Archive for the ‘Workplace’ Category

ATG goes all Formula 1 (sort of) with a night at the kart track

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

I write this feeling slightly battered and bruised after an ace night out at Rouge Racings Kart track in Aylesbury.
The competition was feirce and during the pre race banter you could hear “I’ll be aiming for the one in his own race suit and helmet”… well at least that’s what I thought anyway. At least John G has his own suit and helmet aswell, maybe they were refering to him?!

Anyway, with racesuits and helmets donned, as Murray Walker would have said “the time for talking has finished – the time for racing has begun”
The karts were lined up in the pit lane one behind the other and I was hoping to have the one on the front for a quick get away and get a ‘clean’ lap in without being held up by anyone else so that I could get pole position and lead the race out.
Sadly I was awarded the equivelant of a wooden spoon in the shape of the kart right at the back of the pack.
So, using my cunning and guile, I pushed my way through the traffic and set a time that was good enough for pole.
Myself, John and Jason made up the first three positions on the grid and as the lights went green all hell broke loose.
I only crashed once, but what I lacked in Quantity I made up for in quality, I braked far later than I should have done and shot backwards at high speed into the barrier at the end of the fastest straight on the course with a bang that Barry Scott (off of Cillit Bang) would have been proud of.

At the halfway stage (40 laps) we stopped for a well earned rest and to be fair I would have been happy if it had finished there, as I was in first place. Everything to loose then!
After far to short a time we were ushered back to the karts to complete the final 40 laps.
Apart from a BIG off for Neil and Simon, I felt the second stage flowed more smoothly and I had a great dice with Gary and John G for track position.

Pizza was ordered and a good time had by all (especially me as I won it!)

If you fancy trying your hand at karting and taking my step at the top of the podium (good luck, you’ll need it!) then make sure your name is down for the next one when Jason asks!

See you then!

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University system under the spotlight

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

Stephen Smyth Marketing ManWith the University system currently under the spotlight, now is a timely moment to consider the alternatives. 

Whilst a University education may be the pinnacle for a student, the financial burden on their career in its formative years is such that often the social elements of home and health can suffer. I can speak from experience: I have four children, two of whom are at University and the other two about to embark on their studies.  The bank of Mum and Dad are under severe strain.

However, had these young people chosen the alternative route of an apprenticeship (as did a friend of my daughter), within six months they could have a qualification, including a technical certificate. Not only that, but help in finding a job, where they could continue their training and earn a salary. So instead of running up a debt, they would be earning a salary whilst training and gaining experience.

With around 40% of school leavers attending a University degree course, one has to muse if this is too many, when an apprenticeship offers such an attractive alternative for those minded to have a career where they use their dexterity and skill to manufacture and create something.

I’m not suggesting that one solution fits all. However thinking of my daughter’s situation makes me wince.

Her good friend at school decided to take an Engineering Apprenticeship and started her course with ATG Training in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. My daughter took up a place at Canterbury Christ Church reading English.

Five years later, Jenny is now studying for her Masters Degree and still running up costs with no immediate prospect of paying back those costs.  Meanwhile, Sophie has been at work for five years at a science and technology company, is a star employee and has an income that allows her to have a lifestyle with her own home and car.

Who has made the right decision? Well, both have for their own particular needs. However, this type of information is not at the forefront of young people’s minds when they are faced with decisions at a critical time in their lives. They are not advised by schools and are not really ready for the responsibility that level of decision generates.  

Career Education is the key to help young people and this should start in their early teens.

Stephen Smyth

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Friday, June 4th, 2010

Mark Paxton IT Apprentice

Mark Paxton may only be 17 years old, but he’s already begun his career in IT. His secret? Obtaining a National Vocational Qualification (NQV) Level 2 for IT Practitioners from ATG Training.

When were you an apprentice at ATG?
I started my apprenticeship in September 2009, and it finished at the start of January 2010.

Which apprenticeship did you take?
ICT. I had been interested in ICT for quite a few years before I looked at ATG.

What made you want to take part in ATG’s program?
ATG offered to get me an interview and help get me a job during and after the course.

Is it safe to say the followed through on those offerings?
Yes, ATG helped me prepare for my interview and helped me write my CV. I was offered an interview with ABS Ltd in November 2009, approximately half way through my course, and following that they offered me a placement the week before Christmas. After my placement, (ABS) offered me the job and Level 3 course.

Did you attend an ATG Open Day prior to apprenticeship?
Yes, I was shown around and explained what ATG is and what they do. The most important thing I learned at the Open Day was what the ICT course was all about (what it consisted of and what was required). Based on the visit, I wanted to join ATG because of the short course and the offer of helping me get a job.

What certification did ATG help you obtain?
NVQ Level 2 for IT Practitioners

What was your favourite part about the ATG apprenticeship?
The course was short and expanded my knowledge a lot. I learned General ICT software, hardware troubleshooting and repairing, and customer support.

What did you like most about ATG in general?
I met a few new friends, and the tutors were always happy to help and have a laugh.

You’re now with ABS Ltd. When did you start working there?
I started at ABS Ltd on 4th January 2010, following my weeks placement in December.

What is your position, and what are your duties in this new role?
I’m a Support Technician. I provide software and hardware to support to customers and monitor servers.

Do you think you would have been able to obtain your current position without help from ATG?
No, I would not have known about the position without the help of ATG, as ABS recruits directly from ATG.

Would you recommend ATG to others?
Yep, it’s definitely worth the time, and you will meet new people whilst getting the qualification.

For further information about our apprenticeships, contact 01296 737800 or future@atg-training.co.uk.

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Get inspired, get fit!

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

I’m writing this after a lovely ride in on my Mountain Bike down the towpath from where I live in Tring.
I’ve seen countless Herons, a nesting Swan, a Guilimot (I think) Ponys grazing lazily in the feilds and Canal boats bobbing gently on the err.. Canal
I have arrived at work in a good mood, ready for the day and feeling that bit fitter!

This got me thinking, how hard would it be for YOU to do the same?
If you own a bike, all it takes is a little forward planning and a slightly earlier start.
We have a fully equipped class leading Cycle workshop to deal with any mechanical woes you may have and all the facilities you could need here to make your pedal journey to work a happy one (even if it’s tipping down!)

So there really is no excuse! Why not give it a try? I’m more than happy to take a few mins out of my day to help you get started, so why not make it a VERY late New Years resolution.

You’ll thank me for it!!!

Jules.

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Why should I recruit an ATG Apprentice?

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

I want to ask you if you have ever considered hiring an apprentice for your company and explain to you why an ATG APPRENTICE is a WORK READY Apprentice.
One of the common oppositions that ATG receives from employers is that whilst they would be happy to employ an apprentice, they often feel that the initial few months involves a lot of development and support from the employer in order to get the apprentice up to speed in the job that they were hired to do. This leads to many employers seeking other ‘quick fix’ options, such as using recruitment agencies or other expensive recruitment methods to hire experienced (and more expensive) employees.
This is where a WORK READY ATG APPRENTICE has helped change employers opinions. At ATG, an ATG APPRENTICE is treated like an employee whilst they train with us. From day one, they ‘work’ between 3 – 6 months full time, on a Monday to Friday 8.30am-4.30pm week, and spend 3.5 half days physically working on the practical skills required to do the job in their chosen vocation. This practical experience is backed up by a further 1.5 days a week in the classroom, and in most cases, a varied and diverse two week work experience placement.

Ok, I can see that ATG APPRENTICES are trained differently, but why should my business hire an ATG APPRENTICE?

Many organisations shy away from discussing the key element that most benefits their company. The simple fact of the matter is that an ATG APPRENTICE is a cheap, skilled and effective labour supply.
An ATG APPRENTICE is WORK READY. They can already undertake a large number of job duties in their chosen field and will have already gained a good level of qualification (both a technical certificate and an NVQ level 2.) This means that they require little supervision to get them up to speed and then start generating your business an income.
The cost of hiring and then employing an apprentice is considerably more cost effective than hiring a more experienced employee. If you build in recruitment costs, and the enhanced wages that will pay experienced employees, whilst you will usually see a more immediate return on your investment, the medium to long term return on your investment is dwarfed by the return you would get from investing in the development of an apprentice. You will need to spend some of your time developing the apprentice to meet your company’s needs which does have a cost implication, but in the medium to long term, the financial return will be worth it.

So, if I do decide to hire, what are my commitments to the ATG APPRENTICES’ Further education?

 ATG will take care of their further and continued education. All we ask is that you offer them a varied and diverse work experience in a safe working environment and that you allow them a maximum of one day a week over a 14 month period to continue their education in order to further boost their portfolio of useful vocational skills.

What support can I get?

The education of your apprentice is covered by the government. Over a 3 year period, the government will contribute nearly £15,000 to the education of the apprentice.  There are periodic incentives from the government and local charity organisations that will offer financial support to employers who wish to hire an ATG APPRENTICE. Visit our website www.atg-training.co.uk for the latest news on these incentives.

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The new Induction Standards for a career in Children’s Care

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

If you have designs on working with children and young people, you’ll know that this is an important career. You’ll relish the challenge of playing a valuable role in shaping the lives of future generations and in making this the best possible place in the world for children to live.

Successful people in this field see themselves as professional – right from the start.

So lots lots of enthusiasm, energy and passion is required. You will also need knowledge and understanding of what children, young people and their families need to achieve their full potential.

Perhaps you are new to a role working in children’s services or maybe your work role has changed within children’s services – whichever it is, you can be sure it will be demanding and challenging, yet thoroughly rewarding.

What are the induction standards all about?

The induction standards from the Children’s Workforce Development Council (the sector Skills Council) set out the knowledge, skills and understanding which are essential to improving outcomes for children, young people and their families. All new staff coming into the Children’s Care workforce, should complete the induction standards. ATG Training can help you understand the requirements.

Induction is your first step along a journey of developing your professional skills and understanding your role. Workplace induction is a planned programme of activities to prepare and orient new staff to the workplace.

The Common Core of Skills and Knowledge for the children and young people’s workforce sets out the basic skills and knowledge needed by all people (including volunteers) whose work brings them into regular contact with children and young people. For more information, please contact future@atg-training.co.uk

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