Posted: 10/06/10
College brings learning to local council
Two of Mansfield’s largest public sector employers have joined forces in a major training and development initiative.
West Nottinghamshire College is equipping almost 350 Mansfield District Council employees with professional qualifications with the college.
The NVQ level 2 and 3 training programmes in skills for life; customer services; information, advice and guidance; business administration; and cleaning and support services will run over a two-year period to staff who are employed in these areas of work.
All training is being delivered on a flexible basis, in the employees’ place of work wherever possible, leading to fully-accredited qualifications.
Councillor Phil Smith, portfolio holder for corporate issues at Mansfield District Council said: “The Council is committed to improving services to local people and we see the training and development of our employees as being a key factor in achieving this.
“To deliver this, we are delighted to be working alongside another local organisation – West Nottinghamshire College – who share our aspirations.”
Mary Alys, regional manager of unionlearn, said: “I'd like to congratulate the council, the trade unions and West Nottinghamshire College on the partnership working that has steered this development, and in particular the union learning representatives who I know are committed to ensuring that staff are able to access these new opportunities.”
The college’s director of employer engagement, Graham Howe, said: “We’ll be training a significant number of the council’s employees including many on the front-line and we’re looking forward to working with the authority to up-skill its workforce.
“It’s encouraging that during these challenging economic times the council recognises the business benefits of investing in its staff and the training will ensure they will continue to provide a first class service to the people of Mansfield.
“Staff are being trained and assessed by tutors with previous experience of working in a local authority environment who can share best practice on the learners’ routes to gaining their qualifications.”
