12191 Courses delivered Online

Course Overview The "Gardening - Garden Design Level 5" course offers an in-depth exploration of the principles, processes, and components that define successful garden design. Learners will develop a comprehensive understanding of the key elements of garden layout, plant selection, and the design process itself. The course is designed to equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to create aesthetically pleasing and functional gardens, regardless of scale. By the end of the course, learners will have the expertise to approach a wide range of garden design challenges, from residential to commercial projects. This course will provide a solid foundation in garden design theory, while also fostering the ability to make informed decisions about materials, planting, and sustainable design practices. Course Description In this course, learners will explore a range of topics related to garden design, beginning with an introduction to the role of the garden designer and the key principles that underpin successful designs. The course covers essential topics, such as the design process, selecting suitable plants, and designing a rain garden for water management. Learners will also gain insight into the tools and machinery required for effective garden design, as well as the importance of maintenance and the associated costs. Throughout the course, learners will be encouraged to develop their design thinking, as they will gain the ability to plan, conceptualise, and implement garden designs suited to a variety of client needs. By the end of the course, learners will have acquired both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for a career in garden design. Course Modules Module 01: Introduction to Garden Design Module 02: The Role of the Garden Designer Module 03: The Basic Principles of Garden Design Module 04: Components of Garden Design Module 05: Garden Design Process Module 06: Designing a Rain Garden Module 07: Essential Tools & Machinery Module 08: Plant Selection and Material Guide Module 09: Garden Maintenance Module 10: Costing and Estimation (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to pursue a career in garden design. Professionals aiming to enhance their skills in landscaping and horticulture. Beginners with an interest in garden design and landscaping. Anyone looking to start a garden design business or enhance their current practices. Career Path Garden Designer Landscape Architect Horticulturalist Landscape Consultant Garden Maintenance Specialist Sustainability Consultant for Green Spaces

Course Overview: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of renewable energy, focusing on solar energy systems. Learners will explore the fundamentals of solar power, including system components, design, and application. With a practical approach, the course offers insights into both off-grid and on-grid systems, solar water pumping, and system protection. The course equips learners with essential skills for designing and optimising photovoltaic (PV) systems using industry-standard software like PVSyst, MATLAB, and ETAP. Upon completion, participants will be able to contribute to renewable energy projects, enhance their career prospects in the solar energy sector, and implement solar systems with a deeper understanding of the technological and environmental impacts. Course Description: This course delves into the key aspects of solar energy systems, offering a clear overview of essential topics such as solar panel components, battery storage, system design, and optimisation. Learners will gain in-depth knowledge of off-grid and on-grid solar energy systems, solar water pumping, and system protection. The course incorporates theoretical knowledge and system design techniques using industry-standard tools, including PVSyst, MATLAB, and ETAP. Additionally, students will learn how to design and simulate PV systems, as well as the design of system diagrams using Excel. By the end of this course, learners will have acquired the skills to confidently design and optimise solar energy systems for a range of applications, contributing to the growing renewable energy sector and ensuring sustainable energy solutions. Course Modules: Module 01: Basics of Solar Energy System Module 02: Batteries in PV System Module 03: Components and Design of Off Grid Solar Energy System Module 04: Designing of ON Grid Solar Energy System Module 05: Design of PV System Using PVSyst Programme Module 06: Solar Water Pumping System Module 07: Protection of PV System Module 08: Design Using Excel Sheet Module 09: Single Line Diagram of PV System Module 10: MATLAB and ETAP PV Simulation (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to enter the renewable energy sector. Professionals aiming to develop expertise in solar energy system design. Beginners with an interest in sustainable energy solutions. Engineers or technicians looking to broaden their knowledge of solar energy applications. Career Path Solar Energy System Designer Renewable Energy Consultant Solar Power Technician Project Manager in Renewable Energy Energy Analyst Sustainability Specialist

Course Overview The Payroll Management Course provides a comprehensive introduction to the critical processes involved in managing employee compensation and workforce planning. Designed to equip learners with both theoretical knowledge and practical frameworks, this course explores essential aspects such as resourcing, talent management, job analysis, and employer branding. Through a structured learning experience, learners will develop an in-depth understanding of how effective payroll and talent strategies contribute to organisational success. Whether advancing within an existing role or preparing for a new career, participants will emerge with the confidence to manage payroll processes in alignment with broader human resource strategies. By the end of the course, learners will have a strong foundation to support organisational compliance, drive employee engagement, and contribute to business objectives through proficient payroll and resource planning. Course Description This Payroll Management Course delves into key areas vital to successful HR and payroll operations, from resourcing and talent management to performance evaluation and employer branding. Throughout the modules, learners will engage with topics such as talent planning, coaching and development, job analysis and design, and the identification of improvement opportunities within talent management systems. The course promotes a thorough understanding of how payroll intersects with broader human resources functions, providing learners with critical insights into creating effective workforce plans. Skills in workforce strategy, talent retention, and employer branding are emphasised, enabling participants to approach payroll management with a strategic and analytical mindset. Designed with clear progression and accessible learning materials, the course prepares learners to apply industry-relevant knowledge confidently in organisational settings, strengthening their professional development and career prospects. Course Modules Module 01: Introduction to Resourcing and Talent Management Module 02: Resourcing and Talent Planning Module 03: Talent Management and The Role of Recruiting Module 04: Coaching, Training and Development Module 05: Performance Management Module 06: Benefits of Talent Management Module 07: Planning Human Resources Module 08: Job Analysis and Design Module 09: Employer Branding Module 10: Improvement Opportunities of Talent Management System (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to build expertise in payroll and workforce planning. Professionals aiming to enhance their career prospects within human resources or payroll departments. Beginners with an interest in employee management and compensation processes. Business owners and managers wishing to strengthen their internal HR practices. Career Path Payroll Administrator HR Officer Talent Acquisition Specialist Workforce Planning Coordinator Human Resources Manager Compensation and Benefits Analyst Employer Branding Specialist HR Strategy Consultant

Course Overview The Adobe Premiere Pro CC course is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the software's advanced features, enabling them to create and edit professional-quality videos. Through this course, students will gain the essential skills to work efficiently with various multimedia elements, enhance their video editing techniques, and explore key tools such as colour correction, sound editing, and effects application. This course offers practical insights into working with Adobe Premiere Pro, equipping learners to create high-impact, visually appealing content. Upon completion, students will be proficient in all key aspects of video editing, ready to apply their skills in various industries such as film production, marketing, and online media. Course Description This Adobe Premiere Pro CC course takes an in-depth approach to mastering the video editing software. Learners will explore a range of topics, from setting up the workspace and understanding the interface to advanced techniques such as multi-camera editing, transitions, and colour grading. The course also covers sound editing, the use of effects, and tips for efficient workflows. Students will develop proficiency in editing both short and long-form content, ensuring that they are capable of handling a variety of editing tasks. With a focus on developing professional skills, learners will gain the confidence to use Adobe Premiere Pro CC for a wide array of video production needs. By the end of the course, learners will be well-equipped to produce polished video content for different platforms, making them highly marketable in the creative and media industries. Course Modules Module 01: Introduction to Adobe Premiere Pro CC Module 02: Setting up the Workspace and Interface Module 03: Importing and Organising Media Module 04: Basic Editing Tools and Techniques Module 05: Working with Audio Module 06: Transitions and Effects Module 07: Colour Correction and Grading Module 08: Advanced Video Editing Techniques Module 09: Multi-Camera Editing Module 10: Exporting and Rendering Video Projects Module 11: Working with Titles and Graphics Module 12: Final Project and Portfolio Development (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to enhance their video editing skills. Professionals aiming to develop expertise in video production. Beginners with an interest in video editing and media production. Creative individuals interested in improving their technical video editing abilities. Career Path Video Editor Content Creator Multimedia Specialist Film Production Assistant Digital Media Producer Marketing Video Editor Post-production Specialist

Course Overview Unlock your full creative potential with Creative Writing: Write Stories Like a Professional Writer! This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the art and craft of writing across a wide range of genres. Whether you aspire to write novels, poetry, children's books, or compelling non-fiction, this course offers practical insights and structured guidance to elevate your writing skills. Learners will explore key techniques for character development, dialogue creation, and story structuring, while gaining a deeper understanding of critical thinking and business writing. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to write professionally, refine your work through editing, and pursue opportunities for publication. Course Description Creative Writing: Write Stories Like a Professional Writer! takes you on an enriching journey through the world of creative writing. Covering fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and professional writing, the course develops both foundational and advanced writing techniques. Learners will engage with modules on writing horror and thriller stories, creating believable characters, crafting realistic dialogue, and understanding the publishing process. The course also introduces vital skills such as critical thinking and business writing to enhance versatility. With a focus on structured development and creativity, learners will build the confidence to produce polished, compelling pieces that meet professional standards. This course is suitable for individuals at all stages of their writing journey, offering the tools needed to transform ideas into powerful written works. Course Modules Module 01: Introduction to Creative Writing Module 02: The Development of Creative Writing Module 03: Novel Writing Module 04: Writing Non-Fiction Module 05: Creating Fictional Characters Module 06: Writing Realistic Dialogue Module 07: Writing Horrors, Thriller and Murder Stories Module 08: Writing for Children Module 09: Writing Poetry Module 10: Proposal Writing Module 11: Critical Thinking Module 12: Business Writing Module 13: Other Writings Module 14: Editing, Evaluating and Getting Published (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to master creative writing and storytelling techniques. Professionals aiming to enhance their communication and writing skills for diverse applications. Beginners with an interest in exploring the field of creative writing. Writers looking to prepare manuscripts for publication or self-publishing. Career Path Author Copywriter Content Writer Scriptwriter Editor Publishing Assistant Communications Officer Journalist Creative Writing Tutor

Course Overview This comprehensive course on "Complete After Effects for Graphic Design" is designed to equip learners with the skills necessary to use After Effects effectively in graphic design. Covering everything from creating visual effects and patterns to generating artwork from scratch, this course helps learners develop a deep understanding of After Effects tools and techniques. Learners will gain the confidence to create sophisticated animations and special effects that enhance their design projects. With practical lessons and a focus on industry-relevant skills, this course provides invaluable value to anyone looking to strengthen their graphic design capabilities using After Effects. Course Description In this course, learners will dive deep into the essential features of After Effects, including creating special effects, working with patterns and textures, and generating artwork from minimal input. The course takes a structured approach, starting with a solid introduction to After Effects, followed by advanced techniques for creating visually engaging content. By the end of the course, learners will be able to produce impressive animations and effects for use in graphic design projects. Throughout the course, learners will refine their understanding of animation principles and the software's advanced features, equipping them with the skills to implement creative ideas in a professional context. Course Modules Module 01: Introduction Introduction to After Effects interface Understanding key concepts in animation and motion design Navigating the timeline and workspace Module 02: Creating Special Effects Using effects and presets Creating cinematic effects for design Layering techniques and animation adjustments Module 03: Creating Patterns and Textures Working with textures and patterns Developing seamless loops and animated backgrounds Customising effects to suit design projects Module 04: Generating Artwork from (Almost) Nothing Techniques for generating artwork using basic shapes Exploring fractal animations and procedural design Using plugins to expand creative possibilities Module 05: Where to Go from Here Understanding next steps in advancing your After Effects skills Recommended resources for further learning Tips for building a professional portfolio (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to enhance their graphic design expertise. Professionals aiming to integrate animation and effects into their design projects. Beginners with an interest in digital design and animation. Designers wishing to improve their proficiency with After Effects. Career Path Graphic Designer Motion Graphics Designer Visual Effects Artist Animation Artist Digital Content Creator

Course Overview This comprehensive course in Animal Care and Psychology offers a deep dive into the welfare, behaviour, and care of various animal species. Covering everything from animal health and nutrition to psychology, learners will explore key topics essential for understanding and improving animal welfare. With an emphasis on both theoretical and practical aspects of animal care, this course equips learners with the knowledge required for a career in animal welfare, psychology, or veterinary support. By the end of the course, students will gain a holistic understanding of animal needs, behaviour, and the role of psychology in their care, making them well-prepared for roles in animal-related industries. Course Description The Animal Care and Psychology course covers a broad range of topics aimed at providing learners with an understanding of animal behaviour, health, and care. Learners will explore animal health and nutrition, hygiene, and first aid, while also diving into the specific needs of different species such as dogs, cats, horses, birds, and reptiles. The course also highlights the importance of animal psychology and its impact on their well-being, behaviour, and interactions with humans. Through engaging content and diverse modules, students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary for understanding and meeting the needs of animals in various environments, enabling them to pursue careers in animal care, psychology, and welfare. Course Modules Module 01: Introduction to the Care and Animal Welfare of All Species Module 02: Basic Animal Health & Nutrition Module 03: Hygiene and First Aid for Animal Module 04: Getting to Know the Dogs & Puppies Module 05: Getting to Know the Kittens and Cats Module 06: Learning about Horses Module 07: Learning about Birds Module 08: Specific Information on Rabbits & Guinea-Pigs Module 09: Specific Information on Ornamental Fish Module 10: Specific Information on Reptiles Module 11: Animal Psychology (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to develop a deeper understanding of animal care and psychology. Professionals aiming to expand their knowledge in animal welfare and psychology for career advancement. Beginners with an interest in animals and their care. Those seeking a career in animal welfare, psychology, or related fields. Career Path Animal Care Worker Animal Welfare Officer Veterinary Assistant Animal Behaviourist Pet Groomer Animal Trainer Wildlife Conservationist Zoo Keeper

Course Overview The Basics of Dog Grooming course offers a comprehensive introduction to the essential principles and practices of grooming dogs effectively and safely. Designed to equip learners with a strong foundation, this course explores every aspect of the grooming process, from the historical importance of grooming to modern health assessments and the correct use of grooming tools. By completing this course, learners will develop the confidence and knowledge to approach dog grooming with professionalism and care. The practical value lies in understanding how grooming contributes to animal wellbeing, hygiene, and overall appearance. Learners will gain insights into basic grooming techniques, handling grooming-related emergencies, and maintaining high standards of safety and comfort for pets. Whether for personal development or professional ambition, this course lays the groundwork for future expertise in dog grooming, enhancing career prospects and personal enrichment. Course Description The Basics of Dog Grooming course delves deeper into the knowledge and techniques required for effective grooming practices. It begins with an exploration of the history and purpose of grooming, highlighting its role in maintaining canine health and appearance. Learners will progress through essential topics such as conducting pre-grooming health assessments, preparing the grooming area, and selecting the appropriate tools and equipment. The course then covers core grooming techniques, providing guidance on coat maintenance, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Attention is also given to managing grooming emergencies, ensuring that learners are prepared for unexpected challenges. Throughout the course, participants will build key competencies needed to support canine welfare, hygiene, and presentation. Delivered in a clear and structured format, the course ensures learners gain the theoretical understanding necessary to pursue further training or entry-level roles within the dog grooming industry. Course Modules Module 01: History and Purpose of Dog Grooming Module 02: Pre-Grooming Health Assessment Module 03: Prepping the Grooming Area Module 04: Required Tools and Equipments for Grooming Module 05: Basic Grooming Techniques Module 06: Grooming Emergencies (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge of dog grooming and pet care. Professionals aiming to strengthen their foundational skills within the animal care industry. Beginners with an interest in entering the field of dog grooming and canine wellbeing. Pet owners looking to better understand grooming practices for their own dogs. Career Path Dog Grooming Assistant Professional Dog Groomer (after further study and certification) Pet Care Specialist Animal Welfare Worker Canine Beauty Consultant Pet Spa or Grooming Salon Employee

This very practical two-day workshop analyses the content and implications of key MoD terms and conditions of contract. The programme explains the principles and terminology of the contractual aspects of defence procurement as well as considering a number of relevant policies and initiatives. The course covers key components, constructs and methodologies associated with any commercial venture entered into with the UK MoD. Starting at the MoD organisational level the workshop sets the scene by looking at the acquisition process and organisation, detailing the various roles and responsibilities of MoD personnel. The workshop provides an in-depth examination of MoD DEFCONs and many narrative terms, setting them in the context of the organisation and its structures. The workshop helps participants to gain an understanding of the content and purpose of the range of MoD DEFCONs and narrative conditions commonly used throughout the acquisition lifecycle. It includes a review of Part 2 of the Defence Reform Act 2014 regarding Single Source Pricing, which comes into effect in 2015 and is already starting to be applied to significant contracts. On completion of this programme the participants will understand the terminology associated with the MoD terms and conditions of contract and will have an accurate view of their relevance, usage and their legal basis and how they can affect contractual and commercial decision-making. They will have gained an insight into defence acquisition contracting and they will be more commercially aware. DAY ONE 1 The commercial environment Key roles and responsibilities of the MoD organisations at the heart of the acquisition process 2 Tendering to MoD An appraisal of some of the obligations placed upon contractors when they are submitting a proposal to the MoD pre-contract 3 Standardised contracting MoD have introduced non-negotiable standardised contracts for certain levels of procurement. This section considers their use and relevance to defence contracting 4 Pricing, profit, post-costing and payment The parameters specific to a costing structure and the differences between competitive and non-competitive bidding The role of the QMAC, the profit formula, the requirements for equality of information and post-costing Different types of pricing and issues surrounding payment 5 Defence Reform Act - Single Source Pricing Single Source Pricing under Part 2 of the new Defence Reform Act Changes from the existing position, how contractors are affected and the compliance regime that accompanies the new requirements 6 Delivery and acceptance Specific requirements and the significance and impact of failing to meet them Acceptance plans Non-performance and the remedies that may be applied by the Customer - breach of contract, liquidated damages and force majeure DAY TWO 7 Protection of information and IPR Contractor's and MoD's rights to own and use information How to identify background and foreground intellectual property Technical information and copyright in documentation and software How to protect IPR at the various stages of the bidding and contracting process 8 Defence Transformation and Defence Commercial Directorate Widening and increasing roles and functions of the Defence Commercial Directorate Background to the Defence Reform Act 2014 9 Legal requirements Terms used in MoD contracts to reflect basic legal requirements Records and materials required for MOD contracts and therefore the obligations, responsibilities and liabilities that a company undertakes when it accepts these conditions Overseas activities 10 Subcontracting and flowdown Understanding the constructs required by the MoD for subcontracting Which terms must be flowed down to the subcontractor and which are discretionary 11 Termination Termination of a contract for default Termination for convenience How to optimise the company's position on termination 12 Warranties and liabilities Obligations and liabilities a company might incur and how they might be mitigated MoD policy on indemnities and limits of liability 13 Electronic contracting environment Electronic forms of contracting Progress toward a fully electronic contracting environment

Wouldn't sales be a 'walk in the park' without challenging customers? Why is it that some customers are so difficult to please, so quick to call 'foul' at the slightest blip and so mean with their gratitude after we've bent over backwards to accommodate them? Whether we are looking at prospective or existing customers, there is a toolkit for dealing with the most challenging of them. This course will help participants: Use broad open questions to give the customer a platform for their opinions or issues Improve listening skills to really understand what's behind the customer's challenging style Probe specific phrases to show listening and earn deeper disclosure Use silence to let challenging customers 'blow off steam' Understand the negative impact of certain phrases on a challenging customer Summarise effectively and reassure the customer of our understanding of their needs Recognise the 'behaviour cycle' and avoid emotional escalation Understand 'transactional analysis' and how to bring people from 'child' to 'adult' state Create loyalty in customers who are slow to give trust 1 What makes a customer 'challenging'? Why customers challenge us - understanding their drivers 'Wearing their shoes' - seeing things from their perspective Understanding our own personality style How to flex with a style that is different from our own Ways to quickly recognise a customer's style The benefits of flexing with a challenging customer's style 2 Practical exercise - forum theatre Participants take it in turns to deal with the trainer (who plays the role of the challenging customer) Observers stop the action when they hear or see something they deem wrong The participant in the seat gets a chance to use a suggested alternative line The participant who makes the suggestion has the chance to occupy the seat and deliver it themselves Frequent feedback from the trainer as to how the participant's words are making him feel Opportunities to rewind the action if an ill-advised line is suggested and delivered Flipchart for capturing what worked, what didn't work and why Mehrabian principle - the importance of body language and tone over words used 3 Questioning and listening skills How to use open questions to get the customer talking What questions to avoid and why The use of pauses and silence to reduce tension and build trust What listening is and what it isn't Question funnelling - how to earn deeper disclosure through probing The power of summary 4 Transactional analysis explained What is transactional analysis (TA)? Exploring the TA states and why people behave in that way under pressure How to bring challenging customers to 'adult' state to reduce tension How 'parent' or 'child' behaviours can be inadvertently triggered Understanding the 'behavioural cycle' and how to break it Mini-role play 'vignettes' to demonstrate real time impact of ill-chosen words 5 How to build trust with challenging customers Techniques for placating current challenging customers Methods that the participants have already used effectively - understanding why those methods worked and how other participants can model them Participants' experiences of trust having been lost - understanding why those experiences had that negative outcome How to 'go the extra mile' with challenging customers 6 Bringing a 'real' challenging customer to life Participants give the trainer a brief profile of a specific challenging customer of theirs 5-10 minute roleplay in which the trainer brings that individual to life Observing participants - without interrupting - make notes on what is and isn't working Trainer stops the action half-way through to give feedback on how he is feeling Participant goes back into the roleplay having recalibrated their approach based on feedback Observers give feedback on what did and didn't work Trainer comes out of character to explain the impact of the participant's words and behaviours 7 Wrap-up Key learnings from each participant Individual action planning - steps that can and will be implemented in the workplace