303 Systems courses in Bristol

REFERENCE CODE 603/4678/4 COURSE LEVEL NVQ Level 2 THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE IN Course Overview This is a work-based learning qualification for those involved in cavity wall surveys/inspections and/or clearance. The qualification has been developed at the request of and in partnership with OSCAR OSNITE https://oscaronsite.co.uk The OSCAR and this qualification are recognised by a number of UKAS Certification bodies, industry bodies, Local Authorities and industry stakeholders. Prior to registering on this qualification, individuals must be registered with OSCAR. The clearance pathway enables individuals to carry out the extraction of cavity wall insulation to create a clear cavity that can be reinsulated or insulated if the system has been used to remove debris only. Candidates must also prove knowledge and competence to create a clear cavity to be able to facilitate External Rendering and External Wall Insulation complying with current Building Regulations. All work must be completed following safe working practices, relevant legislation, and comply with contract information and the allocated timescales. The surveyor/inspection pathway requires candidates to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to interpret information to be able to carry out a Cavity Clearance survey in accordance with the job specifications, following safe working practices and within the allocated time. The Surveyor must also understand how to communicate with others to ensure work is carried out effectively. This pathway includes identifying and selecting the correct quality of equipment, additionally candidates must understand how to calculate quantity, area and wastage. To achieve this pathway unit the survey work must be carried out in ways that will minimise the risk of damage to the work and surrounding area and using and maintaining equipment effectively. This qualification is made up of 3 mandatory units and 2 pathways. Candidates must complete the mandatory units and one or both of the pathways. The minimum credit value of this qualification is 24 credits. There is also an entirely optional additional unit, if achieved this will appear on the qualification certificate but does not count towards the minimum credit value of the qualification. Qualifications are now required to indicate the total qualification time (TQT), this is to show the typical time it will take someone to attain the required skills and knowledge to meet the qualification criteria, this qualification has a TQT of 240 hours. Qualifications are also required to indicate the number of hours of teaching someone would normally need to gain the skills and knowledge to achieve the qualification. These are referred to as Guided Learning Hours (GLH). The GLH for this qualification is 84. Mandatory Units Level Credit Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace 2 5 Pathway 1 Cavity Wall Clearance Cavity wall clearance in the workplace CWC1 Pathway 2 – Cavity Extraction Specialist Surveyor/Inspector Surveying/Inspection of Cavity wall clearance in the workplace Summary of the: GQA NVQ LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN CAVITY WALL EXTRACTION OCCUPATIONS SICW1 Additional Unit Erecting and Dismantling Access/Working Platforms in the Workplace Achieving the combination of Mandatory units and the correct choice of Optional credits will mean the qualification has been completed and GQA will provide the qualification title. Where a candidate has completed additional credits, the qualification will list these as “additional credits”, in cases where the candidate has not completed the full qualification and will not go on to do so, a Certificate of credit can be issued for the credits achieved. Assessment guidance: Evidence should show that you can complete all of the learning outcomes for each unit being taken. Types of evidence: Evidence of performance and knowledge is required. Evidence of performance should be demonstrated by activities and outcomes, and should be generated in the workplace only, unless indicated under potential sources of evidence (see below). Evidence of knowledge can be demonstrated though performance or by responding to questions. Quantity of evidence: Evidence should show that you can meet the requirements of the units in a way that demonstrates that the standards can be achieved consistently over an appropriate period of time. Potential sources of evidence: The main source of evidence for each unit will be observation of the candidate’s performance and knowledge demonstrated during the completion of the unit. This can be supplemented by the following types of physical or documentary evidence: Accident book/reporting systems Photo/video evidence Safety records Work diaries Training records Timesheets Audio records Telephone Logs Job specifications and documentation Meeting records Delivery Records Records of toolbox talks Witness testimonies Equipment Correspondence with customers Prepared materials and sites Notes and memos Completed work Please Note that photocopied or downloaded documents such as manufacturers or industry guidance, H&S policies, Risk Assessments etc, are not normally acceptable evidence for GQA qualifications unless accompanied by a record of a professional discussion or Assessor statement confirming candidate knowledge of the subject. If you are in any doubt about the validity of evidence, please contact Oscar Onsite Academy

REFERENCE CODE 603/4678/4 COURSE LEVEL NVQ Level 2 THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE IN Course Overview This is a work-based learning qualification for those involved in cavity wall surveys/inspections and/or clearance. The qualification has been developed at the request of and in partnership with OSCAR OSNITE https://oscaronsite.co.uk The OSCAR and this qualification are recognised by a number of UKAS Certification bodies, industry bodies, Local Authorities and industry stakeholders. Prior to registering on this qualification, individuals must be registered with OSCAR. The clearance pathway enables individuals to carry out the extraction of cavity wall insulation to create a clear cavity that can be reinsulated or insulated if the system has been used to remove debris only. Candidates must also prove knowledge and competence to create a clear cavity to be able to facilitate External Rendering and External Wall Insulation complying with current Building Regulations. All work must be completed following safe working practices, relevant legislation, and comply with contract information and the allocated timescales. The surveyor/inspection pathway requires candidates to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to interpret information to be able to carry out a Cavity Clearance survey in accordance with the job specifications, following safe working practices and within the allocated time. The Surveyor must also understand how to communicate with others to ensure work is carried out effectively. This pathway includes identifying and selecting the correct quality of equipment, additionally candidates must understand how to calculate quantity, area and wastage. To achieve this pathway unit the survey work must be carried out in ways that will minimise the risk of damage to the work and surrounding area and using and maintaining equipment effectively. This qualification is made up of 3 mandatory units and 2 pathways. Candidates must complete the mandatory units and one or both of the pathways. The minimum credit value of this qualification is 24 credits. There is also an entirely optional additional unit, if achieved this will appear on the qualification certificate but does not count towards the minimum credit value of the qualification. Qualifications are now required to indicate the total qualification time (TQT), this is to show the typical time it will take someone to attain the required skills and knowledge to meet the qualification criteria, this qualification has a TQT of 240 hours. Qualifications are also required to indicate the number of hours of teaching someone would normally need to gain the skills and knowledge to achieve the qualification. These are referred to as Guided Learning Hours (GLH). The GLH for this qualification is 84. Mandatory Units Level Credit Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace 2 5 Pathway 1 Cavity Wall Clearance Cavity wall clearance in the workplace CWC1 Pathway 2 – Cavity Extraction Specialist Surveyor/Inspector Surveying/Inspection of Cavity wall clearance in the workplace Summary of the: GQA NVQ LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN CAVITY WALL EXTRACTION OCCUPATIONS SICW1 Additional Unit Erecting and Dismantling Access/Working Platforms in the Workplace Achieving the combination of Mandatory units and the correct choice of Optional credits will mean the qualification has been completed and GQA will provide the qualification title. Where a candidate has completed additional credits, the qualification will list these as “additional credits”, in cases where the candidate has not completed the full qualification and will not go on to do so, a Certificate of credit can be issued for the credits achieved. Assessment guidance: Evidence should show that you can complete all of the learning outcomes for each unit being taken. Types of evidence: Evidence of performance and knowledge is required. Evidence of performance should be demonstrated by activities and outcomes, and should be generated in the workplace only, unless indicated under potential sources of evidence (see below). Evidence of knowledge can be demonstrated though performance or by responding to questions. Quantity of evidence: Evidence should show that you can meet the requirements of the units in a way that demonstrates that the standards can be achieved consistently over an appropriate period of time. Potential sources of evidence: The main source of evidence for each unit will be observation of the candidate’s performance and knowledge demonstrated during the completion of the unit. This can be supplemented by the following types of physical or documentary evidence: Accident book/reporting systems Photo/video evidence Safety records Work diaries Training records Timesheets Audio records Telephone Logs Job specifications and documentation Meeting records Delivery Records Records of toolbox talks Witness testimonies Equipment Correspondence with customers Prepared materials and sites Notes and memos Completed work Please Note that photocopied or downloaded documents such as manufacturers or industry guidance, H&S policies, Risk Assessments etc, are not normally acceptable evidence for GQA qualifications unless accompanied by a record of a professional discussion or Assessor statement confirming candidate knowledge of the subject. If you are in any doubt about the validity of evidence, please contact Oscar Onsite Academy

REFERENCE CODE 603/4678/4 COURSE LEVEL NVQ Level 2 THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE IN Course Overview This is a work-based learning qualification for those involved in cavity wall surveys/inspections and/or clearance. The qualification has been developed at the request of and in partnership with OSCAR OSNITE https://oscaronsite.co.uk The OSCAR and this qualification are recognised by a number of UKAS Certification bodies, industry bodies, Local Authorities and industry stakeholders. Prior to registering on this qualification, individuals must be registered with OSCAR. The clearance pathway enables individuals to carry out the extraction of cavity wall insulation to create a clear cavity that can be reinsulated or insulated if the system has been used to remove debris only. Candidates must also prove knowledge and competence to create a clear cavity to be able to facilitate External Rendering and External Wall Insulation complying with current Building Regulations. All work must be completed following safe working practices, relevant legislation, and comply with contract information and the allocated timescales. The surveyor/inspection pathway requires candidates to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to interpret information to be able to carry out a Cavity Clearance survey in accordance with the job specifications, following safe working practices and within the allocated time. The Surveyor must also understand how to communicate with others to ensure work is carried out effectively. This pathway includes identifying and selecting the correct quality of equipment, additionally candidates must understand how to calculate quantity, area and wastage. To achieve this pathway unit the survey work must be carried out in ways that will minimise the risk of damage to the work and surrounding area and using and maintaining equipment effectively. This qualification is made up of 3 mandatory units and 2 pathways. Candidates must complete the mandatory units and one or both of the pathways. The minimum credit value of this qualification is 24 credits. There is also an entirely optional additional unit, if achieved this will appear on the qualification certificate but does not count towards the minimum credit value of the qualification. Qualifications are now required to indicate the total qualification time (TQT), this is to show the typical time it will take someone to attain the required skills and knowledge to meet the qualification criteria, this qualification has a TQT of 240 hours. Qualifications are also required to indicate the number of hours of teaching someone would normally need to gain the skills and knowledge to achieve the qualification. These are referred to as Guided Learning Hours (GLH). The GLH for this qualification is 84. Mandatory Units Level Credit Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace 2 5 Pathway 1 Cavity Wall Clearance Cavity wall clearance in the workplace CWC1 Pathway 2 – Cavity Extraction Specialist Surveyor/Inspector Surveying/Inspection of Cavity wall clearance in the workplace Summary of the: GQA NVQ LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN CAVITY WALL EXTRACTION OCCUPATIONS SICW1 Additional Unit Erecting and Dismantling Access/Working Platforms in the Workplace Achieving the combination of Mandatory units and the correct choice of Optional credits will mean the qualification has been completed and GQA will provide the qualification title. Where a candidate has completed additional credits, the qualification will list these as “additional credits”, in cases where the candidate has not completed the full qualification and will not go on to do so, a Certificate of credit can be issued for the credits achieved. Assessment guidance: Evidence should show that you can complete all of the learning outcomes for each unit being taken. Types of evidence: Evidence of performance and knowledge is required. Evidence of performance should be demonstrated by activities and outcomes, and should be generated in the workplace only, unless indicated under potential sources of evidence (see below). Evidence of knowledge can be demonstrated though performance or by responding to questions. Quantity of evidence: Evidence should show that you can meet the requirements of the units in a way that demonstrates that the standards can be achieved consistently over an appropriate period of time. Potential sources of evidence: The main source of evidence for each unit will be observation of the candidate’s performance and knowledge demonstrated during the completion of the unit. This can be supplemented by the following types of physical or documentary evidence: Accident book/reporting systems Photo/video evidence Safety records Work diaries Training records Timesheets Audio records Telephone Logs Job specifications and documentation Meeting records Delivery Records Records of toolbox talks Witness testimonies Equipment Correspondence with customers Prepared materials and sites Notes and memos Completed work Please Note that photocopied or downloaded documents such as manufacturers or industry guidance, H&S policies, Risk Assessments etc, are not normally acceptable evidence for GQA qualifications unless accompanied by a record of a professional discussion or Assessor statement confirming candidate knowledge of the subject. If you are in any doubt about the validity of evidence, please contact Oscar Onsite Academy

City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Direct Emergency Rescue and Recovery of Casualties from Confined Spaces - 6160-07 - This course is designed to introduce delegates to the basics of rescue and recovery of casualties from confined spaces. Understanding emergency arrangements as set by legislation and employers, some of the equipment required to rescue a casualty and safety of the rescue team. Note: A pre-requisite qualification is required to complete this course. Delegates must hold a valid 6160-08 qualification. Book via our website @ https://www.vp-ess.com/training/confined-spaces/6160-07-level-3-award-in-direct-emergency-rescue-and-recovery-of-casualties-from-cs/ or via email at: esstrainingsales@vpplc.com or phone on: 0800 000 346

City & Guilds Level 4 Award in Plan, Manage and Review Legislative and Safety Compliance for Work in Confined Spaces - 6160-06 - This course focuses on planning, organizing and managing work safely in confined spaces including legislative roles and responsibilities, health and safety considerations and equipment requirements. Designed for managers that are responsible for organizing and planning work activities within a confined space. The manager may or may not supervise the actual job. The manager cannot enter the confined space. Book via our website @ https://www.vp-ess.com/training/confined-spaces/6160-06-level-4-award-in-plan,-manage-and-review-legislative-and-safety-compliance-in-cs/ or via email at: esstrainingsales@vpplc.com or phone on: 0800 000 346

Overview A review of the most enduringly popular structured equity-linked products. This 1 day hands-on programme will help you gain familiarity with 1st generation & 2nd generation structured products convexity – and their applications. Discover techniques for maximising the participation rate to enhance returns for investors. Explore the trade-offs between coupon payments and gearing, and how they affect the risk-return profile of the notes. Explore ladder structures, their relationship to lookbacks, and the benefits they offer to investors. Learn about accumulators, their structuring, and the reasons behind their controversy in the market. Who the course is for Structured Products Desks, Financial Engineers, Product Controllers Traders, Dealing Room Staff and Sales People Risk Managers, Quantitative Analysts and Middle Office Managers Fund Managers, Investors, Senior Managers Researchers and Systems Developers Course Content To learn more about the day by day course content please request a brochure To learn more about schedule, pricing & delivery options, book a meeting with a course specialist now

Overview This 2-day programme covers the latest techniques used for fixed income attribution. This hands-on course enables participants to get a practical working experience of fixed income attribution, from planning to implementation and analysis. After completing the course you will have developed the skills to: Understand how attribution works and the value it adds to the investment process Interpret attribution reports from commercial systems Assess the strengths and weaknesses of commercially available attribution software Make informed decisions about the build vs. buy decision Present results in terms accessible to all parts of the business Who the course is for Performance analysts Fund and portfolio managers Investment officers Fixed Income professionals (marketing/sales) Auditors and compliance Quants and IT developers Course Content To learn more about the day by day course content please request a brochure To learn more about schedule, pricing & delivery options, book a meeting with a course specialist now

This course aims to increase and enhance delegates’ understanding of the various financial crime threats which impact upon the organisations, sectors and regions in which they operate and provide them with the tools to mitigate those threats. It assumes no prior knowledge of the subject but ensures through a high level of interactivity that delegates with any level of experience in the field will be able to share and receive the collective knowledge of the group.

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.

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.