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[December 2006]
Trainees Turn Assessors in Boost to Potteries Learning Network
In a unique twist to conventional training programmes, the ‘University on the Shop Floor’ – the learning network for the UK ceramics industry – is recruiting candidates as future assessors who are keen to pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm.
The programme, set up by the Ceramic Industry Forum (CIF) and the Association for Ceramic Training and Development (ACTD), has now seen over 2,400 learners registered since its launch and one of these ‘trainees’ has now turned ‘assessor’.
Neil Windsor successfully completed the City & Guilds Certificate in Adult Numeracy Level One whilst working for Royal Doulton and has almost completed his assessor training for NVQs.
Neil explains: "I was made redundant this summer by Royal Doulton after working as a Warehouse Supervisor for seven years and was faced with the tough decision as to what to do next. I struggled with numeracy and literacy so joined a training programme along with other redundant colleagues which was being run by Axia Solutions who work with ACTD. The course was challenging but I achieved everything that I wanted but never dreamed that it would result in a new job.
"After leaving Royal Doulton I looked for another warehouse job but nothing really felt right and I didn’t know where to turn. Axia Solutions then approached me to train as an assessor. I was incredibly flattered but as I was looking for a new challenge it seemed too good an opportunity to pass on."
Neil is just weeks away from completing the A1 Assessor Award training where he will assess NVQ students in Manufacturing and Warehousing. A key part of the assessor’s role is conducting an initial assessment of candidate skills and knowledge and, when competent, assessing candidates to national standards enabling them to achieve an NVQ.
"I’ve found the training tough at times but it will be well worth it. It is quite a strange experience to be assessed while you assess others! But with a background in management I’ve been able to transfer these skills easily and I’ve really enjoyed the course."
The aim of ‘University on the Shop Floor’ is to encourage companies to work together in partnership, making learning and education available to all individuals, groups and businesses in the industry.
Keith Marsh, Manager of the ‘University on the Shop Floor’ programme is delighted with Neil’s progress: "Neil is an excellent example of how this programme enables people to exceed their own expectations. Despite being faced with a difficult situation he has been an enthusiastic student during the initial course and during his assessor's qualifications and as such is a perfect ambassador for the ‘University on the Shop Floor’.
"Neil is brilliant at using his own experiences to encourage others to learn and succeed. His knowledge of the industry is second to none and he’s able to pass this on to others thus teaching them as he assesses. I’m sure Neil will be an inspiration to his candidates and have no doubt that we’ll see some of them return as assessors."
The £3.2 million project is funded through Advantage West Midlands (AWM) with all government investment matched by the industry in the form of time, facilities and resources.
ENDS