Kris Hayes, 22, South Shields was recognised as Most Enterprising Graduate at the first round of Shell Step finals run by Entrust at Newcastle University.
Kris who completed the Shell Step eight week placement programme with Cell Pack Solutions Ltd based at TEDCO Business Works, South Shields impressed the company and judges with his enthusiasm, new ideas, online experience and £15,000 sales contribution. His placement was so successful that he has secured a job with the company as Business Development Manager and now has the chance to develop the role alongside his career.
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Over 180 learners and employers gathered together at ‘Celebration of Success’, specialist regional training company, Skill Training Limited’s Annual Awards.
The event marked the significant achievements of over 140 learners who have benefitted from a wide range of courses held during the year including construction skills (joinery, bricklaying, plastering, electrical engineering, painting and decorating), motor vehicle maintenance and hair and beauty. Thirteen ‘top of the class’ learners walked away with their ‘Oscar’ style trophies. Ian Slater won Employee of the Year. Ann Barkas, Chief Executive of Skill Training said:
“This evening is a real celebration of success in so many ways. Our learners have excelled this year and those who have won awards this evening should be very proud; they are the best of a very, very good bunch.
Our employer partners are invaluable. Together we deliver uniquely flexible training which we know, from the results we achieve, really works. I am so very grateful to them for their support and dedication; we continually seek to ensure our partnerships are ‘win win’. (more…)
Businesses are set to save time and money with the launch of new, simplified documents to help get their health and safety arrangements in place.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has developed a new electronic template specially for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) which combines, into one document, the requirements of a health and safety policy, risk assessment and written record of health and safety arrangements. .
Example risk assessments for a range of industries have also been developed to show businesses what a ‘good enough’ record may look like.
90 per cent of test users of the example risk assessments said they could get their own done more quickly, saving almost half the time on average.
In addition, almost three-quarters of businesses that took part in the survey said the example risk assessments provided were very good or excellent.
HSE has saved businesses more than £400 million since the development of its simplification plan in 2005. The aim was to ensure that health and safety works better for everyone.
HSE is on track to deliver a 25% reduction in administrative burdens by April 2010, taking the total savings to around £500 million.
The electronic templates, worked examples and a simple, no-nonsense guide – ‘5 steps to risk assessment’ – are available at www.hse.gov.uk/risk.htm
The government is to launch a free occupational health adviceline for small
business later this year.
The initiative is a direct response to Dame Carol Black¹s Review on the
health of Britain¹s working age population, which highlights the
disproportionate impact that ill-health has upon smaller firms.
The economic cost of workers¹ ill health nationally is over £100 billion a
year. While small businesses make up a significant part of the UK economy, the
vast majority of them do not currently access occupational health support.
The adviceline will be piloted in nine locations across Great Britain.
Employers will be able to access expert advice from occupational health
professionals on problems in the workplace such as asthma, back pain and
mental health issues.
Advice on absence reduction strategies and ill health prevention will be
provided to help employers retain staff and assist staff back to the
workplace following a period of sickness absence.
The adviceline pilots will also work collaboratively with business
partnerships in each region to offer further specialised and locally
relevant occupational health services to the small business community.
Further information can be found at
www.workingforhealth.gov.uk/Initiatives/OccupationalHealth
Square 17 is a dynamic, forward thinking business consultancy that provides key services to our business community including Marketing, Business Planning, Customer Management, Training and Mentoring. Square 17 was established to meet the growing need for a less structured, more flexible professional support service. Whether setting out, or an established company looking to grow, we work hand in hand with you to achieve your aims.
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Email : carol@square17.co.uk
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