News and Reviews
Please click on the PDF links on the right to read recent editions of the TBG Times, alternatively browse the library of news articles below.
Derby Celebrates Learning Success
11 April 2008
The determination of many individuals to improve their lives through learning was on show in Derby last night (10 April) as 150 people gathered for a major celebration of achievement.
Giving Education A Second Chance
Tuesday 25th March 2008
Young people in Southall are snapping up the opportunity to get on track with their future. The TBG Learning Centre in Windmill Place Business Centre, Southall, has enrolled 43 young people on its Entry 2 Employment (e2e) programme in the first three months since the centre opened.
Back On Track Thanks To New TBG Learning Centre
17th March 2008
On Friday 14th March, The MP for Southall, Virendra Sharma, officially opened a new TBG Learning Centre in Windmill Place Business Centre, Southall, West London.
Council Chairman gets pampered as he launches Nail and Beauty salon
17th March 2008
The Clacton-on-Sea centre of training company TBG Learning has officially unveiled ’To be gorgeous’, a salon for young people to learn nail and beauty industry skills.
Back on track, thanks to new West Bromwich Centre
15th March 2008
A learning centre in West Bromwich which is giving new hope to young people and the unemployed was officially opened (14 March) by The Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Gurcharan Singh Sidhu. The TBG Learning centre in Victoria Street has been so successful in its first three months there are already plans for expansion.
TBG Learning welcomes skills drive
19 November 2007
TBG Learning has welcomed the Government’s announcement that it will create 7.5 million training places in order to boost the skills of Britain’s workforce.
£50 Xmas bonus for out of work school leavers
30 November 2007
A new option is on offer for teenagers who are just hanging around needing something to do. They are the ‘NEETS’ (Not in Education, Employment or Training) who have left school, not gone onto college and are out of work.
MP sees special approach of top learning centre
30 November 2007
Paul Holmes MP, Member of Parliament for Chesterfield and a member of the Government’s Education and Skills Select Committee, has praised the flexibility and positive attitudes of staff at TBG Learning in Chesterfield.
Ron shows you're never to old to learn
27 July 2007
Move over ageing pop stars The Zimmers, a 74 year-old from Tiptree, Ron Woolener, has decided its time to show what his generation can do as far as the computer revolution is concerned.
TBG Learning welcomes ‘World Class Skills’ report
20th July 2007
TBG Learning has welcomed the new Government report ‘World Class Skills’, published on 18 July. It addresses the serious effects of the UK’s weak skills base identified by Lord Leitch. More than a third of adults in the UK do not have a basic school leaving qualification..
Improving Skills in West London
19th July 2007
Ealing residents are being offered the chance to learn basic computing, improve their English language and get advice on finding work or further training at TBG Learning, an independent training company on Uxbridge Road..
Improving Skills in South London
18th July 2007
South London residents are being offered the chance to learn basic computing, improve their English language and get advice on finding work or further training at TBG Learning, an independent training company on Lyham Road, SW2..
Skills for Life in London
26 June 2007
Tower Hamlets residents are being offered the chance to learn computer skills and get advice on finding work or further training at TBG Learning in Brick Lane. The course is free..
Mayor Visits Jobs blackspot to see Training Centre
30 April 2007
The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Des Wilson and the Lady Mayoress met people from the Hyson Green and Forest Fields area of Nottingham last week (25 April) at a training centre which opened six months ago.
Clacton Paints’ Business Gives Youngsters A Chance
27th April
A Clacton business owner says that more local businesses should give young school leavers a chance of a job and make training available so that they become useful employees.
Mayor Opens New Training Suite For Unemployed
Monday 2 April
The Mayor of the City of Derby, Councillor John Ahern cut the ribbon last week (28 March) at TBG Learning’s new wing on Floor Six of
St Peter’s House in Gower Street and presented certificates to people who’ve achieved qualifications and won new jobs.
Mayor Praises Training Company
Monday 2 April
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.
Young people from Tower Hamlets meet the Queen
20th February 2007
Two teenagers from Tower Hamlets were shocked to discover that Her Majesty the Queen would present them with
certificates at the end of a one week ‘life course’ run by London Fire Brigade last week (12-16 February). The Queen attended the
‘pass out’ parade at Millwall Fire Station.
New Skills Centre in Nottingham Job Blackspot
30th January 2007
A training centre that opened recently to help people in a Nottingham job black spot has already helped ten local unemployed people to pass new qualifications in English and maths. TBG Learning is aimed at people living in Hyson Green and Forest Fields, where unemployment levels are high.
Mayor Hosts Business Reception for TBG Learning
25th January 2007
The Mayor of the City of Derby, Councillor John Ahern, praised the work of TBG Learning when he hosted an event in their honour last week (23 January) at City Hall. The event was held to mark the training company’s achievements, which have included a glowing report by the Adult Learning Inspectorate.
Glenda Jackson MP Opens New Centre
4th December 2006
Glenda Jackson, Member of Parliament for Hampstead and Highgate, officially opened the new TBG Learning centre in Highgate Road, Camden last week (1st December). She met some of the 35 unemployed 16-18 year-olds who are gaining new employment skills and enjoyed a manicure from one of the beauty therapy learners, seventeen-year-old Sam Summers from Camden.
New Alfreton Learning Centre for Job Seekers
30th November 2006
A new learning centre has opened in central Derbyshire to help job seekers living in Alfreton and the Erewash Valley increase their skill levels and get practical advice on finding employment. TBG Learning has opened its latest centre at 10, High Street, Alfreton, where there are three modern training rooms, facilities for job search and experienced tutors.
TBG's spectacular ALI inspection result has been immediately followed by significant success at the Quality Improvement Agency (Q.I.A.) Star awards.
21 November 2006
This year's Star Award nominations event was held on 31st October at the Battersea Evolution Centre.
3,000 individuals from around the country had been nominated for a Star Award. They had been nominated by their learners, colleagues and managers.
A GLOWING REPORT FROM NATIONAL INSPECTORS
16 October 2006
TBG Learning has received a glowing report from the Adult Learning Inspectorate, the organisation responsible for inspecting government-funded learning for people aged 16 and over. TBG Learning was awarded Grade 1 (‘outstanding’) in several areas, including Leadership and Management, for example, Inspectors praised the company’s ‘very effective operational management’.
TBG’s inspection result, with an average inspection grade of 1.72 across all programmes, is the best achieved by any large multi-site independent training provider in the last two years (excludes re-inspections).
MP OPENS CENTRE FOR JOB SEEKERS
21 September 2006
Natascha Engel, Member of Parliament for North East Derbyshire, praised independent training company TBG Learning when she officially opened its new training centre for the unemployed in Chesterfield this week (18 th September).
"TBG Learning has the expertise to help the most hard to reach groups of long term unemployed. It's lovely to have something in North Derbyshire as exciting as this", she said, before cutting a celebration cake and touring the Centre to meet learners.
NEW HELP FOR UNEMPLOYED IN NEWHAM
31 July 2006
A training centre in Newham which has made itself part of the community by helping the unemployed to improve their
confidence in areas such as English language speaking, has won new funding to help adults aged 25 and over to find work.
NEW CENTRE GETS LOCAL UNEMPLOYED INTO JOBS
31 July 2006
A centre in Chesterfield which opened two weeks ago has already helped two local unemployed people to find work and
two more to get interviews. TBG Learning, which already operates successfully in Derby, has opened its Chesterfield Centre in St Mary's
Gate and has just finished its first two-week intensive course for the unemployed.
NEW COUNTY WIDE CONTRACT BENEFITS UNEMPLOYED
31 July 2006
Unemployed people living in Chesterfield and claiming Jobseeker's Allowance are set to benefit from new training
courses that will prepare them for the most promising job sectors locally. As well as specific training for different trades there'll
be basic skills help to improve areas such as literacy, numeracy and Information Technology.
BUSINESS MANAGER WINS EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY AWARD
7 July 2006
A West Midlands based business development manager has received an award for her commitment to equality and diversity. Marie Firth, who is employed by TBG Learning, an independent training company, received her award from b:RAP (Birmingham Race Action Partnership). b:RAP works directly with organisations such as TBG Learning across Birmingham, advising on progressive ways to improve equality practice.
FURTHER EDUCATION MINISTER PRAISES RESULTS
30 June 2006
Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, Bill Rammell MP praised the results at TBG
Learning yesterday (29 June) on a visit to its centre in Brixton where he met learners and tutors. TBG Learning, an independent training
company, is well recognised in the community and by local colleges for helping the most disadvantaged groups to improve their lives through learning. 80% of learners at the centre are from black and ethnic minority communities.
OVER 50s TO RECEIVE EMPLOYMENT BOOST
23 June 2006
New age discrimination laws come into effect on 1st October and one London training company, TBG Learning, is offering free help to those aged 50 plus to improve their basic skills and find employment. Fifty Plus Routes to Employment, which is receiving £250,000 in funding from the London Development Agency, aims to improve the lives of 140 over 50s and their families living in some of London's most deprived areas.
BUSINESS GROUP SUPPORTS COLCHESTER CARERS CHARITY
15 June 2006
A kind hearted group of businesses has clubbed together to raise money for Colchester Carers Centre for Children, a charity which provides services for parents and carers of children with disabilities. The centre on Oaks Drive in Colchester is also highly regarded for giving support to young carers who look after parents with disabilities and offers a Saturday Respite Scheme.
QUALIFICATION BEATS XMAS PARTY FOR BOOSTING MORALE
31 May 2006
A forward thinking and award winning employer, NYK Logistics (UK), has a happier workforce thanks to the introduction of a pilot development programme at its Solihull operation which has boosted morale and created better team working.
LEARNING CENTRE GIVEN TOP MARKS
02 May 2006
A learning centre in Clacton has achieved top marks for its achievement rate. TBG Learning in Carnarvon Road has a Learndirect suite where banks of computers are available for people to improve their skills and gain qualifications doing online courses in computer skills, Maths, English and business management. TBG's qualified staff give guidance and now the Centre has received an accolade for the high percentage of people it helps to complete courses and gain qualifications.
MP IMPRESSED BY LEARNING CENTRE
02 May 2006
A Centre which has helped hundreds of local unemployed people in Ealing to increase their levels of education and qualifications and find employment has been congratulated by local MP Piara Khabra. The courses run by TBG Learning' at their Centre (84 Uxbridge Road) help improve qualification levels and confidence in areas such as, writing, maths and computer skills - also known as 'Skills for Life'.
PRAISE FROM MINISTER FOR WORK, MARGARET HODGE MP
28 April 2006
TBG Learning in Barking, which has helped hundreds of local unemployed people to increase their levels of education and qualifications and find employment, was praised today (28 April) by local MP and Minister for Work, Margaret Hodge. Success rates on TBG Learning's Entry to Employment programme, which turns around the lives of unemployed 16-18 year olds who left school without qualifications, are far above the national average.
MP CONGRATULATES LEARNING CENTRE
28 April 2006
A Centre which has helped hundreds of local unemployed people in Ealing to increase their levels of education and qualifications and find employment will be congratulated this week by local MP Piara Khabra. The courses run by TBG Learning's qualified tutors at the centre help improve qualification levels and confidence in areas such as, writing, maths and computer skills - also known as 'Skills for Life'
LIFE CHANGING ACHIEVEMENTS CELEBRATED
10 April 2006
Ealing Town Hall was the venue for a special celebration event held last week (6 April) by local training company TBG Learning. Certificates were presented to learners who had passed qualifications in Information Technology Literacy, Numeracy and English for Speakers of Other Languages. Many had achieved their first ever qualification and over 120 learners, family and friends attended.
1ST TRAINEES GRADUATE FROM PAINTING & DECORATING COURSE
30 March 2006
The first group of 16-18 year-olds from South London to get geared up for new jobs in the construction trade locally will graduate this week from their painting and decorating course. They include Richard Seychell (age 17) from Hern Hill, Dane Junor (age 18) from Streatham Hill and Kevin Walker (age 17) from Vauxhall, all previously unemployed who will all be presented with DIY kits and certificates at a celebration event.
NEW SPONSOR FOR CRYSTAL PALACE YOUTH ACADEMY
28 March 2006
TBG Learning, one of the UK's leading training companies, is the new sponsor of Crystal Palace Academy, which develops talented young football players as prospects for the first team.
The Crystal Palace Football Club Academy, based in Beckenham, has a programme of training and education that aims to develop the skills of exceptional young players both on and off the field, to give them a rounded education and the self-discipline to succeed whatever route they take.
NEW SPONSOR FOR COLCHESTER UNITED YOUTH PLAYERS
Tuesday 21st March 2006
Colchester based TBG Learning has become a Kit Sponsor for three Colchester United Youth Players and is now official sponsor for the football club's Website.Under 19 players Anthony Wordsworth, Arrun Best and Stephen Opoka, who are all full time youth team players for Colchester United in the Football League Youth Alliance, have been sponsored by TBG Learning for the remainder of the 2006 season.
LONDONERS OFFERED LANGUAGE COURSES TO BOOST EMPLOYMENT
3rd March 2006
Unemployed adults are being offered the chance to improve their English on a free course run by independent training company TBG Learning at five centres in London. The course is part of a major programme financed by the European Social Fund that will help up to 16,000 people re-skill themselves and get into jobs in London.
MP HELPS LEARNING CENTRE CELEBRATE DOUBLE SUCCESS
Friday 10th February
Member of Parliament for Gravesham, Adam Holloway, helped an adult learning centre in Gravesend celebrate the success of its learners as well as the success of the centre itself. During a visit to TBG Learning, an national independent training provider, Mr Holloway presented certificates to learners to mark their achievement in gaining literacy and numeracy qualifications.
MP SAYS NEW LEARNING FACILITIES 'ABSOLUTELY RIGHT'
Tuesday 31st January 2006
Keith Hill, Member of Parliament for Streatham, has applauded the opening of new facilities in Brixton that train young people in painting and decorating, ready for jobs in the construction trade that are arising with regeneration and housing projects locally.
NEW SCHEME HELPS ATTRACT YOUNG TO COUNCIL WORKFORCE
25 January 2006
London Borough of Lambeth has kicked off a new scheme it hopes will help lower the average age of its workforce and offer more opportunities to young people locally, by offering them a new career route at the Council.
MAYOR PRAISES SUCCESS OF APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING
30 December 2005
A Council training programme, 'Head Start', that has helped local young people gain qualifications and win permanent jobs at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has been praised by its Mayor, Councillor Warwick Lightfoot.
LONDON RETAIL INDUSTRY GETS VITAL TRAINING SUPPORT
30 December 2005
A pilot programme called Central Skills is giving vital support to the retail and hospitality sectors in London, two sectors that are vital to the London economy and will figure prominently in the forthcoming 2012 Olympics.
APPRENTICESHIP A HAPPY MARRIAGE FOR WEDDING BUSINESS
Tuesday 6 December 2005
A Clacton business woman who bought a local wedding shop earlier this month has sung the praises of an apprenticeship programme which is giving free training and support for new recruit Amy Bell, aged 17, who has been employed as a shop assistant.
“We wanted someone young and energetic that would be able to adapt and develop with the business and local training company TBG Learning have helped me to find the right person. One of the big benefits is that we will be able to train Amy in the way we want things done and she’ll have a mentor from TBG to help her with her qualifications. It’s working really well”, said Debbie Clover, owner-manager of Beautiful Brides in Old Road, Clacton-on-Sea, which designs and tailor makes dresses for clients.
FORK LIFT TRUCK DRIVERS IN DEMAND
Friday 11 November 2005
Two local training companies, TBG Learning and West Midlands Training, have combined their areas of expertise to help unemployed people qualify as Fork Lift truck drivers. The innovative partnership is helping satisfy demand from local employers who need trained people for moving goods in their warehouses and in large retail outlets. The training, valued at £400 per person, is Government funded and equips people with the right license to win jobs that are available locally.
TRAINING CENTRE RECEIVES ‘LEADING THE WAY’ AWARD
Friday 11 November 2005
Independent training company TBG Learning Derbyshire, which designed and delivered a special Workshop that helps people with disabilities and health problems to find employment, has received a prestigious award for its work.
Remploy Interwork, the national organisation which helps people with disabilities to secure work, has awarded TBG Learning, Derbyshire, with a ‘Leading the Way’ commendation for reaching the regional stage of its national competition to celebrate the work of the companies it works with.
CITIZENSHIP TEST CENTRE OPENS IN SOUTH LONDON
Tuesday 8 November 2005
One of the UK’s first test centres for new UK citizenship applicants has been set up in South London. Based at an adult learning centre run by TBG Learning in Lyham Road, Clapham, the facility allows applicants to undertake the ‘Life in the UK’ test to demonstrate their knowledge of life in the UK.
Abi Osho, Regional Manager for TBG Learning, South London, says,
”Twenty out of twenty-four applicants have passed the test here since we started running it. Because of the range of adult courses we already have on offer we are able to help applicants to improve their English and understand the areas that the test covers”.
CITIZENSHIP TEST CENTRE OPENS IN BIRMINGHAM
Friday 4 November 2005
One of the UK’s first test centres for new UK citizenship applicants has been set up in Birmingham. Based at an adult learning centre run by TBG Learning in Great Charles Street, the facility allows applicants to undertake the ‘Life in the UK’ test to demonstrate their knowledge of life in the UK.
Adrian Downing, Regional Manager for TBG Learning, West Midlands, says,
CITIZENSHIP TEST CENTRE OPENS IN TOWER HAMLETS
Tuesday 1 November 2005
One of the UK’s first centres to provide facilities for testing new UK citizenship applicants has been set up in Tower Hamlets. Based at an adult learning centre run by TBG Learning, the facility allows applicants to undertake the ‘Life in the UK’ test to demonstrate their knowledge of life in the UK.
Applicants will be given 24 multiple choice questions designed to test their knowledge of life in this country. The questions will focus on all areas of UK society - on a range of topics - from UK traditions to the laws that govern us.
Full Press Release
PROMOTION FOR TBG LEARNING MANAGER
Friday 21 October 2005
Independent adult training provider TBG Learning has promoted Anita Hargreaves to Operations Manager for their Essex based Employer Division. 39 year old Anita has responsibility to help ensure TBG Learning plays a key role within Essex in developing workforce skills. Her job will involve close working with key partners such as the Learning and Skills Council, Connexions and local schools.
CENTRE SUCCESS IN HELPING UNEMPLOYED
Monday 17 October 2005
A West London training centre, TBG Learning, has been highly successful in helping unemployed people get into jobs.
61% of unemployed 18 – 24 year olds who were referred by Jobcentre Plus locally to TBG Learning in Uxbridge Road, Ealing, have gained new employment in the last year after attending courses and receiving guidance from the centre.
YOUNG LEARNERS RAISE £100 FOR MACMILLAN
Tuesday 11 October 2005
A group of 16-18 year-olds who started the ‘Entry 2 Employment’ programme at TBG Learning in Derby only four weeks ago have presented £100 to Macmillan Cancer relief after organising an event at the centre as part of the “World’s biggest coffee morning”.
The young people used the opportunity to run the charity event last month (28 September) as part of their course, which is helping them develop self confidence and skills for employment. They used teamwork to manage the project; including creating posters, arranging refreshments and running a tombola and other fun games.
Full Press Release
TOP MARKS FOR ADULT LEARNING CENTRE
Friday 7 October 2005
An adult learning centre in Gravesend is celebrating after achieving top marks in an external quality assessment. City & Guilds, the leading vocational qualifications awarding body in the UK, gave the centre an ‘A’ marking following a rigorous examination of how the centre delivers its ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses.
The assessment looked at the quality of teaching and support provided to the learners as well as how well the centre runs the courses. Nationally, the number of centres who achieve the ‘A’ grade is very low.
MAYOR SINGS PRAISES OF LEARNERS
Monday 3 October 2005
Lambeth Mayor Councillor Daphne Marchant has praised the efforts of over 70 local people who she presented with certificates at TBG Learning yesterday. For some of the young people and adult learners, this was their first ever qualification and the centre was congratulated by the Mayor for helping to boost people’s prospects of employment.
APPRENTICE A “PERFECT INSPIRATION” TO OTHERS
Tuesday 20 September 2005
A young Derby man, Chris Dempsey, has reaped the rewards of hard work and dedication to succeed by completing his Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship qualifications in just eighteen months. Now his training provider, TBG Learning, have recruited Chris to help inspire and lead other young people through the Apprenticeship programme.
LAURA TAKES ALTERNATIVE DEGREE ROUTE
Tuesday 30 August 2005
A young student who’s won a place at Nottingham Trent University through achieving vocational, rather than academic qualifications, has thanked the trainers and employers who gave her vital support.
19 year old Laura Leatherland from Heanor in Derby has been accepted into Nottingham Trent University to study for a Law degree through distance learning. Rather than qualify through the traditional A level route, Laura achieved the vocational equivalent, an NVQ Level 3, whilst working at local solicitors Varley Hadley Siddall in Ilkeston, Derby
NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR 16 – 18 YEAR OLDS
Tuesday 16 August 2005
Douglas Carswell, Member of Parliament for Harwich, visited TBG Learning Tendring in Clacton today (Tuesday 16 August) to learn about its success. TBG Learning, an independent training provider, has just been awarded a new contract by Learning and Skills Council, Essex to increase the number of places for unemployed 16 – 18 year olds on its ‘entry 2 employment’ programme this Autumn.
NEW OPTION FOR 16 – 18 YEAR OLDS
Monday 15 August 2005
One of Derby’s most successful centres for adult learning, TBG Learning, is offering a new programme for 16 – 18 year old school leavers this autumn after winning new funding from Learning and Skills Council, Derby.
Called ‘entry 2 employment’ or e2e, unemployed 16 – 18 year-olds who left school with no qualifications are invited to join the programme which will help them gain valuable skills, new qualifications and self confidence. Work tasters with local employers, individual guidance and a number of ‘fun days’ such as a planned music day with a local DJ, are all part of e2e.
SPRING LEARNER MARION WINS DIGITAL CAMERA
Friday 22 July 2005
Marion Fowler, from Holland-on-sea was celebrating this month after winning a brand new digital camera in a “Spring Learner” competition.
Marion, aged 53, had completed several IT and maths courses at the government funded learndirect centre in Clacton which is run by TBG Learning in Carnarvon Road. She won her prize just in time for her summer holiday.
YOUNG APPRENTICE IMPRESSES TOP HOTEL AGENCY
Tuesday 19 July 2005
Casey Spragett left Bishop Challaner School in Commercial Road, East London, in July 2004, intending to go into hairdressing and with no qualifications. Thanks to an apprenticeship scheme she has just won a great job and a pay rise with one of London’s top hotel agencies, Russell Hotel Reservations in Paddington, West London.
HOTEL AGENCY ‘OVER THE MOON’ WITH YOUNG APPRENTICE
Tuesday 19 July 2005
The managing director of one of London’s top hotel reservation agencies has sung the praises of an apprenticeship programme for recruiting young trainees.
Ben Smart, managing director of Russell Hotel Reservations, the UK’s fastest growing hotel reservation agency, says school leaver Casey Spraggett, who was introduced to the business by TBG Learning, an independent training provider, has been a huge success. He’s just increased her salary to £12,000 from £7,000 after the probationary first 12 weeks.
NEW SKILLS HELP ANGELA RETURN TO NURSING
Thursday 23 June 2005
A woman who left nursing nineteen years ago due to industrial injury is fulfilling her dream to return to work. Angela Young from Colchester, who injured her back lifting a patient and has been out of work since, now feels ready to return. Her new confidence is a result of computer skills that she never believed she could get, until she discovered TBG Learning.
LUCKY COLCHESTER MAN WINS COMPUTER PRIZE
Thursday 23 June 2005
Paul Green of Straight Road, Colchester, has made a dream start in his ambition to learn computer skills. Paul, age 23 and unemployed, won a personal computer in a competition run by private training provider TBG Learning, whose learning centre is in Southway, Colchester. Anyone aged over sixteen who signed up for a course during a promotion in Culver Square in Adult Learners Week last month, was entered for the free prize draw.
Paul called into TBG Learning last week (16 June) to collect his prize from Operations Manager, Terry Windsor.
Full Press Release
