MAYOR PRAISES TRAINING COMPANY

2nd April 2007

The Mayor of Gravesham, Councillor Harry Smith, praised local training company TBG Learning when he presented certificates to people who have achieved qualifications and won work placements and jobs with local employers as a result of their New Deal training. He visited the centre in King Street, Gravesend last week (29 March) and was given a tour to meet learners and tutors, before presenting certificates.

“Gravesham has a positive economic outlook, with the growing opportunities at Bluewater and the regeneration of Gravesend. The work of TBG Learning is crucial if we are to fully exploit this future potential and we should salute and celebrate all those who have made the New Deal scheme a continuing success. TBG Learning is creating new opportunities for people to gain employment, which is providing a route out of poverty, exclusion and boredom,” said The Mayor of Gravesham, Councillor Harry Smith.

He met learners including Stephen Jones (pictured) who passed a qualification in computing and is gaining work experience at TBG Learning and Tracie Shannon (pictured) who has passed a numeracy qualification and is doing a retail work placement at Peacocks. Another learner, Anthony Campbell, was offered a 13 week work placement to gain retail experience at the Virgin Megastore in Bluewater. He so impressed his boss that he’ll be starting paid employment next month.

TBG Learning’s help for job seekers on the New Deal programme has meant that over 2,000 unemployed people across Kent have received training, careers advice and opportunities for work experience over the last six months.

For further information telephone TBG Learning on 01474 566588.

Courses on New Deal training

All New Deal job seekers complete motivational and confidence building short ‘Gateway’ courses in ‘soft skills’ such as communication, punctuality and problem-solving as well as getting impartial advice and guidance on careers and jobsearch. Assessment in literacy and numeracy ensures those who need to improve their skills in this area receive expert tuition.

18-24 year-olds select occupationally specific six week courses or do practical work experience projects in the community or voluntary sectors. They get ongoing advice on job search.

Those aged 25 or over undertake up to 13 weeks of occupational specific training resulting in an industry-recognised qualification in sectors such as construction, railways or business administration.

TBG Learning has selected a range of sub-contractors, chosen on the basis of their industry expertise and track record, to deliver training in occupational areas that are relevant to the local job market in Kent. These include construction, healthcare, warehousing, commercial cleaning and business administration.

The New Deal programme has meant that it has expanded its provision in Kent, opening two new Centres in Folkestone and Sittingbourne, in addition to the existing Centre in Gravesend.

In a recent inspection by the Adult Learning Inspectorate TBG Learning was awarded the best marks that any large training provider has achieved in the last five years.

For more information please contact:
Rob Halpin, TBG Learning Telephone 01474 566588

OR Penny Arbuthnot/Kerry Doy, Project PR
Tel: 01473 326401 OR 01473 326404