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News Release from: ConstructionSkills | Subject: European Computer Driving Licence programme
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 26 January 2007
Speakmans staff improve their computer
skills
Speakmans employees enrol on European Computer Driving Licence programme, which offers training on spreadsheets, presentations and office applications.
Speakmans Construction are based in the North West and operate in Manchester, Liverpool, Blackpool and Burnley, providing 24 hour general maintenance to clients who include the Greater Manchester Police and Direct Line When the company completed an audit of skills after installing a new IT system, they discovered many of their staff needed to improve their computer skills
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 24 Mar 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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As the company also complete 'fast track' renovations, refurbishing pubs and offices overnight and at weekends, they required a training programme that fitted with their employees needs without losing valuable work time.
Speakmans Director John Barnes contacted a local learndirect centre, who recommended that each employee enrol on the European Computer Driving Licence programme, which offers training on spreadsheets, presentations and office applications.
Each employee was encouraged to study one day a week at the centre for six weeks, in an environment away from their normal workplace.
The flexible nature of the learndirect courses meant that every member of staff was able to complete the qualification within 18 months.
For many of the employees who took the course it was their first taste of using a computer, and through learndirect they could study at a level and pace that suited them, giving staff a real sense of confidence and achievement as they passed each module.
The training has proved very successful and Speakmans are delighted that so many of its workforce have been able to upskill.
The company is continuing to develop its training programme, and is currently investing in training for the more technical aspects of its business.
Director John Barnes said: " learndirect offers a practical and accessible mode of training".
"I am especially happy with the supervised, individual learning programme, as it made sure all of the staff were able to progress".
"Everyone could concentrate on specific areas of interest or weakness, for example our contract manager developed his Excel skills to improve his account reporting, and the marketing department have benefited from training on presentations".
"Developing staff is part of the Speakmans ethos, and Speakmans is proof that keeping skills of staff up to date is beneficial to both employer and employee".
"I hope it's an example to other small companies that training can be affordable, practical and beneficial.".
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