers agree strongly that development of staff is important, very few organisations can afford to put money into training if they are not confident that it will have direct benefits for their business.

Andy Kemp continues; “Today’s employers are looking for training solutions which are fit for purpose, flexible, professional and good value for money. Most importantly, at the end of the training course, the individual should have a multitude of new skills and the confidence to use these to add value in the workplace.”

“If the UK is to reach the targets set by Lord Leitch by 2020, we need to look at skills development in its widest sense – from individuals taking responsibility for their own development to organisations investing in their staff,” comments Andy. “If businesses and individuals in the UK want to thrive in the current economic climate then I believe that the importance of skills and training should not be overlooked.”

Deciding where to invest your money has never been tougher; property, stocks and shares and even high street banks don’t seem to offer the security or return that many of us are looking for. Training and skills experts, Pitman Training are recommending that if you want to secure your future, one of the safest financial investments is in yourself.

Andy Kemp is managing director of Pitman Training Kent. With over 8 training centres throughout Kent, the company has considerable experience in helping people to develop new skills and increase their earning potential. Andy says; “Our experience shows that people who invest in themselves and their skills always see a return on investment. Whilst training involves far more than a financial injection of capital – you need to commit time, energy and hard work into training – the potential returns can be enormous.”
Pitman Training is urging people to focus on themselves this winter in order to reap the rewards before spring arrives. Anyone wishing to boost their promotion prospects, kick-start their career or change direction can register at their local centre for a free career consultation. An experienced training advisor will provide practical recommendations on training which could help the individual plan for a happier and more successful working life. By using the colder months as an opportunity to invest in themselves, people in could end up with a raft of new skills, an impressive CV and a vastly improved earning potential.

“As the world of commerce and industry becomes tougher, employers are becoming more and more demanding,” explains Andy. “They want staff who are well-skilled and prepared to invest in themselves and their personal development. Many bosses are looking for candidates whose CV shows that they have proven, practical, office-focused skills which will enable them to hit the ground running when they start a new job. In a challenging economic climate bosses can’t afford to take chances on people who don’t have certificates to back up their skills and experience.”

“Importantly, learning a practical new skill which will really enhance your career prospects needn’t take forever,” continues Andy. “The Pitman Training approach means that you can start a course as soon as you’re ready – you don’t have to wait for the start of a new term. You learn at times that suit you and can complete your course as quickly, or slowly, as you want to, fitting your studies in around work or personal commitments.”

“For example, if you’ve decided on a career as a legal secretary, you could opt to study for a full time Legal Secretarial Diploma. Within 7 to 12 weeks you will have all the specialist skills that any employer would be looking for from a legal secretary and the certificate to prove it,” Andy says. “Alternatively if you already work in an office environment and want to enhance your promotion prospects while you work, you could study part time for the Microsoft Office Plus course. In 7 to 12 weeks you’ll cover advanced Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook and be ready to show any employer that you really mean business.”

Courses on offer at Pitman Training range from basic computing and keyboard skills to advanced secretarial diplomas, book-keeping and even web design. Technical IT courses, including MCSA, MCSE and A+ are also available for those wishing to pursue a career as computer engineers.

For more information visit www.pitmantrainingkent.com  or call 0800 0646 500.