We share the secrets of how to make one of the most challenging areas of managing people into one of the simplest and most rewarding. Build motivated and effective teams through managers who are skilled in setting challenging but achievable goals, measuring performance and giving great feedback.
Being a Mentor in the Early Years
Our Team Building Programmes are 'simply excellent' (quote from Unilever). They always deliver much greater energy' motivation and efficiently accelerates to a galvanised, integrated team for their Manager/Team Leader. They're great fun and very commercially orientated - the best of both key elements to a successful and long-lasting high performance team. A successful company is always made up of successful teams. Teams that can work autonomously with a clearly defined set of goals, roles, vision, responsibility and culture will always reach for and achieve far greater success than a team that works just as a group of individuals. Our team building solutions are individually built and geared towards teams at any level within an organisation, providing an independent and objective perspective to promote a common purpose such as the creation of a 'high performance team'. Out With The Old Traditionally, team building events have been restricted to certain levels of management where they head off site for a bit of archery, quad biking and paintballing or something along those lines. Then over some coffee and cocktails, business plans and more efficient ways to work are casually discussed. Whilst being out having fun instead of being at work may improve an individual person's mood, the effect will only be short-term, and will not go far in creating permanent and cohesive teams who are able to overcome challenges together and drive the business forward when back in the workplace. In With The New Today's business thinking is more strategic and certainly has to look for returns on the investment. That is why Dickson Training Ltd's team building programmes are bespoke and built to your requirements through research, understanding your business and, most importantly, what results and achievements you are looking to get out of the programme. Once "what success looks like" has been established, we create tasks and activities that will test your leadership, problem solving, communication and team work skills. When the tasks have been completed, the learning - both practical and theory - is debriefed to the group as well as how it will translate back in your business. Not only are our events great fun, but they provide participants with learning points they can act upon to improve or enhance the working practices/environment. Team Building That Gets Results We have a highly innovative team who design team builds to suit all budgets and time or space restrictions. Large or small, we will develop the perfect event to meet your commercial objectives, keeping in line with your values and company culture. More recently we have combined team galvanising events with ways to engage the participants with and support their local communities. This solution has proved extremely popular with our clients and we are continuing to develop more and more programmes doing exactly this. " Phil did everything in a very professional and focused manner, without losing sight of the overall aims or having 'fun'. When I moved to Airbus UK and subsequently European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS), I had no hesitation in recommending Phil and the team to deliver the required training and team events. Without doubt Phil and his team are excellent providers of training, to suit even bespoke requirements, and I would not hesitate in recommending the team to any business in the future. " Glenn Brown, Systems & Expertise Manager, Airbus Personnel Service Augmented Skills – an Essay by Phil Dickson All of you, who are reading this, and all the people you meet and work with will have – ‘Augmented Skills’. So – if you are an IT Engineer or a Pharmacist; perhaps you are, or know, a Departmental Leader and you work with a Logistics Project Manager; these roles will demand core skills, whether they be technical know-how or qualifications in the discipline. But to be that bit better; more reliable; more effective & productive and therefore more valuable and, frankly, marketable – capitalizing on ‘Augment Skills’ comes into play. The I T Engineer who was a Chess Champion at Uni, which would indicate that they possess some key ‘Augmented skills’ including how they plan 3 steps ahead and are always prepared for the unexpected. The Pharmacist, who is a keen sportsperson in their private life, will likely be tenacious, team-orientated and disciplined – again these are superb qualities to have in this – or any – role. Your colleagues, as well as yourself, will have ‘Augmented Skills’ that will be an asset if only they are explored and applied to their role and indeed, career. Everyone has their own 'Super-power' If they love gardening, they are probably strategic, patient and inclined to research; if they cook or bake, they are usually well organized and comfortable with multi-tasking. A big reader will tend to be considered and possess good critical thinking faculties, and an amateur mechanic or keen DIY person will often be practical, resourceful and very determined. I have observed that many new Parents discover they have ‘Augmented Skills’ they didn’t know they had... such as getting order out of chaos and displaying industrial amounts of patience and good grace when they really do not feel like it. They very often become far more compassionate and empathetic. Most people have their very own ‘Superpower’. Invite your team members to offer their ‘Augmented Skills’ to your work-place – and just watch as it elevates the motivation levels and improves results. It’ll be very rewarding for all concerned – and for meeting the Team’s objectives, to encourage the person who is a talented artist to be a sounding board on some of the marketing imagery and layouts; for the team member who is great at Maths or resolving crosswords to be asked for their input to solving a problem that is causing logistical or operational headaches. Never exploit a Team member’s unique special skills at their expense I would like to stress, however, that it must never be an area where a team member gets exploited by harvesting their unique special skills to coerce them into taking on greater responsibilities and tasks without providing them with the commensurate salary and status. To do so would be immoral and, ultimately, counter-productive as it would lead to resentment and disenfranchisement. This is about encouraging people’s capability and inviting their input to boost confidence and enhance the team’s capability. Often, we need to be more than what our Job Description says It is also important to highlight that whatever a person’s role or function is – they will definitely need to have additional capabilities to be effective. The best example of this is when we designed and delivered a range of ‘Advanced Customer Care skills’ training sessions for the Met Office a few years ago…we met so many remarkably super-bright Meteorologists, many of whom were having to make significant adjustments to answering questions from Customers that seemed to be illogical and often, obtuse. It wasn’t enough for these Meteorologists to be highly skilled at interpreting data and identifying patterns – they needed ‘Augmented skills’ to make that information accessible to members of the public (and Council workers and Air Traffic controllers and Shipping agents) and many other people, as to what that particular weather system was going to be like in their area and at what time. They have to know how to ‘de-jargonise’ the material and provide succinct, clear, and yet temperate, descriptions without ever appearing exasperated, impatient or judgmental in response to sometimes quite silly questions. For a highly trained scientist – that can be counter-intuitive. Being Philosophical... and a wee bit pretentious At the risk of being a little Philosophical (and probably a wee bit pretentious) – in my own role of Trainer – my core skills have to include – being a very good communicator, an active listener and have innovative and engaging ways to convert an idea, or a model, into practical application that my Delegates and Clients gain tangible benefits from. This is how it applies to me... I really enjoy composing short, light classical-style piano pieces. Now, to do this well, you need to be able to find a transition from one chord or melody to a different theme or key. It has to be worked out very carefully to have incremental transitions and pleasant-sounding developments as the piece unfolds. I think I have become better at this as I have honed my skills as a composer. But I have realized that these very same skills have ‘Augmented’ my ability to help a Manager, or a Team, move from a state of conflict; tension; disfunction; disenfranchisement; lack of confidence to a place that is more harmonious with far greater productivity. The very same process of careful listening, considering options, taking well-considered steps, having a creative, sometimes brave, move towards a resolution are at play in both Training and Piano Compositions! Scheduled Courses Unfortunately this course is not one that is currently scheduled as an open course, and is only available on an in-house basis. Please contact us for more information.
You can handle the tough stuff with the help of this comprehensive, interactive and thought-provoking course. Our trainers are experienced managers who will guide and support you through the intricacies of people and personal management. The key responsibilities of the manager A manager’s impact on the business and its staff Being a role model Communicating with confidence Questioning skills Managing hybrid teams Assertiveness techniques Managing team performance with ease Giving great feedback Prioritising like a winner Time management techniques Delegating effectively
At times, everyone involved with a business will find themselves in a position where they are faced with difficult decisions. Being able to deal with these situations effectively and confidently is an important interpersonal skill. This is especially true for managers who will be forced to make tough decisions on a regular basis, but need to ensure that the business continues to perform both during and after the difficult decisions have been made. The manner in which they approach and implement these decisions can sometimes be the difference between success and failure. Course SyllabusThe syllabus of the Dealing with Difficult Situations with Confidence course is comprised of four modules, covering the following: Module OneSelf Awareness Attitude towards challenges - self-resilience Going into a challenging scenario - how to prepare Recognising the signs of contention Giving feedback constructively Module TwoHaving Difficult Conversations with Confidence Behaviour labelling - preparing the approach Assertiveness techniques Dealing with a difficult issue focussing on behaviour & consequences Keeping objective and professional throughout Module ThreeExamining Your Preferred Communication Style Recognising the different communication styles Analysing your preferred style - Paradigm FitIn Profiler review Identifying the most appropriate situations for each style Module FourHelpful Interpersonal Skills Effective questioning techniques Active listening Body language Recognising and dealing with behaviours Displaying and creating positive attitudes Remaining Assertive and in control
When managers have too many decisions to make, it can have a serious impact on the speed and efficiency of the organisation. When those decisions are commercial ones, the results can wreak havoc with the bottom line. Often the problem arises when those below them or in operational areas of the organisation aren't equipped or allowed to make a decision for themselves. Issues get passed back up and that wastes time. This programme provides a solution, giving your entire team the skills to: And most importantly, they'll be able to do this in line with the broader aims and commercial objectives of the business. By the end of the programme participants will be able to: Fully appreciate the importance of effective decision-making in business Use the five-step 'Stop, Think, Act!' decision-making process Stop leaping to conclusions Really understand the situations and decisions they are dealing with Identify good options Evaluate those options Make decisions and then put them into action Apply these tools and techniques to all their decisions in future 1 Understanding the business we work in What are the critical factors in our business? What is the SWOT analysis for our business? 2 Understanding what decision-making is 3 Background Culture of 'having to be doing' To change things we have to think about it! We are paid to make decisions! 4 Recognise the opportunity to make a decision 5 The 'Stop, Think, Act!' technique 6 STOP! Recognise the opportunity to make a decision Don't leap to conclusions Get ready to think Initial questions:Is this my decision? (Do I have the authority?)Who is this going to affect? (Do they need to be included?)When do I need to make the decision? (What's the timeline?) 7 THINK! The 3 Cs - making sure we understand the decisions we have to make What is the context of this decision?What is the overall situation?Why is this decision important?What do we need to achieve?What will success look like? Do I have clarity about the decision I need to make?Can I write it down?Can I express it clearly in two sentences? What are the criteria?What are the critical commercial factors that we will use to select our options?What will we use to measure the business success? 8 ACT! Identifying options What data do I need to collect?Issues with today's overloadIdentifying what will help you Select optionsHow many options?Must match your criteriaMust achieve success'Decision compass' exercise Analyse optionsTabular methodRisk analysis (likelihood v effect)Head, heart and gut (is there any organisational history/bias that we are up against?) Making your decision Taking it to actionFirst actionsPlanning how to make it happen
The Supply Chain Academy can assist you in focusing on the issues and challenges most critical to your team’s success – improving rapport, relationships and productivity, enabling teams to achieve their collective goals, confronting problems, inspiring success and unlocking potential when your team needs it most. We use the Insights Discovery® Personality profiling model, which adds a simple visual methodology that supports effective communication. The Supply Chain Academy can assist you in focusing on the issues and challenges most critical to your team’s success - improving rapport, relationships and productivity, enabling teams to achieve their collective goals, confronting problems, inspiring success and unlocking potential when your team needs it most. Our Team Effectiveness programme is ideal if you want to: monitor your team’s strengths and challenges create space for open and honest dialogue within the team overcome an obstacle that’s holding the team back develop action plans for continuous improvement Insights Discovery - How it Works: Through Insights Discovery® and our own, in-house Insights Discovery® licenced practitioner, we use the Insights Discovery model to understand an individual’s unique preferences. Our Insights Discovery-based people development programmes are simple and deeply insightful. They provide immediate impact and enable positive, lasting change. Insights Discovery® is: Simple: easy to understand so everyone can apply what they learn. Universal: it speaks to everyone at all levels. Deeply Insightful: take you places you never expected. Positive: the supportive language is so engaging it empowers people to change. Fun! The memorable colour energy system that really sticks Using Insights Discovery® as part of a wider programme: Insights Discovery® is at the heart of everything that we do. This simple framework of four colour energies can be used to develop highly-tailored solutions to meet your unique business needs. Example solutions: Increasing communication and collaboration: learn how your team, department or organisation can work together more effectively in a series of Insights Discovery® Workshops. Improving personal effectiveness: as part of a programme of coaching, Insights Discovery can be used to identify areas of strength and help create a development plan tailored to each individual. Developing leaders and sales people: use an understanding of preferences to assess individual and collective strengths and enhance crucial business skills. Explore the concept of change and gain an understanding of the process Understand how different personality types respond to change Engage the wider organisation by building relationships with staff Motivate teams through change
NPORS Plant Mover Training Provide candidates with the training and knowledge to enable them to carry out the movement of plant equipment safely. NPORS Plant Mover Training course is aimed at people who are responsible for moving the machinery around the site, this could be maintenance staff or drivers who deliver the machinery to site. All staff should be trained in the safe operation of plant or machinery. NPORS is an approved CSCS Partner Card Scheme, providing evidence that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for safe movement of construction machinery. Furthermore, Plant Mover training criteria is based on the approved standards of the Construction Leadership Council. Book with Confidence at Vally Plant Training At Vally Plant Training, we guarantee unbeatable value with our Price Match Promise. When you choose us, you can book with confidence, knowing that we will not be beaten on price. If you find a lower price for the same NPORS Experienced Worker Test, we’ll match it—ensuring you receive top-quality training at the best possible rate. Your skills, our commitment—always at the best price. Course Content Have a basic understanding of the industry, the dangers of working in the industry and their responsibilities as an operator. Have a working knowledge of the manufacturer‘s handbook for each machine. Be able to locate and identify the major components of the machine and explain their functions. Be able to locate and identify all controls and operate the machine safely. Conduct all pre-operational checks in accordance with the manufacturer‘s recommendations. Use the correct PPE for Plant Movers. Prepare machinery for movement and operate machinery safely in forward and reverse gears over varying terrain. Conduct all necessary safety checks in the working area. Correct Storage and transportation of machinery attachments (buckets, forks, breakers etc). Carry out all end of shift and shut down procedures. Variations: Lifting equipment Earthmoving equipment Accessing Equipment Plant Mover Training Available 7 days a week to suit your business requirements. VPT have a team of friendly and approachable instructors, who have a wealth of knowledge of plant movers and the construction industry We have our own training centre conveniently located close to the M5 junction 9, In Tewkesbury. With its own purpose-built practical training area to simulate an actual working environment for the movement of plant Our Plant Mover training and test packages are priced to be competitive. Discounts are available for multiple bookings We can send a fully qualified NPORS Plant Mover Tester to your site nationwide, to reduce the amount of time away from work Frequently Asked Questions 1. What qualifications do I need to enroll in the Plant Mover Training course? The course is intended for individuals who have some prior training or extensive experience with plant moving. If unsure, it’s advised to contact the training center for specific eligibility requirements. 2. What does the Plant Mover Training include? The training covers industry basics, safety responsibilities, machine operations, pre-operational checks, and correct use of personal protective equipment. It includes both theoretical and practical sessions to ensure comprehensive learning. 3. How long does the course last, and what are the class sizes? The course duration varies: 2 days for novices with a maximum of 6 candidates, and 1 day for experienced workers with a maximum of 8 candidates. 4. Are there any certifications provided after completing the course? Yes, successful candidates receive an NPORS card, which is a recognized certification for operating plant machinery safely. The type of card (traditional or with CSCS logo) depends on the specific requirements met during the course. 5. Can I take this course at my workplace? Yes, the training center offers options to conduct training at your site nationwide, though additional charges for mileage and accommodation may apply. 6. Is there funding available for this training? CITB funding might be available for eligible candidates, which can help cover the cost of the training. More courses: Polish your abilities with our dedicated Lift Supervision Training, Slinger Signaller Training, Telehandler Training, Cat & Genny Training, Plant Loader Securer, Ride-On Road Roller, Abrasive Wheel Training, Lorry Loader Training and Scissor Lift Training sessions. Learn the safe and effective operation of these vital machines, crucial for construction and maintenance tasks. Elevate your skills and career prospects by enrolling in our comprehensive courses today. For those looking for a “NPORS Scissor Lift Training near me,” our widespread operations make it convenient for you to access Vally Plant Trainings top-quality training no matter where you are in the UK
NPORS Appointed Person Course or Training NPORS Appointed Person Lifting Operations Training is aimed at anyone who is required to plan safe systems of work using lifting equipment and to gain the NPORS Appointed Person operator card. The aim of the course is to provide candidates with underpinning knowledge to prepare them for the role and responsibility. It is recommended that prior to attending this course individuals should have some experience of working with lifting equipment, especially mobile cranes. It is important that all delegates have a good understanding of spoken and written English for the appointed person course. NPORS is an approved CSCS Partner Card Scheme, firstly providing evidence that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications but more importantly for the safe operation of the appointed person. Furthermore, training criteria is based on the approved standards of the Construction leadership Council. Experienced Appointed Person Test For experienced Appointed Persons you must complete a 1 day refresher training course. For refresher training you must have held a certificate or card in the past Appointed Person Course Duration: Experienced Worker Test: 1 day refresher training, maximum of 6 candidates Novice: 5 day’s training, maximum of 6 candidates Location*: Tewkesbury or at our clients’ site nationwide Mileage and accommodation charges may apply Certification NPORS Traditional card – lasts for 5 years and is mainly accepted with housebuilders, utilities, port and marine as proof of competence OR NPORS card with CSCS logo – accepted by all major building contractor’s. The initial card is the RED trained operator card which lasts for 2 years and can be upgraded to BLUE competent operator card further to completion of relevant NVQ. CSCS Health & Safety Test If you require the NPORS Appointed Person Red operator card with the CSCS logo on then you must have completed the operatives health and safety test within the last two years. In house certificates: suitable as proof of operator competence accepted for insurance and HSE compliance. The Appointed Person Course Includes: This Appointed Person Course covers essential legislation, crane appreciation, lifting accessories, and planning lifting operations. It culminates in writing a risk assessment and method statement. Legislation LOLER, PUWER, HASAWA. Codes of practice BS7121. Roles and responsibilities of personnel involved with lifting operations. Crane appreciation, crane types, capabilities and limitations. Duty charts. Crane terminology. Documentation and certification for lifting equipment and lifting accessories. Crane stability/ground conditions. Safe Load Indicators (SLI) and Safe Working Loads (SWL). Lifting accessories. Types of accessories and use. Slinging techniques. Down rating of accessories. Sling angles. Communications. Planning a lifting operation. Writing a risk assessment (end test). Writing a method statement (end test). Appointed Person Training Available 7 days a week to suit your business requirements. VPT have a team of friendly and approachable instructors, who have a wealth of knowledge of lifting equipment and the construction industry We have our own training centre conveniently located close to the M5 junction 9, In Tewkesbury. With its own purpose-built practical training area to simulate an actual working environment for the AP Course. Our Appointed Person training and test packages are priced to be competitive. Discounts are available for multiple bookings We can send a fully qualified NPORS Appointed Person Tester to your site nationwide, to reduce the amount of time away from work Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is the NPORS Appointed Person Lifting Operations Training? This training is designed for individuals required to plan safe systems of work using lifting equipment. It provides the knowledge necessary to prepare for the role and responsibilities of an Appointed Person. 2. Who should take this course? Anyone involved in planning and managing lifting operations, especially those with prior experience with lifting equipment, should take this course. 3. What does the course cover? The course covers legislation, codes of practice, roles and responsibilities, types of cranes, duty charts, lifting accessories, risk assessment, and method statement preparation. 4. How long is the course? The course duration is 5 days for novices and 1 day for experienced individuals seeking a refresher. 5. What certification do I receive upon completion? Participants receive an NPORS Appointed Person operator card, valid for 5 years or an NPORS card with CSCS logo. 6. Are there any prerequisites? Candidates should have a good understanding of English. For the NPORS card with CSCS logo, a CSCS Health & Safety test must have been completed within the last two years. Our more courses: Polish your abilities with our dedicated Lift Supervision Training, Slinger Signaller Training, Telehandler Training, Cat & Genny Training, Plant Loader Securer, Ride-On Road Roller, Abrasive Wheel Training, Lorry Loader Training and Scissor Lift Training sessions. Learn the safe and effective operation of these vital machines, crucial for construction and maintenance tasks. Elevate your skills and career prospects by enrolling in our comprehensive courses today.
NPORS Plant Loader Securer Training The NPORS plant loader securer training course is intended for delivery drivers who operate plant equipment to load on to delivery vehicles, additionally for workers who are responsible for securing the plant using various securing equipment. Unsafe loads on vehicles injure more than 1,200 people a year and cost UK businesses millions of pounds in damaged goods. There has been an increasing number of accidents involving mobile plant during loading/unloading or during transportation resulting in fatalities. In line with recommendations from the Safety of Loads on Vehicles from the Department Of Transport, the course will provide both theoretical and practical training to ensure candidates are able to carry out the duties of Plant Loader Securer. NPORS is an approved CSCS Partner Card Scheme, providing evidence that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the plant loader securer duties. Furthermore, training criteria is based on the approved standards of the Construction Leadership Council. Visit our page; The Art Of Securing Loads Experienced operator – NPORS Plant Loader Securer Test Book with Confidence at Vally Plant Training At Vally Plant Training, we guarantee unbeatable value with our Plant Loader Securer Experienced Test Price Match Promise. When you choose us, you can book with confidence, knowing that we will not be beaten on price. If you find a lower price for the same NPORS Plant Loader Securer Experienced Worker Test, we’ll match it—ensuring you receive top-quality training at the best possible rate. Click for our terms and conditions Your skills, our commitment—always at the best price. NPORS Plant Loader Securer Test is for operators who have received some form of training in the past or alternatively has been operating the Plant Loader Securer for several years. If you are unsure if you qualify to go down the test route please contact us to discuss this in more detail. Discounts are available for multiple bookings There are two parts to the plant loader securer test, a theory section comprised of 25 questions and a practical session. Plant Loader And Securer Course Objectives Plant Loader and Securer Training covers: Legislation: All relevant health and safety and current legislation and British Standards Loading: Load or guide items of plant onto a transporter. Position items of plant on the transporter to ensure no overloading of transporter axles. Ensure integrity and security of items of plant plus attachments using a range of restraining equipment Preparations: Prepare an area for the purposes of loading and unloading construction plant. Prepare a transporter for receiving different items of construction plant, which must include tracked, wheeled and roller types. Agree and give appropriate signals to the plant operator. Check equipment prior to operations Travel: Prepare a transporter for road travel. Ensure intended route of travel is compatible with load weight, width and height. Explain the specific requirements of current legislation for equipment designed for transporting construction plant. State the requirements to be undertaken when loading and unloading plant on the public highway. Plant Loader Securer Training Available 7 days a week to suit your business requirements. VPT have a team of friendly and approachable instructors, who have a wealth of knowledge of the loading and securing and the construction industry We have our own training centre conveniently located close to the M5 junction 9, In Tewkesbury, however this course must be on your site. With its own purpose-built practical training area to simulate an actual working environment. Our Loader Securer training and test packages are priced to be competitive. Discounts are available for multiple bookings We can send a fully qualified NPORS Plant Loader Securer Tester to your site nationwide, to reduce the amount of time away from work Frequently Asked Questions 1. Who should take the Plant Loader Securer Training? This training is intended for delivery drivers operating plant equipment to load onto delivery vehicles and workers responsible for securing the plant using various securing equipment. 2. What does the Plant Loader Securer Training cover? The course covers legislation, load and guide items of plant, preparing areas for loading/unloading, securing equipment, preparing transporters for road travel, and ensuring compliance with safety requirements. 3. How long is the Plant Loader Securer Training? For novice operators, the training lasts 2 days. Experienced operators can take a 1-day test. 4. What certification do I receive upon completion? Participants receive an NPORS card, either the traditional card valid for 5 years or the NPORS card with CSCS logo, valid initially for 2 years. 5. Are there any prerequisites for the Plant Loader Securer Training? Candidates must have a good understanding of English. For the NPORS card with CSCS logo, a CSCS Health & Safety test must have been completed within the last two years. More courses: Polish your abilities with our dedicated Lift Supervision Training, Slinger Signaller Training, Telehandler Training, Cat & Genny Training, Plant Loader Securer, Ride-On Road Roller, Abrasive Wheel Training, Lorry Loader Training and Scissor Lift Training sessions. Learn the safe and effective operation of these vital machines, crucial for construction and maintenance tasks. Elevate your skills and career prospects by enrolling in our comprehensive courses today. For those looking for a “NPORS Plant Loader Securer Training near me,” our widespread operations make it convenient for you to access Vally Plant Trainings top-quality training no matter where you are in the UK