34406 OV courses

LOOKING FOR: YA/NA FANTASY, SFF, HORROR, ADULT FICTION John Baker (he/him) joined the Bell Lomax Moreton agency in 2019, cultivating a list shaped around his passion for science fiction, fantasy, and horror, though has lately also branched out into action/adventure fiction. John focuses on authors writing in the Adult, New Adult, and YA spaces. John leads the wider agency's film & TV desk, is the Secretary of the Association of Author’s Agents, and the co-chair of the AAA’s Bridge Committee. He also serves on the Kingston University MA Publishing Advisory Board. Under the umbrella of speculative fiction, John is looking for fantasy, science fiction, horror, romantasy, or literary speculative fiction. He has built a reputation as a champion of underrepresented voices and stories, be it from creators hailing from the global majority and their diasporas or neurodiverse authors, and naturally gravitates towards this kind of storytelling. In short, if he’s never read a story like yours before, he wants to see it. Adult fantasy: John loves beefy epic fantasy, especially non-Anglo Christian-inspired. Give him an immersive world, a fresh magical or mythic system, and an exciting cast of characters and he’ll be happy. He is a broad church in the genre so loves a political fantasy, swords and sorcery, courtly intrigue, monster hunting and dastardly villains. John is keen to find an urban fantasy that feels fresh and fun and he’s a sucker for a heroic quest narrative. He’s also very open to fantasy that isn’t easily categorised, but it is playing in that world. John is keenly hunting for more historical fantasy, especially inspired by modern history. He’s had fun with mythological retellings in the past, but as ever, let’s make sure it’s shining the spotlight on new stories. He would also love fantasy that centres on types of relationships less celebrated in fantasy, such as established and secure married couples, or siblings. NA/YA fantasy: In this genre, most importantly, John wants to have a good time, whether it’s swoon-worthy kisses in lush ball gowns, or gruesome gore and monsters, so send him pacy, plot-filled adventures. He’d love more books that teenage boys would love: Skullduggery Pleasant forever! Romantasy: The thriving new romantasy genre comes with its own set of challenges, so John wants to know what makes your romantasy different; what will set it out from the (very crowded!) market. Give it completely barmy stakes, cool and unique new settings, or a love story that will make your jaw drop. To be clear, he’s happily sorted for a human person meets a fae creature in the spooky woods. Also, cosmic romance is the genre of the future. Give him romantasy in space. Easy. Horror: John and horror are old friends. He loves horror inspired by myth and folklore, subversive weird horror that leaves your eyebrows in your hairline, historical horror that pulls from ghastly true stories, and anything that you’ll be reading with the light on. He also loves a gothic element and is particularly looking for horror with a strong romantic throughline, fun YA horror, and female & NB horror authors. Science fiction: SF is coming back! And John has been shouting about that. He loves to see an adventurous found-family romp through space or an epic, crunchy space opera. Speculative near-future is fun too, in the vein of Black Mirror’s more uplifting episodes, (e.g. San Junipero). He loves YA science fiction as well; the more creative the better. Literary: John is open to finding more rich magical realism or something character-led yet supernatural and would love a high-concept mystery, in the vein of Stuart Turton. He also loves spec fic that uses the speculative lightly as a way of confronting a deeper truth in society today. Weird stuff: John wants books that will blow people’s minds and defy categorisation. This is hard to describe, but think Gideon The Ninth, The Library At Mount Char, This Is How You Lose The Time War. John loves a pitch that leaves the editors baffled but intrigued. Action/Adventure, Historical Adventure, Espionage: John is branching out into non-speculative adventures, such as John Le Carré, Lee Child, Ian Flemming, and Mick Herron. More as his taste develops, but the hunt is on! Not looking for: military sci-fi or hard SF, or anything with biblical “character wakes up in purgatory/heaven/hell” narratives. The right comedic fantasy has yet to hit his inbox, but please don’t comp Douglas Adams or Sir Terry. John would like you to submit a covering letter, 1-2 page synopsis and the first two chapters of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, John is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print).  By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Tuesday 16th September 2025

Computer Networking Online Virtual Classroom course is designed to enable participants to install, configure and test a fundamental computer network. The opportunities for employment within the area of network support are enormous as businesses continue to grow and utilise the new technology available to them. This is a vital role to ensure the smooth running of businesses reliant on their network and IT systems. This course provides learners with both the practical and theoretical knowledge of networks. During the course, participants will learn about the different components used to create a network including hardware, software and topologie

The Hi-Tech Training Digital Text & Voice Communicator Course is designed to provide participants with the skills required to connect Digital, Text & Voice Communicators to an Alarm Control Panel for transmission of Digital status signals via the telephone line, GSM Network or IP network to a central monitoring station. The Digital Communicator Course’s practical application and our highly experienced trainers ensure that this course is second to none. The course is technical and practical in nature and is suitable for participants who have successfully completed the Hi-Tech Training Intruder Alarm Installation Course or equivalent.

QA Level 2 Award In Food Safety For Retail (RQF) Face to Face: Full day course Virtual Classroom: Spread over 3 sessions of 2½ hr duration Food business operators are required by law, to ensure that food handlers receive appropriate supervision and instruction/training in food hygiene in line with their work activity and should enable them to handle food safely Recommended by HSE and Environmental Health Officers (EHO's) Course Contents: The Importance of Food Safety Food Safety Laws Legal Responsibilities of Food Handlers Types of Contamination and the Associated Risks Bacteriology Food Poisoning Foodborne Illnesses An Introduction to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Personal Hygiene Work Flow, Work Surfaces and Equipment Cleaning and Disinfection Waste Disposal Pest Control Safe Food Handling Practices including Time and Temperature Controls Preparation Cooking and Reheating Chilling Cooling Thawing Hot holding Displaying food Core temperatures Food Preservation Storage Stock Control Procedures Benefits of this course: Businesses have a duty to their customers to produce food that is safe for consumption. There are one million cases of food poisoning in the UK each year. More than 6,000 are admitted to hospital. In 2014/2015, businesses in Chesterfield were issued 344 written enforcement notices. Derby received 1,116. Doing our Ofqual regulated, nationally accredited course ensures that nothing of importance is left out. EU and UK regulations state that all food handlers must receive appropriate training in food safety practices relevant to their duties. The Food Standards Agency says that 'Food business operators are required by law, to ensure that food handlers receive appropriate supervision and instruction/training in food hygiene in line with their work activity and should enable them to handle food safely’. Our QA Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering (RQF) is a nationally accredited qualification especially suitable for people working in, or planning to work in, the food retail industry, and complies with the training regulations.

QA Level 2 Award In Food Safety In Catering (RQF) Face to Face: Full day course Virtual Classroom: Spread over 3 sessions of 2½ hr duration Food business operators are required by law, to ensure that food handlers receive appropriate supervision and instruction/training in food hygiene in line with their work activity and should enable them to handle food safely Recommended by HSE and Environmental Health Officers (EHO's) Course Contents: The Importance of Food Safety Food Safety Laws Legal Responsibilities of Food Handlers Types of Contamination and the Associated Risks Bacteriology Food Poisoning Foodborne Illnesses An Introduction to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Personal Hygiene Work Flow, Work Surfaces and Equipment Cleaning and Disinfection Waste Disposal Pest Control Safe Food Handling Practices including Time and Temperature Controls Preparation Cooking and Reheating Chilling Cooling Thawing Hot holding Displaying food Core temperatures Food Preservation Storage Stock Control Procedures Benefits of this course: Businesses have a duty to their customers to produce food that is safe for consumption. There are one million cases of food poisoning in the UK each year. More than 6,000 are admitted to hospital. In 2014/2015, businesses in Chesterfield were issued 344 written enforcement notices. Derby received 1,116. Doing our Ofqual regulated, nationally accredited course ensures that nothing of importance is left out. EU and UK regulations state that all food handlers must receive appropriate training in food safety practices relevant to their duties. The Food Standards Agency says that 'Food business operators are required by law, to ensure that food handlers receive appropriate supervision and instruction/training in food hygiene in line with their work activity and should enable them to handle food safely’. Our QA Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering (RQF) is a nationally accredited qualification especially suitable for people working in, or planning to work in, the food retail industry, and complies with the training regulations. Accredited, Ofqual regulated qualification Our Food Safety in Catering training course is a nationally recognised, Ofqual regulated qualification accredited by Qualsafe Awards. This means that you can be rest assured that your Food safety in Catering certificate fulfils the legal requirements and is a very good way to make sure your employees are trained in Food Safety. The Ofqual Register number for this course is 603/2594/X

During this live-online masterclass we will focus on understanding recent developments in the mental health and wellbeing of children in the UK, including looking at the impact of cultural and technological changes over recent years and the impact this is having in schools.

Electronics Equipment Repair 2 (Online Virtual Classroom) is a follow on course to Electronics Equipment Repair 1. This course builds on the skills gained and enables participants to build, test and fault-find more complex Analogue Electronic circuits

The “ISO 14298:2021 Lead Implementer Course” is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead the implementation of a Security Printing Management System based on ISO 14298:2021. This comprehensive course covers the key principles, requirements, and best practices for establishing and maintaining an effective security printing management system. Participants will learn how to develop, implement, and manage processes that comply with the ISO 14298 standard.

LOOKING FOR: CHILDREN'S: PICTURE BOOK TEXTS, NON-FICTION, POETRY Lucy Brownridge is Editorial Director at Wide Eyed Editions and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, and formerly Thames & Hudson where she helped to establish the Children’s list. She specialises in highly illustrated picture books and non-fiction (including poetry) for children. She has commissioned and edited books which have gone on to win the Carnegie Awards, The British Book Awards, the Klaus Flugge Prize, the Blue Peter Prize and have been translated into over 30 languages. She has been editor to Alan Ahlberg, Quentin Blake, Mariajo Ilustrajo, Yuval Zommer and Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho among many others. She is the author of The Fantastical Safari and The Cat Family series, and many other books for children. She is interested in the history of illustrated children’s books and is always looking for innovative ways to use the book format. ABOUT YOU Include a covering letter, in a Word document, telling Lucy about yourself and your sources of inspiration. If you have one, include a link to your website. She is keen to read stories she hasn't seen before or see artwork with a distinctive style rather than something that fits with trends. She has particular experience with picture books and illustrated narrative non-fiction. PICTURE BOOKS Please send one or two (max) full manuscripts, in a Word document, starting with a short summary/blurb. Make the summary punchy and engaging. Remember that the best picture book stories are simple and every word should count. Do you see this book as part of a series? NON-FICTION PROPOSALS Please send a paragraph explaining your idea, a contents list, if appropriate, and a sample piece of text. (In addition to the paid sessions, Lucy is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print).  By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Monday 15th September 2025 at 10:00am UK BST

Target Audience Managers, team leaders, and executives who are responsible for implementing strategic initiatives within their organisations. Duration 2 Days Course Overview In today's fast-paced business environment, the ability to effectively translate strategic plans into operational actions is critical for success. This course is designed to equip managers and leaders with the skills and knowledge to turn high-level strategies into actionable plans that drive results. Participants will learn best practices for aligning operational activities with strategic goals, ensuring that every team member understands their role in achieving the organisation's vision. This course is designed by highly qualified learning design experts, assisted and guided by a Doctoral & Masters level leadership team. Working closely with subject matter leaders with extensive domain experience, this course is built on sound academic rigour and applied real world experience. Run in a cohort-based, activity-led format, it goes beyond theory to provide practical methods and frameworks that you can immediately apply in your workplace. Key Outcomes Explain how to ensure that operational activities support strategic objectives. Create detailed operational plans that outline the steps needed to achieve strategic goals. Develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, resource allocation and budgeting. Execute operational plans, manage resources, and address challenges. Implement systems for monitoring and evaluating performance, making necessary adjustments, and reporting progress.