As part of its work with businesses, City of Westminster College provides workplace support, training staff from Level 1 up to manager and assessor qualifications and improving their skills and competencies.
With over 20 years’ experience, the College’s NVQ Assessment Centre delivers training to organisations such as British Gas, Eurostar and London Underground, as well as many smaller enterprises. During the current financial crisis, the Centre has noticed an increase in training needs from existing clients.
Today we followed City of Westminster College NVQ Trainer, Assessor and Internal Verifier Catherine Struys as she went to work with Fiona Finn, a Horticultural Trainer with Roots and Shoots. The College has worked with this Lambeth-based charity for disadvantaged young people for a number of years and has trained half its current staff.
Fiona said: “After working in agriculture for several years, I joined Roots and Shoots in September and my role is to deliver NVQ Level 1 training in horticulture and general skills such as maths and English to trainees. I also look after the nursery and plant-delivery area. This is my final training assessment, so after today I should gain the A1 Award and be qualified to assess trainees on my own.”
This is not Fiona’s first experience of providing training to others, but she finds this qualification a valuable asset in her work. She said: “This has helped me organise things more efficiently and plan ahead so tasks can be completed more quickly. It is also a confidence boost – it proves to me that I’m capable of training others.”
One other benefit for Fiona is that this has shown her opportunities and has sparked an interest in gaining further qualifications, such as NVQs in Advice & Guidance and Social Care.
Catherine, who has been providing training and support to Fiona throughout her course, has no doubt that NVQs assist organisations. She said: “Apart from a short induction all training is work based, which is of great benefit to companies. Everything is tailored to the learner and their role – we provide guidance as and when it’s needed.”
Catherine added: “It’s great to see learners achieve their goals. Fiona already had skills and knowledge, but our training sessions have helped raise her confidence and choose sometimes different approaches to reach her own group of learners.”