Tag: Training

Welcome to Weber Shandwick!

From three hundred applicants to three appointments – apprentices join world’s top communications firm here in Scotland

Three Modern Apprentices have joined the 50-strong team at Weber Shandwick in Scotland as the consultancy signs up to the Young Person’s Guarantee and commits to supporting more young people into a career in communications.

Erin Butler, Olivia Yeneka and Ewan Bruce were selected from over 300 applicants to the programme, which is being delivered in partnership with Kelvin College.

Over the next year they will enjoy a mix of classroom and on-the-job training, which will see them develop skills in media relations, social media, creative, public affairs and insights.

Natalie Buxton, Managing Director of Weber Shandwick in Scotland is also a member of the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board and a Chair of its Gender Commission.

She said: “Our industry is growing and we need more people from more diverse backgrounds to consider a career in communications. In addition to offering excellent career opportunities for our apprentices I believe they will make us better at delivering for our clients.

“Erin, Olivia and Ewan have joined a fast-paced and exciting working environment and are already learning from some of the communications industry’s best talent, not just here in Scotland, but with colleagues across the UK and globally. I am really excited to see how they develop over the next year and beyond.”

Minister for Youth Employment and Training Jamie Hepburn said: “The Young Person’s Guarantee is a joint commitment to provide opportunities for all 16-24 year olds in Scotland through jobs, apprenticeships, further and higher education, training programmes and volunteering.

“I’m delighted that Weber Shandwick have signed up to the Guarantee and are creating such valuable work-based learning opportunities. I would encourage all employers to think about how they can help our young people at this time.”

The apprentices are full-time, paid employees who are earning a Living Wage while they learn. They can expect to gain an SVQ Level 7 Qualification at the end of their 12-month contract. Weber Shandwick has committed to delivering a combination of formal and on-the-job training including strategic planning, creative, media relations and digital strategy across a range of sectors, including consumer, tech and energy.

Weber Shandwick has won some of the most prestigious awards in the industry; in 2020 it was named to Ad Age’s Agency A-List and honoured as PRovoke’s Global Agency of the Decade. The agency was also nominated as one of the Best Places to Work in 2019.

Senior Associate Rebecca Halligan, who joined Weber Shandwick through the apprentice scheme in 2017, said: “Becoming an apprentice at Weber Shandwick was an excellent way to join the world of PR.

“I was allowed the opportunity to develop my skills in the areas I enjoyed and have been able to maximise my potential since joining the team.

“From working on big brands since day one, training in offices across Europe, and being welcomed with open arms into the team, Weber Shandwick’s apprenticeship programme is an unbeatable start to a career in communications.”

November date for Andrew Fairlie Scholarship culinary competition

The Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland has announced that the second annual Andrew Fairlie Scholarship will take place on Tuesday 16th November.  

The finals will see five talented chefs compete for the chance to become Andrew Fairlie scholars and take part in once-in-a-lifetime culinary experiences. 

Perth College UHI will host the skills test and judging portion of the day, with the winners’ announcement being made at Gleneagles. A teenage Andrew, encouraged by mentor Keith Podmore, enrolled in a City & Guilds course at Perth College UHI before following Podmore to London members club, Boodles, and eventually winning the first ever Roux Scholarship. 

The scholarship recognises two outstanding individuals each year – one male and one female – who are forging ahead with their culinary career and working in Scotland.  

The aspiring chefs in the running for the ‘ultimate scholarship’ in the industry include Josh Wilkinson, 26, who is currently working as Senior Chef de Partie at the Isle of Eriska Hotel.  

Chef de Partie at The Torridon Amy Stephenson, 22, has likewise made the final, as has Spud Henderson, 32, Chef de Partie at Craig Millar @ 16 West End. 

There are also two returning finalists from 2019’s competition – Ryan McCutcheon, 29, now Chef Patron at Achray House Hotel, and Peter Meechan, 24, Chef de Partie at The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant.  

Spearheaded by HIT Scotland and supported by the First Minister, Scottish Government and Gleneagles, the scholarship was first launched in February 2019 in recognition of Andrew Fairlie’s significant and lasting contribution to the hospitality industry.  

In 2019, the scholarships were awarded to Emma-Rose Milligan from Kilmarnock and Joseph Harte from South Queensferry (top). 

David Cochrane, CEO at HIT Scotland, said: “After announcing the finalists last year, we are very much looking forward to seeing them in action next month.  

“This is a unique opportunity for these chefs working in Scotland to take on the mantle of Andrew’s legacy and experience some fantastic industry opportunities that will help develop their careers. Best of luck to all the finalists!” 

Stephen McLaughlin, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie Head Chef and lead judge, said: “We have had to wait a while for this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship to come around and now that it is almost upon us, we are as excited and as privileged as ever to play our part in preserving and extending Chef Andrew’s legacy through nurturing and mentoring this year’s very talented finalists. 

“The finalists can expect a tough challenge to be laid out in front of them on Finals Day, but at the same time the day itself will be fun, educational and inspiring. We are delighted to be partnering the day with Perth College and are over the moon to add the college to the list of Andrew Fairlie Scholarship collaborators.” 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “After what has been an incredibly difficult year for our hospitality sector, it is heartening to see new and inspiring culinary talent emerging through this fantastic scholarship in honour of Andrew Fairlie.

“Throughout his life and career, Andrew did so much excellent work to inspire the next generation of ambitious, talented chefs in Scotland and this scholarship will contribute to his legacy. 

“It is great to see so many young, up-and-coming chefs aiming to benefit from the scholarship. They will all undoubtedly make their mark and contribute to a strong and sustainable recovery for Scotland’s hospitality sector.” 

Conor O’Leary, Managing Director at Gleneagles, commented: “We are enormously proud to support the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, which provides an important platform for emerging talent and strengthens Scotland’s reputation as a centre for culinary excellence.   

“We very much look forward to hosting the finalists here at Gleneagles in November and are delighted to have the opportunity to continue working with HIT Scotland to ensure the culture that Andrew established is promoted and nurtured in the next generation of chefs.” 

Ype van der Schaaf, Sector Manager of Hospitality and Food Studies at Perth College UHI said: “On behalf of the team in Hospitality and Food Studies, we welcome the opportunity to host the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship final within our kitchens and facilities.

“We are ready to support HIT Scotland with the event and welcome the opportunity to involve our students to support the event and the finalists, giving them invaluable experience.” 

The chosen winners will gain industry-wide recognition as Andrew Fairlie Scholars and experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities such as a practical stage in an international kitchen and at Michelin star restaurants Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles and Core by Clare Smyth. 

NHS Scotland Academy launched

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has officially launched the new NHS Scotland Academy, backed by £9 million of investment to accelerate training and build the country’s health workforce.

As a collaboration between NHS Golden Jubilee and NHS Education for Scotland, the Academy will contribute to improving staffing levels to meet growing patient needs.

It will feature a mix of residential, distance and virtual reality learning, with a range of training programmes linked to recruitment, career progression and redesign of roles.

Mr Yousaf said: “The NHS Scotland Academy is part of our wider £1 billion commitment to health through the NHS Recovery Plan which will increase capacity, deliver reforms, and get everyone the treatment they need as quickly as is possible.

“Our workforce is at the heart of everything we do, and I want to express my sincere thanks for the continued courage, commitment and professionalism of all staff during this time.

“We have been clear that as a result of the pandemic our NHS will face challenges in the years ahead and the Academy will play a key role in supporting it to be well-equipped and prepared as we look to recover. We will publish a National Workforce Strategy later this year in which the Academy will be a key feature of designing, developing and delivering training programmes.

“This will also broaden opportunities for young people – in support of our Young Person’s Guarantee, alongside those who may be seeking a career change. This will enable them to receive on-the-job clinical training and a route to future career progression.”

The Academy has already started providing vital support and training to meet high demand health programmes. This includes a pilot perioperative nurse training programme which qualifies graduates to work in a theatre environment in just six months – when previously it would take a year.

Community pharmacists are being trained to support primary care services, by issuing prescriptions for specific conditions without the need for patients to see a GP.

NHS Golden Jubilee’s first nurse endoscopy graduates have taken up post this week, ensuring rapid diagnosis and treatment for a number of conditions, including cancer.

The Academy is also playing a vital role in supporting National Treatment Centres, to ensure NHS Scotland can meet the needs of Scotland’s ageing population through our overall commitment to recruit at least 1500 additional staff.

Chief Executive of NHS Golden Jubilee Jann Gardner said: “The pandemic has made it clearer than ever the need to offer fast, efficient and effective access to training and education for health and social care staff.

“Drawing on the strengths of the Golden Jubilee’s state of the art facilities, and the educational expertise and technology offered by NHS Education for Scotland, the NHS Scotland Academy will support the workforce, and benefit the people of Scotland for years to come.”

Chief Executive of NHS Education for Scotland Karen Reid said: “Having the right staff with the right skills in the right place is fundamental to delivering the best health and social care outcomes. The pandemic has made us think about working in new ways and about making better use of technology.

“Our partnership in the new NHS Scotland Academy allows us to join up educational expertise and technology – enabling faster learning, and a more skilled workforce, for the people of Scotland.”

Grosvenor Casinos deals a helping hand to job seekers

●        Grosvenor Casino Glasgow Merchant City’s Gaming Academy upskills aspiring casino dealers to help kick start their careers

●        Four-week programme trains applicants in how to run popular games at the casino as well as safer gambling modules to develop their skills and career opportunities

●        The Gaming Academy is part of a wider recruitment charge from Grosvenor Casinos with a range of other job opportunities available for Scottish job seekers

It is aces high for job seekers based in Glasgow and Edinburgh, who have been offered a helping hand to kick start their careers as a casino dealer.

Grosvenor Casino Glasgow in Merchant City is running a four-week gaming academy to help teach local job seekers how to deal some of the most popular casino games with the offer of full-time employment if they qualify.

6 aspiring male and female casino dealers, aged between 18 – 37 years old, are being put through their paces on the Grosvenor Casinos gaming academy which includes training on Blackjack, Poker and Roulette.

From learning casino terminology, the difference between odds and pay-outs, as well as the correct way to spin the roulette ball, the academy will help applicants to learn how best to manage the fast-paced nature of bets placed by guests when they visit the casino.

Those taking part will also be tutored on the times tables up to thirty-five and receive tips and tricks on how to improve their dexterity when it comes to collecting and gathering bets and chips, to ensure they can deliver the best possible service in the quickest way possible.

As part of Grosvenor’s commitment to safer gambling, the academy will also focus on safeguarding guests and educating team members about the importance of ensuring all guests always play responsibly. 

Emma Sulton, (37), a mother of one from Livingston, said: “I lost my job in February last year, so I applied for a job as a receptionist at the Grosvenor Casino in Edinburgh.

“That role was filled but the team contacted me and made me aware of the gaming academy and I jumped at the chance, as I love roles that keep my mind engaged and let me interact with the public. It’s been amazing to work with such a range of different people and learn so many news skills that will help me start a brand-new career.

Drew Murray (18) from Uddingston in Glasgow, added: “Before I joined the gaming academy I worked in construction and the course has been a new challenge which I have really enjoyed, especially working out the odds as well as how the games work.

“We’re also paid the over 25 living wage which for me at 18 is brilliant and I am excited to start this new career with Grosvenor Casinos.”

General Manager at Grosvenor Casino Glasgow Merchant City said: “We have a strong track record for providing training opportunities for the local workforce to upskill and join our team. A career as a casino dealer is a highly skilled profession that offers flexible working as well as the chance to travel and work all over the world.

“It’s been a challenging year for everyone in the industry and now our casino is re-opened, we are determined to offer all applicants of the gaming academy the chance to work for Grosvenor Casinos and become part of the team here.”

Alongside the Gaming Academy, Grosvenor Casinos is carrying out a recruitment drive for job seekers across Scotland with a range of roles available to those looking for job opportunities.

All those interested can check their local club’s social media pages for more details and to learn more about Grosvenor Casinos, what it’s like to work for the business and the reasons why a career in the casino industry could be for you visit https://www.rank.com/careers.

Tap into a Better Future: SNIPEF Training Services calls for recruits

New opportunity to fill the ranks of the next generation of highly skilled plumbing and heating technicians

Places on the Modern Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating are filling up fast. Spaces are open to applications from anyone aged 16 and over for the Modern Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating programme, including existing employees and new recruits of plumbing firms.  

With demand already outstripping supply it is vital to attract new talent to the sector to avoid long term consequences for the plumbing trade. Even before the global pandemic, the industry was faced with a skills shortage.  

This skills deficit has now become more critical and to ensure that the plumbing industry is able to keep up with current demand and meet the government’s net zero ambitions, SNIPEF is urging individuals to consider a career in plumbing, and for plumbing employers to support them by offering apprenticeships. 

With training delivered both on-site and in a classroom environment, a plumbing apprenticeship offers individuals the opportunity to earn a wage while gaining the important skills, knowledge, and experience to become a qualified plumber.  

The programme is managed by SNIPEF Training Services Ltd (STS), the only industry recognised Management Agent and Training Provider in Scotland.

With 38 years experience in delivering Modern Apprenticeships, STS now work with 18 colleges across Scotland supporting training in four fuel pathways which include ACS Gas, Oil, Low Carbon Technology and Solid Fuel.  

In addition to fuel accreditation, participants will achieve an SVQ Level 3 (SCQF 7) Modern Apprenticeship qualification which also includes Water Byelaws and Unvented Hot Water.  

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said: “Anyone looking for a satisfying career, whether a school-leaver or someone contemplating a career change, should consider the benefits of undertaking a plumbing apprenticeship.

“Starting, then working diligently to complete a plumbing apprenticeship, is an excellent option for anyone who hasn’t yet decided how they want to direct their working lives.

“As an employer, there are many benefits to recruiting an apprentice or offering a Modern Apprenticeship to an existing staff member. Not only will you be developing enthusiastic talent with the exact skills and experience the plumbing and heating industry and your business requires you will also be developing the workforce of the future.” 

Dale Thomson, Training Manager of SNIPEF Training Services Ltd, said “It is more important than ever that increasing numbers of people consider a career in the plumbing and heating industry.  

“There are skill shortages up and down the country and employers are desperately looking for competent and qualified plumbers to help with the work they have lined up.  

“In addition to this, we need to ensure that sufficient numbers of plumbing apprentices are being trained now to secure enough qualified plumbers in the future to work on low carbon technology such as heat pumps to meet the Scottish Government’s ambitious net zero carbon targets.  

“If you are an employer looking to recruit an apprentice or if you are interested in a career in plumbing please contact SNIPEF Training Services who will assist you every step of the journey.” 

STS has supported thousands of apprentices to complete their training to become qualified plumbers, guiding apprentices and employers from recruitment and selection through to workforce planning, funding and training delivery.  

College places are limited and with many plumbing employers already applying to enrol candidates for the 2021 cohort registering interest now is strongly recommended.  

Anyone considering a career in plumbing and heating or hiring an apprentice plumber, should contact Gillian Macaulay, Regional Support Officer at:

SNIPEF, Bellevue House, 22 Hopetoun Street, Edinburgh EH7 4GH. T: 0131 322 1245. E: training@snipef.org W: http://www.becomeaplumber.org/.  

T: https://twitter.com/snipeftraining 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SNIPEFtraining/ 

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/snipef-training-services-ltd/ 

Volunteer Edinburgh: Core Skills in Volunteer Management course now available online

Volunteer Edinburgh’s popular Core Skills in Volunteer Management course is now fully accessible to you and we are pleased to say that we are now able to offer it online. 

Delivered over four weeks using a mixture of self-study, online forum-based discussions and Zoom, our online CSVM gives you a fantastic professional development opportunity in a totally flexible way.

CSVM 1: Involvement and Recruitment

  • Week 1: Involvement (from Monday 13 until Friday 17 September)
  • Week 2: Recruitment (from Monday 20 until Friday 24 September)

CSVM 2: Support, Supervision and Training

  • Week 1: Support and supervision (from Monday 4 until Friday 8 October)
  • Week 2: Training (from Monday 11 to Friday 15 October)

Flexible Learning

Each week will require approximately 3.5 hours of study time, most of which can be done flexibly to suit you, but you are required to attend a weekly Zoom session on Friday. You can participate in the course at any time between Monday and Friday.

What does the course cover?

CSVM 1: Involvement and Recruitment

  • Benefits of working with volunteers;
  • Motivations, expectations, needs;
  • Formal structures: volunteer policy, volunteer agreements, role descriptions;
  • Recruitment strategy and methods; and
  • Selection.

CSVM 2: Support, Supervision and Training

  • Support and supervision;
  • Challenges that can arise when you manage volunteers;
  • Practical preventions and solutions;
  • Learning needs assessment;
  • Training methodologies; and
  • Learning plan design.

What is the methodology?
The course consists of several activities including self-study (reading) and forum discussions all of which can be done at your own pace on the Volunteer Edinburgh Academy.

There is also a weekly 1.5 hour, facilitated Zoom session each Friday to enable you to connect with other learners, reflect on your practice and learning, and share discussions.

You will be able to select a time slot for the Zoom session that suits you best (9.30am, 11.30am or 2pm); we will have a maximum of six participants in each slot.

The estimated time required for each week:

  • Reading and interactive presentations: 0.5h (Volunteer Edinburgh Academy)
  • Forum discussion participation and activities: 1.5h (Volunteer Edinburgh Academy)
  • Discussion: 1.5h (Zoom)

What do participants say?

Overall, what do you think about the training? 

  • I might choose this format of course in future, in preference to classroom-based learning as I enjoyed taking the sessions at my own pace, and being able to reflect on the materials as the week went along. I don’t think I would have got as much out of 3.5 hours in the classroom.  
  • I was incredibly impressed by Javier’s enthusiasm during the zoom, and in forum talks and any email communication. The content he has prepared was well thought out, varied, detailed and nuanced. There is plenty of extra material to dig into too! 
  • I thought the materials were relevant and comprehensive, the design of the online course very accessible. I felt that Javier was there from Day 1 really supporting my learning 

Would you recommend this course? 

  • Yes definitely. It was comprehensive, a good mix of different mediums of learning (reading, activities, peer-to-peer, discussions) 
  • Definitely! I would say if you’re new to supervising volunteers then this is a very informative and supportive course. 
  • Yes definitely. It seems to cover everything we need to know and it makes you think, it’s not all spoon-fed 
  • I would recommend the training to anyone intending to work with volunteers, and wanting to prepare themselves. 
  • Yes. I think it covers a lot of ground and can be accessed by a wide variety of people and organisations. 
  • Yes If you are looking to start a volunteer service its a great foundation of providing the best involvement and recruitment process for volunteers

If you would like to participate you can book it on our website.

If you have any questions please contact training@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk.

Javier Tejera

Learning and Quality Officer, Volunteer Edinburgh

Community councils to set agenda for September EACC meeting

The next ordinary meeting of Edinburgh Association of Community Councils will be on 9th September.

What would you like to discuss? What issues do you want to raise?

Community councillors, send us a DM, or an email to the Secretary at Secretary@EdinburghCommunityCouncils.org.uk.

We’d like to hear from you!

Remember there’s free training available for community councillors too:

Free courses for community councillors from the Improvement Service and The Open University in Scotland are available in digital skills, business skills, finance and fundraising, and community and society.

Sign up online and complete them in your own time:

https://www.open.edu/openlearn/skills-supportOU-CC

Free online courses for community councillors

Community councillors are already making the most of the online courses developed by the Improvement Service and The Open University in Scotland. 

There have been over 700 hits on the portal where you can sign up for free courses on digital skills, business skills, finance and fundraising, and community and society.

More information here: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/skills-supportOU-CC

Community Councillors from all over Scotland have already benefited from the free online courses developed by the Improvement Service and The Open University in Scotland

Find out more and register for a free account here: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/skills-supportOU-CC

FACENorth summer activities

Are you ready for a new, fantastic summer?

FACENorth (Focusing on Alternatives to Crime Edinburgh North) will be continuing with their regular service throughout the summer holidays, providing 1:1, crisis and family support and help with employment and training.

Have a look below to see the activities that’ll be offered and don’t miss the chance to participate!