Training Courses

Training Courses

Most courses can be accessed at our various Pathfinder Centres. IT courses are open access either using on-line training materials or manuals so you start when you want, and put in the time when it suits you. Discounts are available for those in receipt of a means tested benefit, Numeracy and Literacy courses are free to anybody. For further information call your nearest Pathfinder Centre, details on the 'Centres' page.

ECDL Extra and ECDL Flexiqual (European Computer Driving Licence) leading to a Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ)

ITQ stands for Information Technology Qualification. An ITQ is a Nationally recognised Qualification for IT Users which enables you to demonstrate competence in the use of IT in a working or voluntary place. ITQ is primarily aimed at IT users and not professional IT staff such as engineers and developers. ITQ was developed by employers for use in the workplace and has the full backing of several awarding bodies. Westward Pathfinder offers the ITQ in conjunction with the British Computer Society. Information Sheet

(Courses are free for those in receipt of a means tested benefit, Job Seekers Allowance or less than Level 2 qualified)

National tests in Numeracy & Literacy Level 1 and 2

Maths and English courses, up to level 2, which is the equivalent of a GCSE grade C. Level 2 certificates are now required for all classroom assistants and many employers, including Sainsburys, Tesco, etc, expect their staff to achieve Level 2 qualifications. With full tutor support (Free to everyone)

ITQ Level 1

The ITQ Level 1 Award provides a complete introduction to the use of IT for those learners who have limited experience. It is ideal for those who wish to gain a qualification that employers recognise and value.

On-Line Basics– Internet & E-mail Training and Free E-mail Accounts, On-Line Job Search Training, etc.

Level 2 Food Hygiene

When you have completed this course, you will be able to; understand how good food hygiene contributes to food safety, explain how micro-organisms cause illness through contamination, appreciate the importance of personal hygiene and good hygiene practices, describe current legal obligations and the consequences of non-compliance, identify what hazards are and how they are controlled and monitored,

Construction Site Certification Scheme (CSCS)

New laws state that anyone wanting to work in the construction industry must have the minimum health and safety regulations card.

What you will learn: Ladder safety - Fire extinguishers - Common diseases - Lifting heavy loads - Moving around the site safely - Who to report to in case of an accident - Your health and safety responsibilities.

NVQs across the South West in Customer Service, Business Administration, Health and Social Care.

You achieve your NVQ by using your practical skills in the workplace (this can be voluntary placements as long as you are carrying out “real” work), observed by a qualified assessor combined with a portfolio of documentary evidence judged against National Standards. It is also possible to include previous experiences and jobs that could contribute evidence through a process called Accreditation of Prior Learning. As well as practical demonstration, you have to show that you have the underpinning knowledge to be able to do your job effectively and this is covered by a course designed to take you through what is required. Customer Service Information Sheet - Business Administration Information Sheet

(Free to anyone less than Level 2 qualified, but must be working or have a volunteer placement)

Apprenticeships

Business Administration Apprenticeship

Customer Service Apprenticeship

IT Application Specialist Apprenticeship

In order to undertake an Apprenticeship you need to be in a paid position which requires you to work for a minimum of 16 hours per week. Your employer will support you throughout your Apprenticeship and release you to study for the components of the course. You may learn at the workplace and/or at one of our learning centres.

Funding may be available to support employees and employers with an apprenticeship.

Care Induction

By law, all new staff working in the social care sector must complete induction training within the first six weeks of their employment. This course provides you with a comprehensive training framework to ensure you meet the induction standards laid down by the Training Organisation for the Personal Social Services England (TOPSS England).

The course explores the values that lie at the heart of all care work and the realities of working in care. You will gain an understanding of your specific role and responsibilities and why it’s essential that you apply the policies and procedures of your organisation.

You are also shown how to apply safe working practices to promote a safe, healthy environment for yourself, your colleagues and those you care for. Wherever possible, the course will provide all the training you need to meet the induction standards. However, some information you need to know will be specific to your organisation and in this case you will be given an activity to complete which will help you find that information.

Health & Safety in the Workplace

An effective Health and Safety induction programme will help ensure you can do your job safely. It is an opportunity to highlight any job-specific health and safety issues and to outline policies and procedures that exist to protect staff and maintain a safe working environment. This course has been developed to help you understand the hazards you may face in your workplace, the role you can play in preventing accidents and injuries at work and the rules that exist to ensure you can do your job safely.

Below are some samples of the wide variety of Learndirect courses available at Pathfinder Centres in North Devon, Okehampton and Chulmleigh. Please ask at the appropriate Centre for current prices of these courses.

Project Management - Setting Up Your Own Business - Marketing, Unleashing the Potential of Your Business - Essential Business Skills—DDA Awareness—Health & Safety—Communication Skills - Decision Making - Problem Solving - Time Management, etc.

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