Success Stories
Andrea Pawsey & Lyndsey Kelo
My name is Lyndsey Kelo & I came to TBG to gain Computer skills. I started with CLAIT/WP and did well but found I was struggling a bit when it came to Spreadsheets and was not successful with my first attempt at the test. I told my tutor, Katrina, that I was having problems with formulas and it was suggested I try the Numeracy course to develop my confidence.
My skills check revealed that I would benefit from Level 1, and I passed this easily, going straight on to Level 2, and although more of a challenge I successfully passed it along with overcoming my problem with formulas.
TBG's incentive promotion was running at that time, with an iPod as the prize! The names of each student passing their first Numeracy or Literacy test were automatically entered and I was the lucky student whose name was drawn.
Veronica Rodriguez-Martinez
Veronica Rodriguez-Martinez started the Adult Literacy Entry Level 3 course in November 2005. At that point she was working in a fast-food restaurant but wishing for more.
Veronica's confidence in the classroom grew and, during a discussion with her tutor, she talked about her desire to work with children, possibly in the area of social work. She felt there was no way that she could do this, and would forever be stuck in the same mundane jobs.
Together, Veronica and her tutor explored possible options. During this time she also progressed onto Adult Literacy at L1 and L2. Having completed these she began Adult Numeracy Level 1. Veronica has just achieved this qualification and has just started Level 2.
With all these achievements, including her newly regained confidence and determination, Veronica is looking to begin an Access to Social Work course in September 2007.
Go For It Veronica!!!
Rafeeda Ham
Rafeeda joined the Adult Numeracy course at TBG Learning in June 2006. Although she had some knowledge of mathematics there were many areas that were lacking. This was combined with a general lack of confidence and self-esteem.
Over the period of the course Rafeeda's self-belief grew, and with it her confidence. While studying she was also helped to complete an up to date CV, and began to talk about career opportunities.
At the end of August 2006 Rafeeda passed her Adult Numeracy Level 2 qualification. She was obviously immensely proud of this. It also gave her the impetus to continue to search for employment.
This week Rafeeda received some great news as she was offered a job at the Thames Housing Association.
Well done Rafeeda !!!
Raffaella de Zordo
Raffaella is a hard-working and enthusiastic learner who naturally passes on some of her keenness to her classmates. She has a very positive attitude towards learning and improving her skills.
Not only has Raffaella shown that she is determined to learn English well by passing her ESOL Level 1 course but she has successfully completed Numeracy courses at Level 1 & 2 as well as gaining valuable ICT skills on her E-quals and ECDL courses.
Raffaella is currently studying Literacy Level 2 and has recently completed a Spanish evening course and both these courses are important as she strives towards her goal of becoming a Community Interpreter.
Because of all of the above Raffaella was nominated for a learner award representing TBG at the Lambeth College Learner Awards Ceremony. She is an example of how much you can achieve as a learner in a short period of time if you are determined and focussed. We wish her every success in her present studies and look forward to seeing her work as a Community Interpreter in the near future.
Qualification Beats Xmas Party for Boosting Moral
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.
In Solihull NYK Logistics is the third party supply chain for Land Rover, receiving and storing parts and delivering direct to the manufacturing production lines which it works alongside. Looking towards its long term future and how it could invest to continually raise standards, it decided to bring in TBG Learning (TBG), an independent training company.
The Apprenticeship and Train to Gain programmes introduced by TBG Learning are funded by the Learning and Skills Council. They are enabling fifty workers of all ages in the automotive logistics division to increase their confidence and skills to do their job better whilst gaining the new NVQ Level 2 qualification in Warehousing and Logistics.
"This programme is giving everyone a buzz. It's a demanding work environment for everyone, non-stop 24/7 and it's hard to train staff. This is giving them something to aim for and they're getting something back with the qualification, so it's very positive. You can give staff a pay rise or a Xmas party, but what else can you give them? The opportunity to train as a team has had a bigger effect", says Brian Cavanagh, Business Improvement Manager, NYK Logistics.
The practical nature of the NVQ, which is based on competence in doing the job, is helping employees increase their confidence, shown through better interpersonal and communication skills. Karen Noakes, Employee Development Specialist from TBG Learning, attends day and night shifts to regularly coach and develop the workers. On a one to one basis she identifies any grey areas in their knowledge and helps them address these as well as reinforcing what they already know. Any literacy and numeracy needs including dyslexia, are being addressed.
Warehouse Operative Michael Hayes, age 21, is one of the thirty-two employees aged 18-24 who is following the twelve month Apprenticeship programme. He was expelled from school aged 15 and had various jobs before joining NYK Logistics. He explains:
"It's been brilliant so far. It's really positive and everyone's talking about it. We are all helping each other and asking questions. It's making me think about the job and it's making my understanding of the job more concrete. I left school without any qualifications so I was keen to do this. It's for my future".
NYK Logistics is planning to roll out the Apprenticeship and Train to Gain programmes to other areas of the automotive logistics division, so that further employees can take part.
For further information about TBG Learning telephone Marie Firth, Business Development Manager on 0121 200 2646 or see www.tbglearning.com .
In 2005 the joint logistics operation between Land Rover and NYK Logistics (UK) won the prestigious Manufacturer's Automotive Industry Supply Chain Award. Across the UK NYK Logistics has 35 sites and delivers a diverse range of logistics solutions including warehousing & distribution, freight forwarding, International network solutions, supply chain consulting, and IT solutions.
Alison Hubbard
Alison worked at Argos in Coalville as a Customer Advisor; she has just successfully completed her FMA in Customer Service level 2. Over the course of the programme Alison, through her own commitment and dedication has proven her competence in a multitude of areas including the development of customer relationships, delivering reliable customer service and resolving customer service problems.
Alison started her course on the 16/03/04 and completed in November 2004. Alison has since left Argos and told me “I did the course to gain an extra qualification to help my career and from it I have achieved a new job. I think the course definitely helped my career and I enjoyed it”
Alison’s course was funded by the Derby Learning and Skills Council.
Well done Alison from all the team at TBG Learning
Anna Bolton
Well done Anna, on completing your Management NVQ. Anna produced an excellent portfolio, using a range of evidence to show competence.
Anna started her Management course in May 2003 at Bartlewood Lodge and worked really hard to complete her course by August 2004. Anna had previously completed a Food and Drink FMA with TBG, her assessor Craig Barber was very pleased with Anna’s progress and the high quality of her work.
Well done Anna from all the team at TBG Learning, Derby.
Khong Lung Ly
I started my course with Graham and I really enjoyed myself. James took over as my assessor and together we put together recipes, I learnt a lot working towards my NVQ standards.
I was struggling with my Communication Key Skill so Becky visited me on a regular basis and in no time I had passed my test with flying colours!
I had lots of support during my course from TBG and would recommend a Modern Apprenticeship to everyone.
Susan Mills
My career started when both my sons finished their education I decided to do something with my life, I was reading the newspaper one day and I saw advertised, Computer Courses from “starters to advanced levels” with “Learn Direct.” When I joined Learn Direct back in 2002 it was the best thing I have done with my life and all it took was one phone call.
I have made friends with many people and the atmosphere is great here and I could not wish for a better tutor ( Barrington Black) he has been very helpful to me all the way through these courses and explained how things should be done.
I have completed courses, IT1, IT2, IT3, e.g. Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Databases; over the past 2 years. I have also gained a nationally recognised Maths and English Certificate, Key Skills Primer-Application of Number and Communication Skills- Levels 1 – 2
I have also taken on line tests in March and April of this year, levels 1 – 2 and passed both exams, Furthermore I enjoy learning there is so many courses to choose from and the tutors are very helpful. Susan Mills
Chris Byrne
I started my NVQ level 2 on Team Leading quite worried; I had never done an NVQ before. I was taken through what was expected of me and was told it was a year course. The more I went through the NVQ the more interested I got. It was opening my eyes to a whole new way of thinking about dealing with staffing issues, resources, Health & Safety / Risk Assessment process, staff appraisals, holding team meetings and 1-2-1 staff training.
Now I have completed my course I can now use my new skills to help myself to give information out. I can also help staff improve their own skills and the business to improve its level of service at Langley Swimming Baths.
I found the whole course interesting and would advise anyone to take part.
Lesley Coton
I work at Jonathans Hotel as a team leader and I started doing my MVQ in January. I am really pleased I had the chance to do this, as it has given me much more confidence and a better chance of looking for a higher graded job. I am very pleased I met my assessor Lorraine, she has given me this opportunity of a lifetime.
Carole Abenaqui
I am from the Ivory Coast and lived in France for 12 years. I came to London in 2000 from France to visit some friends, and I enjoyed it so I decided to live here.
I started the E-QUALS course in February 2005 this included IT Principles Wordprocessing Spreadsheets and Databases. After successfully completing these courses I decided to start the level 2 courses, which leads to an ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) qualification.
I decided to embark on a course with LEARNDIRECT. I started a level 1 course in Literacy (Key Skill primer Communication Skills). When I joined this course it has been the best thing in my life These courses give me the skills that I need to improve my vocabulary.
I have made friends with many people and the atmosphere is great and I could not wish for better tutors, Barrington Black and Ibraham Bah, they are very helpful to me all the way through these courses and explain how things should be done.
I have now started doing a level 2 course in English. Next I would like to gain qualifications in Maths. My career goal is to become an IT Consultant. Carole Abenaqui
Theresa Chambers
Three new members of staff at TBG Learning Kent were familiar faces before they even began their new jobs at the Centre in Gravesend. Theresa Chambers, Kevin Warren and Ian Webster all had long histories of unemployment before discovering TBG Learning after referral from Jobcentre Plus.
“We positively seek to place unemployed people in vacancies within our centre at Gravesend”, says Mark Baldock, Manager, TBG Learning Kent. Theresa Chambers (pictured) a 44 year old grandmother who hadn’t worked for eleven years and has completed a series of IT qualifications in order to win her administration job, says “I was an insurance clerk but after bringing up my family I got into a rut of unemployment and living on benefits. My future now looks a whole lot better”.
Margaret Gray
Award for 50+ Learner
When Margaret first came to TBG she had no self-confidence, but after 6 months has learned how to use a computer, fill in
application forms and write letters. She has also gained a Health & Safety in the workplace certificate. Her first ever certificate.
Margaret has a daughter living in Gran Canaria who is so impressed at how Margaret’s letter writing has improved said it should
be her tutor Stephen Smith who should get an award for his time and patience. Margaret feels and hopes that what she has learned at
TBG will come in very handy when helping her 8 grandchildren.
