Pitman Training | News
Pitman Training Celebrates 170 Years of Helping Others
When Sir Isaac Pitman launched his revolutionary shorthand system in 1837, his main aim was to enable users to save time, a goal which is still relevant today, over 170 years later.
Pitman Training, whose head office is in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, is now internationally recognised as a leading provider of specialist courses in computing, information technology and business skills as well as traditional shorthand and typing.
At its 2008 Annual Conference, Pitman Training celebrated 170 years of Sir Isaac Pitman - the innovative teacher who revolutionised the office environment, with a special fundraising event for local children’s charity, Martin House Children’s Hospice.
The event was held in the historic city of York and was attended by over 200 people (from the UK, Ireland and international centres).
A charity auction raised over £5300 for the charity and lucky bidders won many prizes including an original painting by Yorkshire artist Nancy Murgatroyd, especially commissioned with the charity in mind , entitled “No Tears”, all expenses paid holidays, a designer handbag by Gina of London, golf at the world renowned Gleneagles hotel and much more.
Pitman Training Group’s Managing Director, Claire Lister said: “We are thrilled with the amount we have raised for Martin House Children’s Hospice. As a national training company, our centres are committed to helping people develop their skills for a better lifestyle. Martin House works with children who because of illness, will never secure themselves a better future. The care and support the children and their families receive from Martin House is incredible; we are proud to support the charity and help make a difference to these children and their families.”
This year, Martin House Children’s Hospice celebrates 21 years of helping children and their families. At the time of opening its doors in 1987, the charity was only the second children’s hospice in the UK. Over the years, the charity has played a leading role in the development of the philosophy and delivery of children's hospice care, not only in the UK but throughout the world.
Of the fundraising event, Julie Henderson, Corporate Fundraiser for Martin House Children’s Hospice commented: “We are delighted to have been chosen to benefit from Pitman Training’s charity auction. Raising £3.9m each year, to keep the hospice up and running, is such a challenge - especially with only 7% statutory funding - and we are so grateful for the help in securing the services we provide for our children and families”.
Pitman Training has 100 centres throughout UK, Ireland and internationally, delivering training across a wide range of courses from traditional secretarial courses, to Microsoft Office, book-keeping and accounts and web design.
The Pitman Training method of learning is unique in that learners can work in the centre, at the speed that suits them, whilst benefitting from interaction with other students and tutors. Students are provided with a ‘tutor in the ear’ and a workbook; they choose the study times that suit them best, working around their existing commitments. A tutor is always on hand to answer questions and provide support and encouragement.
For more information about Martin House Children’s Hospice, please visit: www.martinhouse.org.uk.
