Directions to Pitman Training Preston:
We are conveniently situated about half-way between the bus and train stations. We are in Winckley Street, in the Winckley Gardens conservation area. Winckley Square is at the bottom of our road and Fishergate, the main shopping road, is at the top. From Winckley Square, we are about half-way up the road on the right-hand side, opposite the Forum Bar/Pizza Express and above Miss Matilda's Boutique. Come into our foyer and press our buzzer and we'll let you in quick as a flash. If you need help up our short flight of stairs please let us know, it's no trouble.
BY TRAIN - We are a pleasant, 5-minute walk from the main station. Turn left when you come out of the station and go up the hill towards Fishergate. Turn right onto Fishergate and walk for a few minutes until you get to Barclays Bank. Turn right into Winckley Street and we are about half-way down on the left.
BY BUS - Come out of the station and head towards Fishergate. Cross over the road, past the old Woolies and turn left just after Alliance & Leicester, into Winckley Street.
BY CAR - There are 3 main car parks to choose from:
Disabled drivers can park on Winckley Square with a blue badge. Be very careful not to park in a resident's zone.
However you get here, you will be assured of a warm welcome.
Ladies-only Days
In response to the needs of our Muslim sisters, we have now started ladies-only training sessions. Initially these will be on Friday mornings – 09:30-12:30.
If you need to enrol at a time other than that, please let us know in advance and we will make arrangements for you to chat with a female Course Advisor in a private room. Husbands and family are welcome to attend if you are coming in for information about courses.
Please note that our staff dress modestly by Western standards but in summer this may not always be as modestly as you would feel happy with. Please tell us. We want you to feel comfortable and welcome in our centre and will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
Technical Help
Hi, I'm Josh. I'm the Centre Supervisor at Pitman Preston. I'm also a bit of a fan of computers! I am doing our IT Technical courses, which are teaching me about how computers work and how to fix problems.
I Tweet (entries on Twitter) advice regularly on how to fix common problems with both software (the programs on computers) and hardware (the physical bits of computers).
If you have any questions or problems you would like advice on, please email me and I'll do my best to help.
Click on the links to see the latest questions I have answered.
Email: pitmanpreston@gmail.com
Contact Josh for computer help: Tel: 01772 823060 Email: pitmanpreston@gmail.com
How do you get rid of that stupid line?! I am often asked this. If you type a few ------'s or _____'s in Word and then hit return (the large 'Enter' key), Word will helpfully fill it in right across the page.
This is quite useful actually, and a quick way to put a physical break between paragraphs or subjects. But sometimes you don't want it there.
If you choose UNDO (EDIT > UNDO or use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+Z) it will revert back to just the symbols you typed.
But what if you carry on working and want to delete the automatic line at a later time? If you try it starts doing all sorts of odd things, jumping around the screen trying to avoid being deleted.
This is because it is actually a border, not a line. The only way to get rid of it is to select the lines above and below it and choose No Border (either from FORMAT > BORDERS & SHADING or from the Borders icon on the toolbar at the screen). It then disappears.
My PC in the centre was running slow recently. I did all the usual things to help:
But the computer was still giving me problems. So I told it to automatically adjust for best performance. This is quite drastic, as it alters the appearance of Windows. It looks kind of old-fashioned - which it is, because it reverts to how Windows 2000 used to look. So the fancy Start button becomes dull and square.
BUT it does improve the computer's performance. It speeds everything up.
I've kept mine in this high performance state, because it makes such a difference.
Here's how to do it yourself:
You should see a big difference. If you don't like it, go through the same routine again and tell it to let Windows automatically decide.
Josh Scott Centre Supervisor Pitman Training Preston Tel: 01772 823060 Email: pitmanpreston@gmail.com
Twitter is a fabulous resource for both individuals and businesses.It is actually quite simple to use but there are lots of applications that you can use with it that make it a bit more complicated!
One of the easier ones is very useful for finding out your statistics. Called Tweepsearch, it enables you to find out who is viewing your 'Tweets' (things you type into Twitter). If you are on Twitter, it is well worth joining Tweepsearch.
Josh
We specialise in delivering flexible, supported, self-paced learning programmes. We are also able to offer some training by supported distance learning to a lmiited number of students. Ask for details.
Josh, our Centre Supervisor, is trained in helping people with dyslexia; Michelle, our Centre Manager, is registered disabled and passionate about helping people who have been out of work and/or ill for a long time.
Our centre is bright and comfortable, with freely-available filtered water, a massage chair, relaxing break room and kitchen. We treat all students as VIPs and enjoy helping people achieve their dreams.
We are an accredited examination and training centre for Internationally-recognised qualifications such as the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) and AMSPAR.
We use a cutting-edge flexible training system which allows you to train at times to suit you, fitted in around your other commitments - no college start and finish dates.
You dictate the pace of the course. This modern, effective training approach is ideal for busy people who want to fit their training into their lives and not their lives into someone else's timetable. Once you have enrolled, when you want to come in for a training session all you have to do is book a slot - by email, online, text or telephone.
ABOUT PRESTON
Preston is a vibrant, happening city. It has all the benefits of a town - friendliness, convenience, affordable parking charges - with the wonders of a city - national retailers and companies, higher salaries, lots of employment agencies and job vacancies.
There are exciting developments coming - the next Preston Guild in 2012, John Lewis arriving, the Tithebarn Project - and now Pitman Training has come to Preston.
Pitman is the largest training company in the UK and trained over 50,000 people last year. The Preston centre offers Pitman's unique touch for individuals and corporate clients.
Students studying at Preston are able to take world-class qualifications in a relaxed, healthy environment, supported by knowledgable, friendly trainers. True to all Pitman centres, students can choose their own timeslots for training - starting and finishing at a time to suit them. This really helps if you are working full-time - you can train in your lunch hour, after work or on Saturday mornings.
Colleges and Universities are great - but if you are working, you might not find it easy to fit in with THEIR schedules. And what happens if you miss a week due to illness or family commitments (or social life!)? You can fall behind.
At Pitman Training you never fall behind. Our courses have been designed so that everyone works at their own pace. There is no start and finish time - you start when YOU are ready.
Most of our courses consist of workbooks, audio and/or online teaching. So there isn't an intimidating classroom situation. Our students sit at their own workstations in a comfortable, bright room with friendly support staff on hand to help with any parts of the course they get stuck on.
Our training centre is laid out like an office, so you will feel prepared for office life from day one of your training.
Check out our main website for a full list of our courses, diplomas and seminars: www.pitman-training.com
FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS
Some people know exactly which course they want - they may need it for their job, or for a job application. Other people just know they need some qualifications, or want to change their career, go back to work after looking after children, etc. Many people don't know what they want to do. That's where we come in.
In an informal one-on-one meeting over a coffee, we will find out what your existing skills are (most people think they don't have any but we usually unearth lots!) and where your skills gaps are. Then we can advise on which of our many courses may be suitable for you, and help you choose the right one for you. If we don't do anything suitable for you we will tell you - and point you in the right direction - other training providers, colleges, etc. We won't try to pressurise you into doing a course that isn't for you.
You can do a quick demo of the course you are interested in, to see if it feels right.
They fall into 4 main categories: Office Skills, Finance, Management & IT Professional.
Office Skills - these include single courses such as learning to type or an introduction to the Internet, to high-end diplomas in Business, Secretarial (including legal and medical specialities) and IT.
Finance - we have courses in manual book-keeping and accounts, through to computerised accounting and Sage Line 50.
Management - these include leadership, time management, assertiveness, business communication, etc. Our top-of-the-range courses lead to BTECs in Management Studies, which are backed by Sterling & UCLAN universities and can lead to a full honours degree.
IT Professional - this is a range of courses for the technical people - or those who would like to be, and earn a lot of money doing it! They range from the entry-level A+ (for those who no previous experience) through Network and Security certification and MCSE & Cisco qualifications.
When you want to. An hour here and there, one or two days a week, or full-time.
We have open late on 2 evenings every week (Tuesday & Thursday), plus Saturdays mornings. Many people who work in the city like to train in their lunchtime. You are welcome to bring your lunch in and enjoy it in our relaxing rest area before or after your training.
All you need to do is book your 'slot' in advance, so we know to keep a PC available just for you. You can make your booking any way you choose - by telephone, text, email or online.
We have a number of payment plans - all interest-free.
Apart from our opening offers, no. We don't think it would be fair to have people paying different prices for the same courses. We do have monthly offers - such as buy-one-get-one free on certain courses, a free shorthand course with a secretarial diploma, etc. - but those offers will be open to everyone.
One exception is that we offer everyone who has done a Pitman training course before 10% off any subsequent course.
The Preston Pitman Training Centre is managed by Michelle & Josh Scott, a mother and son team. Michelle's background is in teaching, and Josh left college early and gained experience as a Teaching Assistant in various schools. He decided college wasn't for him - he didn't like the idea of thousands of people all being in one place (and all wanting lunch at the same time!). Michelle had been looking for an ethical business she could run and Josh's early departure from college came at the right time - they decided to find a business together. When they met the staff at Pitman's main office in Wetherby, they knew Pitman was the one for them. The long history of the company, its high ethical standards, the quality of its courses and the sheer friendliness of all the staff convinced them.
Michelle says: "After a serious car accident I spent many years on a health rollercoaster - having many operations, only to get over them to face the next. Eventually, and not surprisingly, I was diagnosed with M.E., or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. My fun, active life was gone. Where previously I had bounded up mountains, a long walk now meant edging step-by-painful-step to the bottom of the garden. I lost my mobility, my figure, my endurance and my self-esteem. I spent years trying to get better and working out what worked for me, and what didn't. I have discovered that if I pace myself I can work - and work hard! - but only within the right environment. I can't sit in a dingy room with flickering flurescant lighting on a cheap chair, downing strong coffees and inhaling photocopier fumes. I can work on a good, supportive chair, with bright natural light or daylight bulbs, with air purifiers, oxygen-giving plants and plentiful filtered water. I need to take frequent breaks and not hunch over my computer.
But, you know, that goes for everyone! We wouldn't expect a plant to thrive in the wrong conditions and we can't expect our bodies to work at maximum efficiency if we don't give them the right fuel and surroundings. So the Preston Pitman Training Centre is a HEALTHY place above everything else. We have free filtered water for all our students, air purifiers working away, good natural light and daylight bulbs for the evenings, big fleshy plants, quality computer monitors to limit possible eye strain, good chairs to help back problems, extra equipment for those with physical needs (cushions, back supports, wrist rests, etc.). We have a lovely rest area with - joy of joys - a massage chair (but you may have to kick me out of it to get a go!). I need this sort of environment and I want to provide it for you, whether you are in prime health or ... well, more like me. "
Josh says: "I was surprised at how much I hated college. There were just too many people in one place. I love the Pitman way of delivering the same quality of courses that colleges and universities have. The Pitman training setting is so much more relaxing and friendly than I found college to be. We have been trained to help students, both in their choice of course and in the studying of it. I love that. Personal, one-to-one help exactly when you need it. It doesn't matter if you have a day off, or a week off, you can pick up your course where you left it. And what a range of courses we do! You can even get a degree right here at Pitman if you do our Management Professional BTECs then upgrade them to an Honours degree (the final year is on UCLAN's distance learning programme)."
Many, many people struggle with forms and application forms can be particularly challenging. We will help you with the whole process, with advice and help on applying for jobs, through to interview skills - and helping you celebrate when you land your dream job!
We also have links with 'Talking CV', which gives you a discounted video CV. You can give prospective employers a link to this on your job applications.
We have close links with local employment agencies, who have hundreds of job vacancies.
It's a modern dilemma - you want to give your kids a stable upbringing but the price of everything has gone through the roof and it hurts to see them go without things their peers take for granted.
So do you leave them and go out to work or stay home full-time and struggle to pay the bills?
And then there's that little bit of you that feels your brain is dying - every time you read the same book for the 15th time, trying to get them off to sleep.
But trying to find work to fit in with family life can be hard - and you can end up wasting most of your salary on childcare during the holidays. And you want to be with them when they need you, when they are ill or want you to see their school plays.
A lot of jobs for mum returners only pay minimum wage so often it is hardly worth all the effort anyway.
Retraining would take a long time and a lot of work.
So what's the answer?
Pitman.
Pitman has been the answer for thousands of women like you. Pitman is the answer for 50,000 people a year in the UK alone.
Most of our courses are now run on a self-paced basis. That means there's no classroom-style timetables and pressure - and no feeling that everyone else "gets it" while you are struggling to get your baby-stulted brain into gear. Plenty of people find classroom learning too high pressured, you don't have to be dealing with post-pregnancy hormones for that feeling. It can be really embarrassing to keep asking the teacher to explain a point.
But that is what learning is all about - repetition. And if you can choose how and when you want things repeated, you have a fabulous opportunity to learn.
Our method now is to put all the words that the teacher would have said in the classroom onto audio. So you can control it - rewinding as often as you need to, or fast forwarding easier bits.
So most of our courses are on computers with audio and workbooks. Even if you haven't used a computer before, or feel that you don't know enough about them, you can manage our courses - because our staff are on-hand to help.
This means you can spend as much or as little time training as you need to. If you miss a day, or even a week, you don't have to catch-up with anybody else, you just carry on where you left off.
You can train quickly with us, too, because there's no time wasted in the classroom dealing with other people's problems, you can get through your course much quicker.
Our centre is set up like an office rather than a school, which we find better prepares people for the workplace - and is more friendly and relaxing. Talking of relaxing, we have a pleasant break room with a massage chair and free filtered water.
We are mum returner-friendly - Centre Manager Michelle is one herself - and we are thrilled to be able to help them learn new skills and get well-paid jobs that fit in with family life.
Some of our courses - such as the book-keeping range - even equip people to work from home.
We don't do high-pressure sales and we give free trials of our courses and interest-free payment plans.
We get to know which local employers operate family-friendly policies such as flexible hours and term-time work too.
Pitman-trained people are in high demand and Pitman qualifications add a tremendous boost to your CV which really make you stand out against other job applicants.
Why not call us today to find out more about our range of courses and the jobs they could lead to?
Michelle Scott Centre Manager Tel: 01772 823060 Email: pitmanpreston@gmail.com
NETMUMS DISCOUNT We have a working relationship with the NetMums website which enables us to offer a massive 25% discount to NetMums members. Mention NetMums when booking your free trial.
What are you doing right now?
How would you like to work with computers all day, understand what they are doing and what is happening when they go wrong, set them up for other people, fix them and get whole offices of them purring along healthily?
You could. Within a few months you could be trained to work on an IT helpdesk, with further training you could be running an IT Department and commanding a brilliant salary.
Pitman can help you start a successful career in IT or get your existing IT skills recognised with IT Technical Training!
• Flexible and cost-effective courses
• Fits around your commitments
• Leads to accredited qualifications recognized throughout the IT Industry
Tell me more
IT Technical Training courses lead to industry-recognised qualifications. With qualifications from CompTIA, Microsoft and Cisco, you could be earning around £40,000* a year - and improving your quality of life.
All of the training is delivered to fit around your work commitments and you can select when and where you study.
With IT Professional you get the same high level of quality and professionalism which Pitman Training students have been enjoying for decades. Study wherever you want, whenever you want.
You get flexible start dates and full support - a personalised study plan, weekly progress tests to check your understanding at every step, as well as weekly tutor contact. You are on the road to success!
* Source: Computing.co.uk (7 May 2009) IT Salary Checker powered by IT Jobs Watch. Criteria: - All UK Qualifications - Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) maximum salary £39,196.
Michelle or Josh Scott Tel: 01772 823060 Email: preston@pitman-training.net Skype: pitman.preston Mobile: 07709902707 - text anytime
The MCSE is the benchmark certification for IT professionals in a networking environment. This type of certification is ideal for those who want to progress into specialist IT roles such as Systems Analyst, Network Analyst and Technical Consultant.
To install, configure and troubleshoot Microsoft Windows Networks.
Design and maintain stable and secure Microsoft networking solutions.
Design, install, configure and troubleshoot Active Directory Systems.
Perform advanced network administration tasks.
Implement all elements in a Microsoft network.
Individuals needing to design, implement or support Microsoft Windows-family operating system products.
1-2 years of networking experience working within a Windows network environment.
6 Months experience with Windows XP Operating System.
420 hours
1166850030
This course is made up of the following:
Windows XP Professional - Installation, Configuration, and Administration.
Windows Server 2003 - Management and Administration.
Windows Server 2003 - Active Directory Service.
Windows Server 2003 - Network Infrastructure, Implementation and Administration.
Microsoft Exchange 2003 - [Elective]
Microsoft SQL Server 2000 - [Elective] Administration and Support
Michelle or Josh Scott Tel: 01772 823060 Email: preston@pitman-training.net Skype: pitman.preston Mobile: 07709902707 - text anytime
This course gives a broad overview into computer hardware, providing detailed information into the System Board, and provides a detailed look into storage devices.
A+ Certification ONE is the first of two courses, which together are designed to prepare candidates for the following CompTIA exams:
220-601 - A+ Essentials
220-602 - A+ IT technician
Gain the knowledge and practical experience to be ready for CompTIA PC Support Hardware Exam 220-601.
Current IT Service desk personnel wishing to have their skills endorsed and individuals with a good knowledge of PCs and a keen interest to know more and attain A+ Certification.
Delegates should be generally familiar with using PCs, including keyboard and mouse skills, but are not required to have prior experience in computer maintenance.
60 hours
1166850028
Module 1: PC Fundamentals
Module 2: Power Supplies and Cases
Module 3: The Motherboard
Module 4: Buses
Module 5: CPUs
Module 6: Memory
Module 7: Data Storage Devices
Module 8: SCSI
Module 9: The Display
Module 10: Input and Output Devices
Module 11: Portable Computing
Module 12: Troubleshooting
Michelle or Josh Scott Tel: 01772 823060 Email: preston@pitman-training.net Skype: pitman.preston Mobile: 07709902707 - text anytime
This course is perfect for those who already have their A+ certifications and want to work towards gaining MCSA certification.
To install and configure Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Windows Server 2003.
Perform maintenance and troubleshooting tasks.
Install, configure and troubleshoot Active Directory Services.
Perform detailed Network Administration tasks.
Individuals seeking to develop expertise in the support, implementation and troubleshooting of Windows network environments and Windows XP Professional desktop operating systems.
It is also for IT professionals seeking MCSA certification, either as a stand alone credential or as a stepping stone to MCSE.
An MCSA candidate should have experience working with desktop and network operating systems.
240 hours
1166850042
This course is made up of the following:
Windows XP Professional - Installation, Configuration, and Administration.
Windows Server 2003 - Management and Administration.
Windows Server 2003 - Network Infrastructure, Implementation and Administration.
CompTIA A+ Certification - Hardware.
CompTIA A+ Certification - Operating System Technologies.
CompTIA Network+ Certification
This certification is suited to those who have had networking experience and want to validate knowledge of communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, operational security, and general security concepts.
The course provides preparation for CompTIA exam Security+ (SY0-101). This course provides a general security grounding to prepare for other certifications in the Microsoft, Novell, Checkpoint and Cisco arena.
This course is intended for IT professionals looking to broaden their understanding of security issues - hardware, software, social and environmental.
To benefit fully from this course students should ideally have two years experience with networking or the equivalent knowledge.
60 hours
1166850036
Module 1: Security Foundation
Module 2: Attacks and Malicious Code
Module 3: Scanning and Intrusion Detection
Module 4: Network Devices and SNMP
Module 5: Firewalls, NAT and Proxy
Module 6: Network and Operating System Hardening
Module 7: Encryption
Module 8: RAS and Remote Administration
Module 9: Access Control
Module 10: Web and FTP Services
Module 11: Email and LDAP
Module 12: Operational and Organisational Security
Michelle or Josh Scott Tel: 01772 823060 Email: preston@pitman-training.net Skype: pitman.preston Mobile: 07709902707 - text anytime
This course helps you identify the operating system's functions, structure, and major system files to navigate the operating system and how to get needed technical information.
A+ Certification TWO is the second of two courses, which together are designed to prepare candidates for the following CompTIA exams:
220-601 - A+ Essentials
220-602 - A+ IT technician
Gain the knowledge and practical experience to be ready for CompTIA IT Technician exam 220-602.
Prospective & current IT Service desk personnel wishing to have their skills endorsed and individuals with a good knowledge of PCs and a keen interest to know more and attain A+ Certification.
Students should be generally familiar with using PCs, including keyboard and mouse skills, but are not required to have prior experience in computer maintenance.
60 hours
1166850040
Module 1: Microsoft Operating System Fundamentals
Module 2: Installing Windows XP
Module 3: Using Windows XP Advanced Features
Module 4: Recovering Windows XP
Module 5: Managing Disks
Module 6: Managing Data
Module 7: Managing Devices
Module 8: System Performance
Module 9: System Configuration
Module 10: Support Tools
Module 11: Network Hardware
Module 12: Networking Windows XP
Module 13: Security
Module 14: Professionalism and Communication
This course is designed to prepare MCSE 2003 candidates for the following Microsoft exams.
Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure
Exam 70-297, Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure
This course provides students with the information and skills needed to create and administer an Active Directory infrastructure design that supports organisational, administrative and security requirements.
To prepare students for the Microsoft Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure and Microsoft Exam 70-297: Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure.
This course is for support professionals who will be responsible for installing, configuring, and supporting a Windows 2003 Active Directory infrastructure.
Before commencing this course students should have completed course 5128 Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure or have equivalent knowledge.
50 to 90 Hours
5125-15
Module 1: Introduction to Active Directory
Module 2: DNS and Active Directory
Module 3: Active Directory Domains and Forests
Module 4: Creating and Administering User, Group and Computer Accounts
Module 5: Delegating Administrative Authority
Module 6: Implementing, Troubleshooting and Planning Group Policy
Module 7: Managing Software Using Group Policy
Module 8: Multiple Active Directory Domains
Module 9: Active Directory Replication
Module 10: Active Directory Schema Policy
Module 11: Active Directory Maintenance
Module 12: Planning Active Directory
Michelle or Josh Scott Tel: 01772 823060 Email: preston@pitman-training.net Skype: pitman.preston Mobile: 07709902707 - text anytime
The CCNA qualification is a highly regarded credential for IT support staff and network administrators.
There is now an entry-level certification – Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) – of the knowledge and skill to install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. The CCENT certification is the first step toward achieving CCNA, which covers medium size enterprise branch networks with more complex connections.
Upon completion of these courses, the student will have enough knowledge in preparation for Cisco CCNA Exam 640-822 and Exam 640-816
This course is intended for network administrators and technicians, new to Cisco products and services, which are responsible for implementing and managing small and medium business networks.
You should have a basic knowledge of PC configuration consistent with having gained A+ certification. Prior networking experience is desirable but not essential.
100 - 160 Hours
7307/7308
CCNA ONE
Module 1: Review of Networking
Module 2: Cisco Network Devices
Module 3: Networking with TCP/IP
Module 4: Addressing and Routing
Module 5: IP Routing Protocols
Module 6: Basic Router Configuration
Module 7: Cisco Layer 2 Switching
Module 8: Configuring VLANS
CCNA TWO
Module 1: Initial Router Administration
Module 2: Building Routed Networks
Module 3: Security and Network Address Translation
Module 4: Serial Line Configuration
Module 5: ISDN Configuration
Module 6: Frame Relay Configuration
Module 7: Basic Switch Configuration
Module 8: Configuring VLANS
Michelle Scott Centre Manager Pitman Training Preston Tel: 01772 823060 Mob: 07709902707 Email: preston@pitman-training.net Skype: pitman.preston
Have you been passed over for promotion?
Feel invisible?!
Many people find it harder to get promotion in the present economic climate. Employers aren't willing to take a risk and need a demonstration of valuable skills and commitment.
What better way of making yourself more valuable than getting a management degree? You would learn skills that would make you work smarter, be more productive, less stressed, more able to help others and prove your abilities.
But who can afford to take 3 years out to go to univeristy?
Now you don't have to. At Pitman Preston we are offering our flagship Management Professional range. You can just do single modules or the entire range (with the final year at UCLAN through distance learning) to get a full degree.
Success on our BTEC programmes will lead to fast-tracked recognition by both the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) and Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
FLEXIBILITY
Pitman Training courses are always flexible - to fit in your your workload. Management Professional brings a whole new level of flexibility and allows you to work at home - and at work - at times to suit you.
Each unit of the programme it made up of 3 modules (you can just do 1 module if that is all you need).
Successful completion of just 3 Units give you an AWARD.
6 Units give you a CERTIFICATE and 9 Units give you a DIPLOMA. Then you can go on and on ... !
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
The units are useful and interesting:
All this is done with the help and guidance of a supportive personal tutor - with many years of management experience themselves.
This programme has been developed in conjunction with Sterling and UCLAN Universities and the approval of the ILM and CMI. So you know you are embarking on a highly-accredited, valuable course and will enable you to break through the promotion barrier.
Call Michelle at Pitman Preston today to find out more. Tel: 01772 823060 or Skype: pitman.preston
Call Michelle Scott, Pitman Preston's Centre Manager, to discuss how we can benefit you. Tel: 01772 823060 Skype: pitman.preston Email: preston@pitman-training.net
Michelle says: "I recently needed a solicitor. I got recommendations and made appointments to visit a few practices to see if I felt we could work together. One - highly recommended and prestigious - practice amazed me. The receptionist was dressed in jeans (apparently a charity event was taking place that day) and spent time chatting to a colleague before greeting me. She took my name and gestured towards a chair. After finishing her conversation with her colleague she telephoned my contact. Apparently the line was engaged becaused she quickly replaced the receiver. No explanation to me. After some minutes she seemed to remember I was there and tried to telephone again. This time I was given the courtesy of an explanation - "He's not there now!" I eventually met with the solicitor some 20 minutes after my appointment time. The receptionist had not offered me an apology or explanation, refreshment or reading material. I did not engage that solicitor. I chose one with a warm and friendly but highly professional receptionist who treated me with courtesy and respect. The solicitor isn't bad too!" You will probably never know how many potential clients you have lost due to off-hand or even bad-mannered staff. Don't lose any more.
Investing in staff development doesn't just benefit the staff themselves. The benefits to the organisation are myriad:
Increased efficiency - staff who are well trained feel more confident and able to do their jobs well. Up-to-date training means staff are able to take advantage of new technologies and improve working methods.
Increased loyalty - it costs a lot in terms of time and money to advertise and train new staff to your way of working. Investing in your existing staff shows that you value them and increases their loyalty to you.
Increased motivation - staff who feel valued are more motivated. They are more likely to work for the benefit of the company rather than their own benefit.
Increased confidence - much time is wasted by people who have to find out how to do a task. A trained workforce is a more confident and happier workforce.
Higher calibre staff - by becoming known as an organisation which values and invests in its staff, you will attract higher calibre applicants for future job vacancies, thereby further improving your prestige and efficiency in your market sector.
The benefits of staff training and development are possibly greater for the employer than they are for the employee. In the current economic client it is absolutly vital that employers are proactive in the training of their existing workforce.
A survey last year revealed that 19% of people in work are actively looking for a new job and a further 25% are considering a change; making a staggering 44% who might be on the move*.
According to a study by recruitment consultants Angela Mortimer, the average cost of recruitment is £5,000 per employee. It therefore makes financial sense to develop a team of loyal, motivated and productive staff rather than accepting a high turnover of disengaged employees and having to invest heavily in recruitment, just to maintain basic staff levels.
Claire Lister is managing director of Pitman Training Group: “There is strong evidence to show that training improves efficiency, productivity, staff morale and reliability – as well as increasing loyalty,” she says. "We have 100 training centres across the UK and Ireland and our centre managers work with many businesses in their local areas. We carried out an online survey around the country to find out if people are happy and motivated by their current jobs. By finding out what ambitions staff have and demonstrating belief in their potential, employers are often rewarded with a far more loyal, motivated and effective work-force.”
As well as improving their efficiency and building their loyalty, training also helps people gain self confidence. Developing new skills often helps individuals to see that they can achieve far more than they thought possible. As well as whole raft of practical, work-focused skills which will be of value to their employer, they often take this new-found confidence and enthusiasm back to the work-place with them.
For many years, skills development has been acknowledged as a vital part of the UK’s economic strategy for remaining competitive. In 2004 the government commissioned Lord Leitch to examine the UK’s long-term skills needs and his report published in 2006, examined the UK's long-term skills needs and set out ambitious goals for skills development, to be achieved by 2020. But what about now? Is the skills gap really a significant issue for businesses when they have a potential recession to worry about?
“There is an unquestionable link between skills and economic success however when times are tough financially, the HR department is often the first area within a company which is looked to for proof that it is running efficiently,” Claire Lister continues.
But despite the obvious benefits, employers need to be sure that training offers tangible value to their business. Whilst many managers agree strongly that development of staff is important, very few organisations can afford to put money into training if they are not confident that it will have direct benefits for their business.
Claire says, “Today’s employers are looking for training solutions which are fit for purpose, flexible, professional and good value for money. Most importantly, at the end of the training course, the individual should have a multitude of new skills and the confidence to use these to add value in the workplace. If the UK is to reach the targets set by Lord Leitch by 2020, we need to look at skills development in its widest sense – from individuals taking responsibility for their own development to organisations investing in their staff. If businesses and individuals in the UK want to thrive in the current economic climate then I believe that the importance of skills and training should not be overlooked.”
Call Michelle Scott, Pitman Preston's Centre Manager to discuss how we can tailor-make training packages for your staff. Tel: 01772 823060 Mobile: 07709902707 Skype: pitman.preston
Pitman Training Preston Training to give you hope and a future Tel: 01772 823060 Email: pitmanpreston@gmail.com
Pitman-trained people are much in demand in the workplace. We regularly get employers contacting us to see if we have any qualified or nearly-qualified people ready for work.
We work closely with two excellent recruitment agencies - Angus James Recruitment & CGA Recruitment.
We also work with Careersandjobsuk.com to help our students find employment after they qualify. We highly recommend that you enrol with Careersandjobsuk.com because they have an excellent service where you can have relevant job vacancies sent to you by email.
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