Communicators Training Associates Ltd

Communicators Training Associates Limited is an independent training provider based in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham with training facilities on site. We also deliver at outreach centres in Spennymoor, Crook and Darlington. In addition to the programmes we support, we provide ‘drop in’ sessions and host ‘information days’ at all our locations and more recently have launched our ‘virtual learning platform’ to enable everyone to learn from home. We have built an excellent reputation for giving a quality support offer to those who come to our sessions using a mix of classroom based activities on both a one-to-one and group-based setting, coupled with high quality online learning to help learners gain qualifications improving their life chances through gaining personal skills, moving to further learning, taking up volunteering opportunities and securing employment. Our employed learners tell us that the skills they learn during their time with us helps them progress in their job role. With flexibility in mind Communicators hosts a virtual learning platform providing e-learning to those individuals who want to study from home or their workplace. The Company was set up by our Managing Director Isobel Currie in 1999, and the following year we secured a contract for supported online learning with Ufi/learndirect. Initially set up to accommodate ICT training needs for companies across the North East, we rapidly widened the scope and range of our programmes to include NVQs in Management, Advice and Guidance, Administration, Customer Service, and Cleaning,; at the same time we introduced accredited programmes in Maths, English, Work Skills, Personal and Social Skills and Customer Service. Over the last 18 months we have further expanded the offer to include CSCS (for construction) and a suite of Community Learning Programmes called ‘My Future Matters’ which have been devised to support those who are furthest away from employment to find appropriate and sustainable work. Isobel maintained a continuous relationship with learndirect up until July 2017, becoming one of the longest serving members of the then network and securing several major, national quality and performance achievement awards on a regular basis including ‘Learner Support Staff’; Working with Employers’, Moving Learners into Work’ and overall ‘Best Delivery Centre. An enduring theme throughout this time has been the support given to the local community, DWP and Job Centres, various local charities, many, many employers and Her Majesty’s Prison Service in Durham. Since the closure of learndirect, Communicators has gone on to secure new contracts to support the continuation of the service with System Group, Durham County Council and most recently was awarded a Prime Contract with Tees Valley Combined Authority. Isobel believes that the success of Communicators is based on the dedicated team of Tutors and Administrators who are trained to a high standard to support our learning provision. A high proportion started their journey with Communicators as volunteers, some are former learners and all have gone on to become very valued members of a thriving team. Everyone in the Team put our learners at the heart of the operation with the genuine and embedded aim to help every learner achieve their full potential - whether they are employed or unemployed. We believe that by living and breathing our Values, each and everyone of us look to make our Vision a reality. We have successfully retained the Matrix accreditation validating the quality of our Information, Advice and Guidance services since inception. During our recent re-assessment, learners interviewed commented on the willingness of staff to provide encouragement and support tailored to them as individuals. This support was felt to be delivered by approachable, non-judgmental staff who are committed to ensuring learners achieve their goals. The weekly Assessment Days and IAG provided throughout a stay with Communicators ensures they are very clear about their learning pathway and options. There were also numerous examples provided about the difference the support had made to them, particularly helping to overcome mental health problems and lack of confidence and self-esteem. Learners interviewed were very clear about what they could expect from Communicators, and were very complimentary about our company. Many of them shared their own stories of how we had made an impact on their lives, with some saying: ‘I don’t think I would still be around if I hadn’t come to Communicators.’ ‘They really do sit and listen to you’. ‘They spend lots of time getting to know you, it’s a relaxed atmosphere and I don’t want to go home at the end’. ‘You spend a lot of time talking about your goals and aspirations, they are always positive’ ‘They make you aware of the choices and guide you, I was adamant I wanted to do IT but when we sat and talked about Maths and English, I realised it would be easier if I got those qualifications first.’ ‘I can’t believe how far I’ve come in a short period of time.’ ‘I’ve got dyslexia and they have helped me understand what it is and how it affects me, I’m getting lots of support.’ ‘Lots of encouragement, you are accepted for who you are, made to feel straight away part of the group.’ ‘Whenever I’ve not understood or struggled, the tutors have been there to guide me through, without them I wouldn’t have progressed as well.’