Learn Plus Us Managing Director Elected To AELP Board
Learn Plus Us is proud to announce that our MD Debbie Gardiner MBE has been elected to join the board of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP).
Debbie topped the ballot to fill two board places reserved for small independent training providers alongside Nick Smith, chief executive of TTE Training Limited. Both will begin their roles with immediate effect.
Following the announcement, Debbie said:
“I’m really pleased to be returning to the AELP Board following a two-year gap. In that time, I’ve been lucky enough to join LPU on a full-time basis, having previously been the self-employed Chairperson. I think returning to lead a provider following 5 years of consultancy in the sector gives me a different perspective and can’t wait to get started. I’m very grateful to all those who voted for me and want to assure them that I won’t let them down. I’m looking forward to my induction.”
National Careers Week – Career Planning With Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are quickly becoming acknowledged as one of the most effective routes to career success, thanks to their combination of practical experience & academic learning. At Learn Plus Us we believe an apprenticeship can boost your career prospects in not just the short term, but in the long term as well.
Career Benefits Of Apprenticeships
Hands on experience
An apprenticeship offers the chance to be working as part of a team of experienced professionals. This hand-on experience gives you the opportunity to expand your skillset and best of all, you will be able to learn from your colleagues on a daily basis and support your professional development.
Support systems
Apprenticeships allow you to start your career with a higher level of support than you would normally receive. Not only will your employers be there to help guide you through your career journey, your tutor will also give you the support you need to progress, whether that’s answering role-related questions or providing access to useful resources to aid your studies.
Understand the Working Environment
An apprenticeship is a great way to bridge the gap between finishing education and kickstarting your career. The transition from education into the workforce can sometime be challenging at first, but apprenticeships help you get a feel for a professional work environment and give you the opportunity to brush up on your transferable skills along the way, such as communication, time management and problem-solving.
Improved Career Prospects
In today’s professional world, most employers will ask for a minimum level of experience when hiring new talent, and having experience as an apprentice can help you tick that box. An apprenticeship will help you demonstrate your expertise to employers and improve your employability.
Apprenticeships aren’t just a great place to start a career, they are also fantastic ways to develop your existing skillset and progress to the next level. Here’s a quick overview of the pathways available via our Apprenticeships:
Interested in find out out more about apprenticeships and how they can support your Career? Click on the links below to access information on our apprenticeship by industry.
Learn Plus Us has signed the Age-friendly Employer Pledge, a free nationwide programme launched by the Centre for Ageing Better to improve the recruitment, retention and development of older workers.
A recent poll commissioned by Ageing Better reveals the scale of ageism in the workplace and demonstrates the urgent need for action. More than a fifth (21%) of UK adults aged 50+ indicated that since turning 50, they had regularly experienced ageist attitudes in the workplace or when applying for roles. And while approximately two thirds (64%) agreed they would feel comfortable in reporting ageist behaviour in the workplace, less than half (42%) said they would be confident any complaint would be taken seriously.
A recent poll commissioned by Ageing Better reveals the scale of ageism in the workplace and demonstrates the urgent need for action. More than a fifth (21%) of UK adults aged 50+ indicated that since turning 50, they had regularly experienced ageist attitudes in the workplace or when applying for roles. And while approximately two thirds (64%) agreed they would feel comfortable in reporting ageist behaviour in the workplace, less than half (42%) said they would be confident any complaint would be taken seriously.
Sky-high labour and skills shortages are one of the biggest challenges facing our economy today- the latest ONS statistics revealed over one million vacancies in the final quarter of 2022-3. And with an ageing population, older workers can play a vital role in overcoming this. It has never been more important for employers to become age-friendly and take advantage of older workers’ skills and experience.
By signing the pledge, Learn Plus Us is demonstrating their support to tackling ageism in the workplace and committing to taking at least one action a year to improve the way they recruit, manage and support older workers. Under the initiative, Learn Plus Uswill also identify a senior sponsor for age-inclusion within their workforce and ensure that age is specifically named within Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies.
Over 100 employers have already signed the pledge, including Virgin Hotels, Osborne Clarke and the Department for Work and Pensions. Learn Plus Usis proud to be joining other leading organisations in taking action to help older workers flourish in the workplace.
Debbie Gardiner MBE, Managing Director at Learn Plus Us said:
“I’m thrilled that Learn Plus Us has signed the Age-friendly Employer Pledge, it means a lot to me and the business. 17% of our workforce is 60+ and we recognise and truly value the knowledge, skills and experience older colleagues bring to the organisation and furthermore for those that are on the front line working with Apprentices, this can be an invaluable source of richness. I get a huge amount of pleasure from how our colleagues from different generations work together and how knowledge and new skills are shared both ways. From a personal perspective, I was in the 60+ age group when appointed the Managing Director, our pledge is in the name of Learn Plus Us, but quite clearly our parent company The Angus Knight Group shares our commitment.”
Dr Carole Easton, Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said:
“The pledge has been designed to support businesses to go on a journey at a pace that works for them. By taking manageable and measurable steps, employers will learn over time what steps they need to take to make the biggest difference in their own organisation.”
“The labour market is changing and employers are facing huge challenges with skills and labour shortages and near-record vacancy rates. Workers in their 50s and 60s are key to filling these gaps – now, more than ever, the older workforce is the workforce.
“And yet older workers are continuing to leave the labour market in droves. We want to help businesses understand how they can be attractive employers to older workers and reap the benefits of a multigenerational workforce.”
The Centre for Ageing Better supports the network of Age-friendly Employers by providing a full framework of actions to take alongside a range of learning resources and content to help employers make changes within their organisation. Regular newsletters share tips and guidance, while Ageing Better also host webinars where pledged employers can learn and share best practice. Organisations report back to Ageing Better on the progress of their age-friendly actions too.
Transformative Learning: Learn Plus Us Unveils Purpose and Values in Celebration of National Apprenticeship Week 2024
Amidst the buzz and excitement of National Apprenticeship Week 2024, we are thrilled to unveil a pivotal moment in our journey—the launch of our new business Purpose and Values.
Our Purpose is to empower the individuals, employers and communities we work with every day, to learn, achieve and excel
At the heart of our purpose lies the conviction that learning is a catalyst for empowerment. Our aim is not just to impart knowledge but to instil a passion for continuous learning. We envision individuals discovering their potential, employers finding success through skilled teams, and communities thriving with the collective power of knowledge. We are dedicated to providing training that goes beyond the ordinary, enabling individuals to achieve excellence in their chosen fields.
As we align with National Apprenticeship Week, we celebrate the role apprenticeships play in bridging the gap between education and employment. Our purpose resonates with the spirit of this week—fostering growth and creating pathways to success for aspiring apprentices across England.
Our Values are aligned with the Angus Knight Group
In tandem with the values upheld by the Angus Knight Group, our new set of principles reinforces our commitment to excellence, integrity, and inclusivity. Our values are a compass that guides us in our daily interactions and decision-making processes.
We Are Principled
We…
– stay true to our business vision and values
– do the right things, particularly when no-one is looking
– are trustworthy, maintain confidentiality and act with integrity
We Keep Our Promises
We…
– do what we say we will do
– own it! We accept accountability, take responsibility, and deliver on commitments – especially to our customers and stakeholders
– create an environment of trust and transparency
We Achieve Together
We…
– share ideas, knowledge and best practice
– are empowered to collaborate to achieve goals, push boundaries and innovate
– prioritise group and team goals and support each other to achieve individual goals
We Respect And Value All People
We…
– are inclusive and develop positive relationships to drive change and growth
– respect equality, diversity and inclusion
– demonstrate empathy, listen to others and are constructive even when we disagree
Join Us in the Celebration of Learning
This National Apprenticeship Week, we extend an invitation to join us in the celebration of learning, achievement, and empowerment. Follow our social media channels for inspiring stories, insights into apprenticeship success, and a glimpse into the transformative journeys of those we have had the privilege to work with.
Learn Plus Us is thrilled to announce the arrival of our Skills Trainer Team. The transition of this team from our sister company Jobs 22 marks a significant step forward in Angus Knights ongoing commitment to providing high quality, innovative education and training opportunities.
Who are the Skills Trainer Team?
Left to Right: Sanjay Kambo, Bobby Mushtaq, Dianne Burgess, Donna Spreag, Jessie Lawlor, June Morrice, Michael ‘Chip’ Friskney
The Skills Trainer Team are a group of specialist employability skills trainers, who provide a holistic range of interventions that are targeted at breaking down barriers, building confidence and supporting job seekers to prepare for interviews and return to the workplace. By becoming part of Learn Plus Us, the Skills Trainer Team will have access to the breadth of expertise and infrastructure of a skills-led organisation, that can provide a dedicated quality assurance and continuous improvement service, new curriculum and learning resources as well as access to a well-established Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme.
“I am very excited to welcome the Skills Trainer team to Learn Plus Us as part of our operations team, it’s been insightful getting to know the team individually and observing some of the great employability sessions they deliver. It’s been impressive to see their commitment and passion in supporting people back in to work and training invaluable skills to overcome barriers to employment. I am looking forward to working more closely with the Skills Trainer team and helping even more people into employment.” – Tony Holloway, Operations & Quality Director
As an Apprenticeship provider, career development is a fundamental part of our wider curriculum, our new Skills Trainers will provide a perspective on the development of this curriculum that Learn Plus Us has previously not had.
We’re also delighted that Mark Simpson, one of Learn Plus Us’ Tutors has joined the Skills Trainer Team for 3 days a week; Mark is experienced in employability and apprenticeship training and is passionate about the work he’s doing to support job seekers achieve their goals.
“We’re incredibly excited by the arrival of the Skills Trainer team at Learn Plus Us. This change enables the Skills Trainer team to deliver even more effective and impactful skills support and interventions to the participants, through shared expertise with a wider team of skills experts, access to additional curriculum and training materials, and strategic direction from a business whose primary focus is learning and development. The combined knowledge of our new Skills Trainer team will be invaluable to the expansion of Learn Plus Us’ service offer and ongoing growth.” – Debbie Gardiner MBE, Managing Director
Contact Learn Plus Us to find out more about the Skills Trainer team and find out more about our range of Apprenticeships and ESOL courses.
National Hospitality Day – Our Favourite Hospitality
National Hospitality Day is a nationwide celebration of this brilliant and resilient sector, the people who work within it, and the suppliers that support them.
We asked members of the Learn Plus Us team to let us know some of their favourite hospitality destinations, why they enjoy them and what (if anything) they would order when they arrive.
Sarah Ganeshaguru –
Bang Bang Oriental Food Hall, London
It’s an amazing food court with 25-30 different food & drink kiosks selling delicious food from Malaysia, Vietnam, Korea, China, South India and many more countries & cultures. There is also a formal restaurant downstairs and Chinese supermarket outside.
I love the Char Kway Teow from Coconut Tree (Malaysian) or the Spicy Beef Brisket Pho from Café Le Viet (Vietnamese)
My daughter loves the Char Sui Bao & dumplings from Royal China as well as the bubble tea from Tiger Hill
My favourite hospitality spots are The Ivy and Freight Island in Manchester. I love going to these two places because the food is amazing and the entertainment at Freight Island is fab too, especially when they have events on at Xmas.
We like to go to Saphari in Birmingham (Oldbury), which is a buffet. Pretty tasty and varied food(mainly Asian), plenty of space to park, the restaurant is quite clean, and quite good value for the money.
Jack Wickenden – Playopolis Board game Café, Rochester
I always like a spot that does something a little different from everything else in the area. Playopolis offers a friendly atmosphere, a great selection of light snacks, lunch foods and drinks, and the chance to try something fun with family and friends of all ages.
Customer Spotlight – The Old Station Nursery Group
The Old Station Nursery Group (TOSN) is one of the largest and fastest growing nurseries groups in the UK. Having first been established in 2002, TOSN currently comprises 79 nurseries with over 1500 staff..
A Long Standing Partnership
Having previously worked with Sunhill Day Nurseries for many years, Learn Plus Us are proud to have been a preferred provider to The Old Station Nursery since Sunhill joined the group. Our growing partnership with TOSN is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and excellence we have consistently demonstrated over the last 3 years.
Kat Learner, Training & Professional Development Manager – The Old Station Nursery Group
“With a long standing partnership with our Sunhill nurseries and in the past three years with wider The Old Station Nursery Group, Learn Plus Us have been providing early years apprenticeships to our learners.
As one of our key providers, LPU give our learners an excellent start or the opportunity to progress in their early years career.
We are delighted to offer our apprentices the opportunity to choose to do an apprenticeship with LPU.”
Chris Stoker-Jones, Client Engagement & Experience Director – Learn Plus Us
“Our enduring partnership with The Old Station Nursery Group is a source of great pride at Learn Plus Us. Over the years, we have nurtured a strong bond, grounded in mutual respect and a shared passion for fostering growth and skill development in the childcare sector.
By working together as a team with The Old Station Nursery Group, we have overcome challenges, celebrated milestones, and watched apprentices flourish and develop lifelong learning habits that have supported their career, and ensured a strong succession plan for The Old Station Nursery Group.
Learn Plus Us has supported hundreds of apprentices at The Old Station Nursery Group to gain their level 2, 3 and 5 qualifications in Childcare, and we look forward to supporting many more childcare professionals to as our partnership continues to grow.”
Apprenticeships or University – Which is best for you?
In today’s ever-changing job market, the decision between university and apprenticeships is a crucial one for young individuals seeking to kickstart their careers. Both paths offer unique opportunities and challenges. Let’s explore the benefits of each option to help you make an informed decision.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are paid jobs where the employee gains valuable on-the-job experience at the same time as working towards an industry recognised learning program.
Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend on average six hours per week completing a range of other learning activities that contribute to their off-the-job training with a college, university or training provider like Learn Plus Us.
Apprenticeships provide practical, on-the-job training, allowing individuals to develop specific skills directly applicable to their chosen profession.
Unlike university, apprenticeships offer a wage to the apprentice, enabling individuals to earn money while gaining valuable experience. This not only provides financial independence, it also limits or removes any potential debt incurred from your studies.
Apprenticeships are well-suited for industries where hands-on skills and experience are highly valued, this includes trades, technical fields, customer facing and practical roles.
Apprenticeships can lead to long-term employment with the company or organization that provided the training, offering a clear career progression path.
University
A university is an institution of higher education that offers a wide range of academic programs and degrees to students pursuing further education. It is typically larger and more diverse than a college and serves as a hub for advanced learning, research, and intellectual exploration.
Universities provide a comprehensive education that covers various subjects, allowing students to gain a broad knowledge base and develop critical thinking skills applicable across different fields.
Universities are ideal for those seeking to dive deep into specific subjects and engage in cutting-edge research, making it suitable for careers in academia and research-oriented fields.
Living on campus and engaging in a university lifestyle can foster personal growth, independence, and social skills, preparing students for life beyond academics.
A university degree is often considered a minimum requirement for certain professional careers, and it may improve employability and income potential over time.
The Choice Is Up To You
Choosing between university and an apprenticeship depends on your personal career goals, financial situation, and preferred learning style. University provides a broader education and potentially higher starting income, while an apprenticeship offers hands-on experience, immediate job prospects, and the potential to earn qualifications with less debt.
Ultimately, both paths can lead to successful careers, and it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully to make the best decision for one’s future. If you would like more information on apprenticeships or on university options, click on the links below.
Awaab’s Law – What it means for Social Housing Professionals
Introduced earlier this year after the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, Awaab’s Law will force social landlords to fix damp and mould within strict time limits, in a new amendment to the Social Housing Regulation Bill. It will also require around 25,000 social housing managers across the sector to have an appropriate level housing management qualification regulated by Ofqual equivalent to a Level 4 or 5 Certificate or Diploma in Housing, or a foundation degree from the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).
“The changes we are delivering today will make sure social housing managers across the country have the right skills and experience to deliver an excellent service and drive up standards across the board.”
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Having received royal assent in parliament, the Social Housing (Regulation) Act Social Housing Managers will be legally obligated to possess one of the qualifications mentioned above in order to continue in their role. Chris Stoker-Jones, Director of Client Engagement & Experience at Learn Plus Us says about this development:
“This is a significant development within the Housing sector and Learn Plus Us is in a perfect position to support housing associations, local authorities and other organisations to meet this impending legislation. Our commitment to providing learning and development opportunities to organisations, individuals and communities to provide impactful change sits right at the heart of this change in legislation. Our apprenticeships and qualifications allow those working in social housing to learn, achieve and excel in their field, whilst at the same time providing their employers with the peace of mind that they have met their statutory requirements.
It is important for Housing Associations to note that apprenticeships can be funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, which is in effect a training or Learning & Development budget to be used to access training that meets the impending legislation. As an approved CIH Study Centre, we offer a wide range of CIH qualifications, which can be embedded within an apprenticeship or offered as a standalone training programme.”
At Learn Plus Us, we offer multiple routes for housing managers to achieve these qualifications.
This Level 4 Certificate in Housing will meet the legislation fully and is delivered across 12 months, 100% online. The course includes 2 hour tutorials bi-monthly with 1:1 tutor support every month to provide feedback, advice & guidance on assignments.
Hybrid Qualification
for those that are perhaps not in a position to take on a Level 4 Apprenticeship, we can offer a combination of our Level 3 Housing and Property Management Apprenticeship that includes the L4 Certificate in Housing CIH qualification embedded within the curriculum.
To find out more about the how Learn Plus Us can help you and your teams ensure compliance with this new legislation and start your path towards the required qualifications, contact the team today at Housing@learnplusus.co.uk
National Numeracy Day – Top Tips For Handling Maths Anxiety
Many people across the UK have developed a bad relationship with maths. Many of us think we ‘aren’t very good’ at maths but we all use numeracy in our daily lives, we just might not know we are doing it. Whatever your confidence level is, Learn Plus Us functional skills tutor Ashlea has put together her top tips for becoming more comfortable with numeracy.
Numeracy, or the ability to understand and work with numbers, is a crucial skill for adults to have in their daily lives. From budgeting and shopping to understanding statistics and making financial decisions, numeracy is essential for making informed choices and navigating the modern world. However, not everyone is comfortable with numbers, and some adults may struggle with numeracy. Fortunately, there are tips and strategies that can help adults improve their numeracy skills.
Here are some numeracy tips that you might find helpful in boosting your confidence:
Practice Mental Maths
Mental math is the ability to perform calculations in your head without the use of a calculator. It’s an essential skill for everyday life and can help you save time and make quick decisions. Start by practicing basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You can do this by setting yourself daily challenges, such as calculating the total cost of your shopping or working out the change you should receive.
Use Visual Aids
Visual aids such as graphs, charts, and diagrams can help you understand and interpret numerical information. They can make complex data more accessible and enable you to spot patterns and trends. When presented with numerical information, try to visualize it in a graph or chart to help you understand it better.
Use Technology
Technology can be a useful tool for improving numeracy skills. There are many apps and websites that can help you practice math, track your spending, and manage your finances. Additionally, calculators and spreadsheets can help you perform calculations and analyse data. However, it’s important to remember that technology should not replace basic numeracy skills.
Play Games and Puzzles
Playing games and puzzles can be a fun way to improve your numeracy skills. There are many apps and websites that offer math games and puzzles that can help you develop your mental math skills and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, Sudoku and crossword puzzles can help you develop logical thinking skills and improve your numeracy abilities.
Budget and Track Your Spending
Creating a budget and tracking your spending is an excellent way to improve your numeracy skills. It can help you develop a better understanding of your finances and identify areas where you can cut back on expenses. Use a budgeting tool or spreadsheet to track your income and expenses and make adjustments as necessary.
If these tips have been helpful, many more fantastic ideas for getting more confident with numeracy at the National Numeracy website. If you’re interested in learning more about Functional Skills and how Learn Plus Us can help, get in touch.
