But even with such a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience behind him, James has shown that there is always room to learn more and grow within your role.

Working with Zodiac Training, James has recently completed a Level 3 NVQ in Management alongside a Technical Certificate and Key Skills in Application of Number and Communication. James says the qualifications have made a real difference to every aspect of his job and taught him a great deal about different leadership methods and specific legislation that is linked into his sector.

James’ Training Advisor, Darren Tate, is extremely pleased with the progress James has made and says that one of the keys to success was adapting the training to suit James’ style.

“Each Leaner has an individual style” says Darren, “So it’s important to adapt the training we offer to suit that style. At Zodiac we have a range of assessment and delivery methods which means that every individual has the opportunity to learn in the way that suits them best. One method James and I found fantastic was to use a digital voice recorder to record his work. James is a very confident speaker and exceptional at verbally communicating the practicalities of his work, so the Digirecorder was the ideal way to capture this.

“When it came to maths, James wasn’t quite so confident. Although he uses maths every day at work, he was still a little anxious because he hadn’t done any formal maths since leaving school. Rather than have James read a question and then sit and work it out, I realised that the best way to help him was to create an example of a real life situation and then put him into that situation. This worked really well and enabled James to achieve his Level 2 in Application of Number.”

James is very happy with the way things have gone and with the new skills he has learned. He said:

“The qualifications I have passed have been a great help and the standard of training in all aspects of my job is invaluable. My Training Advisor, Darren Tate, was really easy-going and helpful and he gave me the determination and guidance to complete the course, so I would like to thank him for all he has done. I will certainly be recommending Zodiac Training to others.”

Darren added, “James was a fantastic learner and ever enthusiastic. He thoroughly enjoyed the qualifications and they give him formal recognition for a job he does so well. I’m extremely pleased and proud of what James has achieved, it was a pleasure to work with him and I wish him continued success for the future.”

The aim of the organisation is to integrate people of different abilities in social, educational and leisure activities. Working with people of all ages, some of whom experience learning and physical disabilities, the club allows individuals to come together on a regular basis on equal terms to integrate and make new friends in a warm and friendly environment.

Joanne Scott, Training Advisor at Zodiac Training, was instrumental in organising the fund-raising activities. She says that the Phab Club is very close to her heart.

“I first got involved with the organisation when I came to deliver Management qualifications to the staff of Millennium Phab Club. I was immediately struck by the wonderful, inclusive atmosphere, the dedication of the staff and volunteers and by the positive impact the Club has on the lives of those who use it.

“The more I visited the club the more I appreciated how important it is for its users and so I decided that I should become a volunteer myself. Once a week I spend an evening helping out at the club and each time I arrive I am literally welcomed with open arms – it’s like being part of a family!

“I’m thrilled that through Zodiac Training we have been able to raise this money. It will go towards leisure activities for the group which form a vital part of the services Millennium Phab Club offer.”

Zodiac MD Jonathan Smith (second from left) and Zodiac Training Advisor Joanne Scott (second from right, standing) with staff and members of Millennium Phab Club, Jarrow. Click image to enlarge.

Zodiac Training Managing Director, Jonathan Smith, visited Millennium Phab Club to see the excellent work that takes place there. He said, “I am delighted that Zodiac Training, through the help of our staff, have been able to raise funds for such a superb centre which will provide an opportunity for the club users to participate in outdoor activities which the club is arranging. It has been great to meet all the wonderful people who attend and are involved with running the Millenium Club which is clearly a vital part of the community here in Jarrow.”

If you would like to learn more about Zodiac Training and Millennium Phab Club, please contact Joanne Scott on 0845 330 8184.

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Five members of support staff at Saint John’s Primary School in South Benwell, Newcastle have just completed a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) with Zodiac Training.

Lisa Swan, Amanda Taylor, Michelle Hadfield, Tracy Waterston and
Katie Harden were all presented with their qualification certificates at an awards ceremony at St. John’s Primary School after they successfully completed an NVQ in Childcare Learning and Development.

The staff studied the qualification at the school, alongside their normal day to day activities, during visits from their Zodiac Training Advisor, David Smith.

The NVQ took staff around 10 months to complete and it has proven to be a worthwhile experience. David Smith said:

“The learning undertaken at St. John’s Primary School has had a really positive impact both in terms of improving the skills and competency of staff and in enhancing their personal development. The fact that Zodiac’s delivery methods allow qualifications to be delivered on-site has been extremely important – at no point did staff have to leave the school and take time away from the vital roles they play here at St. John’s.”

"I really enjoyed the course and I am looking forward to putting my knowledge into action." Katie Harden.

Amanda Taylor, Mid Day Supervisory Assistant at St. John’s, agreed, she said,
“I found the course really interesting and found out a lot of new information. The course has broadened my horizons for further training.”

Teaching Assistant Tracy Waterston added, “I really enjoyed course and I’d like to thank my Training Advisor David Smith so much for his excellent support throughout.”

David Smith says that throughout the qualification all staff have worked extremely hard whilst remaining focused on their daily routines, he said, “The staff worked really well and maintained a positive attitude throughout their learning journey. The fact that they took on this qualification alongside their current roles and responsibilities is a testament to their dedication to their job and their determination to continuously improve the services they provide the school.”

Susan Lishman , Parent Support Advisor at St. John’s, supervises the staff who have undertaken the Childcare Learning and Development qualification. She says that not only has it been a valuable experience for those who took the course, it has also inspired other staff to develop their own skills. She said:

“David has been an excellent tutor, very supportive to my staff and has kept in regular touch with me. The staff who have just completed the course have really enjoyed it and, because of that, further staff have enrolled to begin the qualification in September.”

In particular we support the excellent work being carried out by the NewcastleGateshead Initiative to bring the competition to the region by ensuring that NewcastleGateshead becomes one of England’s 12 Host Cities.

Every fan has their part to play and we have until 2^nd December 2010 to show FIFA how much we all back the bid and to reinforce one of the key bid themes: that we are passionate about football.

To show your support visit the official England 2018 pages and add your name to the growing list of people who back the bid: OFFICIAL 2018 SITE

To view a condensed overview of England’s official bid: CLICK HERE

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