TRAINING OPERATIONS DIVISION NEWS

8 drivers gain Passenger Carrying Vehicle Level 2 NVQs
March 07 to July 07

An excellent example of the importance of vocational training to the small hard to reach Bus and Coach companies is the 8 drivers working from the Hounslow Mini Coaches office in Feltham.

Provided by PDM Training & Consultancy Ltd, a Hampshire based training and consultancy company, the PCV award was delivered by a NVQ Assessor and dedicated solely to the 8 company’s staff. The training came about when the referral came from Prevista, a London brokerage requesting PDM help the company access Train to Gain funding to support the business to up skill their workforce to a Level 2 standard. PDM were selected and came onboard to develop, implement and follow through this training provision to meet the needs of the company. By working closely with the customer it was established that a PCV Level 2 NVQ was most suited to meet business needs. The programme was delivered over 15 -20 weeks. Wage contribution was offered and organized by PDM and PDM together with the certificates presented tie badges to recognize this achievement to all 8 learners.

Up until two years ago, PDM relied on its IV system to ensure the quality of training as well as assessment. But when it started to provide taught classroom-based sessions for key skills, it realised it needed to monitor and quality and assure the quality of teaching sessions with as much care as the IV system quality assures assessment.

The company worked with a consultant for a day, to design both the form itself and the system behind it. They wanted to make sure that the criteria were appropriate, consistent with modern ideas about good practice in teaching and learning, geared to the needs of all learners and all types of training sessions, and that practising teachers would be happy with them. They also wanted to make sure that everyone understood the criteria, and how they would be applied, before they introduced the system.

The PDM form for monitoring the quality of teaching and learning, specifies in detail what should be included in planning, teaching, assessing and evaluating a training session. The observer indicates on a 3-point scale the extent to which each element is present, and then evaluates the whole session on a 7-point scale. The criteria for each element of teaching and learning, and for each grade, are clear, well explained, and detailed. The system is well established, well accepted by tutor/trainers, and is linked to tutors’ personal development.

When the system was first introduced, some tutor/trainers were uneasy about it. But the fact that the system was linked to their personal development, at a time when there was more emphasis on trainers being qualified than there had been before, meant that they quickly came round. Now, they really like the system for helping them see what they do well, and where they might improve further. New tutors are shown how the system works as part of their induction.

The company was careful to make sure that its observers had credibility with the tutor/trainers. At first, the observers were themselves observed in some sessions, to make sure they were using the form in the same way, and that there weren’t discrepancies in their judgements. Tutor/trainers valued the openness of the approach, and the effort being made to ensure consistency and fairness. Observers have always been careful to give feedback sensitively and constructively.

After 2 years of successfully delivering a worldwide Security Apprenticeship Programme to the Infantry, PDM’s quality and expertise has been recognised through the award of the contract to deliver VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES TO INFANTRY APPRENTICES IN THE UK, GERMANY AND THE REST OF THE WORLD. The contract, won in competitive tender, is important to PDM as it provides the opportunity to continue building on the work already conducted with the Infantry Personal Development Team (at HQ DInf) to develop a programme which can be undertaken by Infantry units wherever they may be deployed. PDM has invested a great deal in the programme to date to ensure that it can deliver a (truly) peripatetic service in support of the Infantry Apprenticeship. Each member of staff is equipped with an internet enabled laptop and all staff have access to a dedicated fleet of vehicles. The classroom equipment (IT Suites, multi media projectors, etc) is completely mobile and PDM has ensured that sufficient resources are always available to meet the course requirements of the Infantry. Further flexibility is provided through the use of 4x4 vehicles and two mobile, fully equipped and internet enabled trailer based office/classrooms.

The Great Pyramid at Giza

In early June 2007 after preliminary dialogue with GoSkills and the DTI, PDM was invited to travel to Cairo on a fact finding mission in order to prepare and submit a detailed proposal for a potential (radical) overhaul of professional driving qualifications in Egypt. PDM is very experienced in providing tailor made training solutions and high quality qualification and learning programmes both at home and abroad, and was therefore ideally suited to meet the challenges of the task. Alex Cameron (Head of Training Operations Division) led the fact finding team and is charged with developing the concept into a viable programme. Alex explains that “Quite aside from the thrill of visiting the great Pyramids of Giza the project itself will be extremely demanding but nevertheless exciting and promises to deliver real benefits and opportunities to the intended client.

Sometimes you just have to chill...

The Second Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers currently stationed at Dhekalia in Cyprus have been ‘flat out’ on operations in recent months however, despite their hectic programme their commitment to the Continuous Personal Development of their soldiers has not faltered. Currently in excess of 350 members the Battalion in Cyprus are engaged with PDM Training and Consultancy Ltd on the (Edexcel) Level 2 Providing Security Services National Vocational Qualification. The majority of these are working towards the full Apprenticeship in Security qualification which in addition to accrediting their current Security Skills also provides Conflict Management training as an integral part of the (Edexcel) Level 2 Security Operations qualification. Participation on the full Apprenticeship programme is intended to further develop and enhance the operational effectiveness of the unit’s soldiers in the following areas:

• Communication Key Skill Level 2 – Speaking, listening reading and writing.
• Application of Number Key Skill Level 1 – Interpreting information to do with numbers, doing calculations and presenting findings.
• Information Communication Technology Key Skill Level 1 – Using a Personal Computer to find, explore, develop and present information (PowerPoint etc).

Captain Lee Phillips the unit Regimental Careers Management Officer is quite clear on the benefits of the programme for his soldiers and for the Army:

‘The qualifications delivered by PDM are completely transferable and provide our soldiers with the opportunity to enhance their professional and educational skill set’.

Lee observes that:
‘It is often the case in the infantry that soldiers who excelled on the sports field at school usually did so at the expense of other mainstream subjects and qualifications. The PDM programme in concert with their military training provides an ideal opportunity to redress the balance and also pre-qualifies soldiers for military promotion courses’.

Of PDM Lee notes:
‘PDM have proved to be a reliable, flexible and professional organisation to work with. Their commitment to the programme has routinely met and exceeded my expectations and I very much look forward to continuing our relationship in the coming months’...

Kevin Donnelly – Stroud Metal Company.

Kevin was the first of his group in Stroud Metal Company to complete the Distribution Warehousing and Storage Operations (DWSO) NVQ at level 2.

Stroud Metal Company is based in Stroud Gloucester and produces pressed metal products for the UK and international markets. Kevin works primarily within the Goods in and Dispatch department and was surprised and pleased that the NVQ would be completed during normal work hours utilising naturally occurring evidence as he went about his routine work. As a direct result of the flexible support provided by PDM during the programme he is now considering undertaking a level 3 award to continue his learning journey.

250 drivers gain Skills for Life and L2 Passenger Carrying Vehicles NVQs

An excellent example of the importance of vocational training to the Bus and Coach industry is the 250 Arriva drivers working in the Southern Counties who have either completed or are working towards the PCV NVQ at Level 2 alongside additional Skills for Life (SfL) courses. The vocational training programme is delivered by a team of PDM Training & Consultancy Assessors and Basic Skills Tutors dedicated solely to Arriva staff. PDM Regional Contract Manager, Tarquin Halse, explained how the training came about: “With the Government’s White Paper - The Employment Training Pilot (ETP) - coming to fruition in 2003, support for businesses to up skill their workforce to a Level 2 standard was now available . PDM came onboard to develop, implement and follow through this training provision to meet the needs of the industry. By working closely with our customers we established that a RPT Level 2 NVQ and now the PCV Level 2 NVQ delivered alongside Skills for Life training up to Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy and a Level 2 NVQ in Customer Service, are most suited to meet business needs. PDM runs a roll on roll off programme with a significant number of drivers having completed either the NVQ or SfL award since the start of the programme in summer 2005.” PDM now deliver the programme in nine Arriva Bus Depots in Kent and two in Essex. Two drivers at Arriva’s base in Maidstone, Kent, who have benefited from the training, are Tracy Stone and Sue Holt. Sue said: “I think that the training has been very useful. The training programmes which I’ve done have made me more confident in doing my job and given me more qualifications to help me with my future development and career progression.” Tracy added: ''I was delighted to have the opportunity to learn the NVQ in Road Passenger Transport. It has taught me new skills to add to the knowledge I already have. I really hope to be able to continue with further training now that I have achieved this with Arriva.'' Tarquin: “Working closely with senior Arriva management and union learning reps has been crucial to breaking down barriers to learning. A greater interest to engage in learning builds staff confidence, improves customer confidence in credible training providers, develops tri party relationships, recognises staff potential and improves morale. It has longer term positive effects on staff retention and the individual’s capability in and out of the work place.” Echoing Tarquin’s views and recognising the importance of partnership working to improving the skills base of the industry is Barry Levene, GoSkills’ Business Adviser for the South East region. Barry said: “It’s wonderful to see such a commitment to vocational training from Arriva throughout Kent and indeed across the whole of the UK. Achieving the NVQs improves the skills of the individual drivers which are of benefit and value to Arriva as well. Ongoing vocational learning is a win-win and I am delighted to be able to champion and support success stories such as this.''

John Mc Laughlin with 1 Royal Irish at Fort George in Inverness

2006 was remarkable year for the men of the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment. In January the Battalion returned from Op TELIC, they re-rolled to 16 Air Assault Brigade in April and 120 members of the Battalion deployed on Op HERRICK 4 with 3 PARA. In addition A Company Group deployed to Gibraltar on Ex Tarick Patrol and B Company deployed on Ex Red Stripe to Jamaica. 2007 started with a couple of weeks in Otterburn (nobody else wanted Otterburn in Jan) and the Irish lads are now looking forward to St Patrick’s Day, all except those who will spend it on P Company. With all that in mind it’s hard to believe that Royal Irish would have time for anything else but in January and February they still found time to invest in a spot of Continuous Professional Development by signing up to the Apprenticeship in Security programme:

The Security of Qualifications

The Apprenticeship in Security programme provides work-based learning; training and development for Infantry Junior Ranks aged under 25. It comprises of 3 elements, all of which are certificated qualifications in their own right. They are:

Key Skills – which includes Level 2 Communications, Level 1 Application of Number and Level 1 IT.

Technical Certificate – Professional Security Officer Course.

PSS NVQ – Level 2 NVQ in Providing Security Services. This is also available to Junior Ranks aged over 25, and is equivalent to 5 GCSE’s at grade A-C.

PDM Training Consultancy, whose (Apprenticeship) instructors are all ex Infantry SNCO’s and WO’s delivers the course and has a flexible approach in order to deliver the training around the Unit’s already busy workload. John McLaughlin, a former WO2 in 1 QLR who now works for PDM, told us that the evidence for the complete apprenticeship is generated and collated by a combination of assessments by observation and witness testimony, guided learning, recognition of accreditation of prior learning and computer based testing for key skills. Rgr David Pepper explained the process. “We had to attend an induction presentation which informed us all about the course and what qualifications we would get. The RCMO had handed in all our Basic Skills Assessments, and anyone who didn’t have their assessment scores was reassessed by PDM”. The 21 year old from Londonderry added, “for the NVQ we were assessed in patrolling, vehicle and live body searching and reacting to a security incident. This was all stuff we had done for real in Afghanistan last year”. The key skills have been really interesting and all parts of it have been relevant to army work, especially for communications and Bowman. LCpl Paul Johnston told us that the best thing about the training was that it was free. The 21-year-old JNCO from Newtownards said “I had just completed the JNCO cadre before Christmas and had used my Standard Learning Credit in order to get an NVQ in Team Leading. I couldn’t believe I was getting all these qualifications free!” The PDM team have been with 1 R IRISH at their base at Fort George Inverness since early January and will be conducting training there until mid April. PDM’s Mick Kemp (ex-Staffords) said “The Royal Irish lads have been great to teach. Many of these lads have been in both Iraq and Afghanistan in the past 18 months so it’s pleasing to know that their experiences on operations coupled with our instruction will result in worthwhile qualifications”. The apprentice ship is sponsored and endorsed by HQ Infantry through the Personal Development Advisory Team (PDAT).

A further example of the importance of vocational training to the Transport industry is the 25 Traffic Management North East (TMNE) Limited drivers working in the Reading area who have completed the Driving Goods Vehicles NVQ at Level 2 alongside additional Skills for Life (SfL) courses at Level 2.

The DGV and SfL courses were delivered by a team of PDM Training and Consultancy NVQ Assessors and Basic Skills Tutors dedicated solely to the employer TMNE. PDM Regional Contract Manager, Tarquin Halse, explained: “The training support provided to TMNE to up skill their workforce to a Level 2 standard was brokered through SSE. PDM came onboard to develop, implement and follow through this training provision to meet the needs of the business and industry. By working closely with learners and management, using Skills Scans and Initial Assessments we established that a DGV Level 2 NVQ delivered alongside Skills for Life training up to Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy were most suited to meet business needs. Due to limited space PDM placed a mobile class room on site to deliver the SfL and to support PDM’s training and assessment programmes.

The SfL and DGV programme was delivered over 12 -20 weeks respectively with time on programme depending on the needs of the individual”.

Tarquin also stressed that: “Working closely with senior TMNE management and staff has been crucial to breaking down barriers to learning. A greater interest to engage in learning builds staff confidence, improves customer confidence in credible training providers, develops tri party relationships, recognises staff potential and improves morale. It has longer term positive effects on staff retention and the individual’s capability in and out of the work place.”

Wing Commander Paul Edwards, CO Operations Wing, is seen here presenting PDM assessor/IV John Stirling with a commendation for services towards the personnel development of his Airmen and Airwoman.

PDM is contracted to support RAF learners at a number of sites undertaking an apprenticeship in Information Technology. As an assessor and verifier, John supported the development of staff at the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre, RAF Brampton, Cambridgeshire. The service personnel are responsible for the interpretation of images produced by highly advanced photographic technology in order to obtain mission critical operational military intelligence.

The apprenticeship programme takes on average 12 months to complete and the achievement rate is extremely high. Despite the fact that many candidates are deployed on operational tours during this period, PDM ensures that their assessors and verifiers maintain flexibility throughout to meet the needs of the candidates.

Wing Commander Paul Edwards stated "Excellent time management and professionalism was displayed, always meeting the needs of the students. A can-do attitude epitomising a totally positive attitude, making the candidate the priority not the process. I am sure that such a positive result would not have been achieved without PDM".

Responding to the requirements of our customers has always been at the forefront of PDM activities; we are dedicated to consistently meeting and exceeding our customer’s expectations in all aspects of the services we provide. 

When considering how we might maximise access to our training and consultancy services, whilst minimising the business impact for our customers, it became very clear that a limiting factor for many employers is the lack of on site training facilities and the difficulties involved in absorbing the time and financial cost involved in sending staff off site for professional and personal development.  To that end, PDM have invested in two custom-built, air conditioned, fully ICT equipped mobile training suites.  Each is small enough to minimise the ground space requirement on the host site whilst remaining large enough to accommodate up to five students/delegates. Primarily the units will be used to deliver our existing Essential Skills for Life and Work programmes across the country however the possibilities are endless... 

If you are interested in how you might benefit from the services of PDM please contact us at enquiries@pdmtc.co.uk

It was a cold, but clear Saturday afternoon for the January 2006 Army Point to Point race at Larkhill on Salisbury Plain. The event, sponsored by PDM Training and Consultancy Ltd for the third consecutive year, comprised of 6 races commencing with the traditional Army Saddle Club Members race, a race open only to serving members. The crowd was also entertained by a ride through of the hunt and hounds, resplendent in their traditional hunting dress.  Guests of PDM and other sponsors, which included the Army Benevolent Fund, enjoyed a fine lunch in the Queen’s Building where good food and wine was at least some compensation to those whose judgement had failed them at the bookies.  In all, it was great day out for the sponsors and their guests and one that PDM look forward to sponsoring again in 2007.

Staff at Tesco in Salisbury have recently completed the Level 2 Certificate in Retail Principles, a new qualification with City and Guilds provided by PDM Training and Consultancy Ltd.  The course covers security, customer service, legislation and visual merchandising within the retail environment.  It was held at Sarum College in Salisbury with students attending one day a week for six weeks.

Tesco Castle Street Store Manager, Tina Anderson, said ’shoplifting has been made harder because of the course, staff now have a greater knowledge and awareness and are certainly more diligent’. 

Duty Manager Pip O’Brien stated ’This course has been desperately needed for a long time in the city centre and it is great that it has now been taken on board’

Under an initiative funded by Kent Learning and Skills Council, PDM is delivering the Level 2 NVQ in Road Passenger Transport to bus drivers based at Arriva depots throughout Kent.  The award covers all elements of bus driving including customer service, operating a bus, dealing with emergencies and provides evidence towards the soon to be introduced certificate of professional competence that all PCV and LGV drivers will need.

As with all our apprenticeship and NVQ programmes, PDM’s team of assessors and verifiers, led by Don Glover, an ex-bus driving instructor for Arriva, deliver the NVQ completely in the workplace.  The scheme has been designed to fit around the work patterns of the drivers and to meet the particular needs of the Arriva staff.  To date over 40 drivers have been inducted onto the scheme and 5 have already completed the award.

Arguably, it is capability, mobility and flexibility that defines the Infantry in today’s Army.  In order for PDM to deliver the Infantry Security Apprenticeship programme to a mobile force such as this, we too have had to adapt to create a team capable of delivering against this demanding remit. 

Based out of Basingstoke in Hampshire, the well-established PDM Infantry Apprenticeship team deliver the SITO accredited programme to 900 soldiers a year.  Significant investment in our own capability, mobility and flexibility has ensured that PDM can deliver all elements of the apprenticeship in any theatre of operations requested by our Infantry customer, to date PDM assessors and Key Skills tutors have deployed to Bosnia and Kenya.  This groundbreaking initiative is sponsored and endorsed by the Infantry Personal Development Advisory Team (PDAT) and the Operational Training Advisory Group (OPTAG).

In particular, PDM aim to deliver a service that lives up to the requirements of those charged with designing and delivering the operational training for the units we support.  The Second in Command of the first unit to take part in the initiative states, ’Overall the impact of implementation is minimal in comparison with the benefits, and PDM have proved to be a highly professional organisation to work with’.

PDM Training and Consultancy Ltd sponsor the Army Ladies Hockey Team and are delighted to be associated with the winning team in the recent Tri-service hockey tournament held at RAF Halton.

The ladies hockey team beat the RAF team 4-3 in the final and the winners trophy was presented by Jon Wort, the Business Development Manager to the Captain of the team Major Paula Nicholas.

The Army Ladies hockey team have been very successful this season winning all their games and are due to tour Australia later in the year.

PDM Training and Consultancy Ltd, have been delivering NVQs in Call Handling to the Hampshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust Operations Centre at Highcroft in Winchester for the past 3 months.

A small team based at Winchester, led by Jo Burridge-Hewlett, (who used to work as an Officer in the control centre) have successfully conducted a pilot delivery of Work Based Learning to 15 members of staff for the Level 2 award in Call Handling.  In addition the Acting Training Manager, Brian Lilley, is working towards a Level 3 award in Call Handling.

Paul Anfield, the Head of Control Services for the Ambulance service has been conducting a thorough review of selection and training of the Ambulance control staff handling the emergency calls for Hampshire to meet the challenges of the NHS “Agenda for change”.  He sees the delivery of NVQs in Call Handling as a partnership approach with PDM and “As a way of contributing to the agenda for change as well as establishing a clear career progression for staff wishing to follow a career profile within the Ambulance Service”

Brian Lilley Acting Training Manager says “ the professional delivery of the programme by PDM has led to an increase in staff morale, expertise and a greater pride in the job, I am delighted with the relationship we have established between PDM, the staff and management”

Discussions are now taking place to expand the NVQ programme to a wider range of staff and also to introduce other training delivered by PDM, including Team Building and Leadership Development and support services in healthcare.  In addition PDM have been invited to attend AMBEX (Ambulance Service Association (ASA) Annual Conference & Exhibition).

The Royal Air Force has selected PDM Training and Consultancy to provide support, advice and guidance to its personnel in the management and delivery of an apprenticeship in IT.

PDM Training and Consultancy has been awarded a contract by the RAF to support the apprenticeship Accreditation Cell at Chicksands in the delivery, assessment and verification of NVQs and Key Skills qualifications for learners working towards the Using IT apprenticeship. PDM are also supporting a number of RAF personnel working towards their A1 and VI awards. The learners are spread across several RAF bases in the UK and overseas and PDM’s flexible, hands-on approach has been key to the successful delivery of the contract. With the ultimate aim of leaving the Accreditation Cell self-supporting, PDM is working with the RAF staff to put in place the processes and procedures needed to be ready for a forthcoming ALI inspection.

PDM Training and Consultancy are delivering the Level 3 NVQ in Driving Instruction to bus driving instructors in the First UK Bus South West region.

First UK Bus has selected PDM Training and Consultancy to deliver the Level 3 NVQ in Driving Instruction to a number of its instructors based across the South West of England. The award is being delivered in the workplace thus avoiding the need for instructors to spend time away from their primary function. PDM’s solution of an NVQ that is delivered on site, fits around the work patterns of the learners and which serves as a positive retention measure has been designed to meet the specific needs of First UK Bus. By taking responsibility for all activities involved in the delivery, administration, assessment and verification of the award PDM has removed a significant burden on First UK Bus managers and staff.

National Account Manager Sue Richardson of Edexcel, one of the country’s leading accreditation bodies, has no hesitation in recommending PDM as a National Training Provider.

"Edexcel is pleased to announce that PDM Training and Consultancy Ltd has now been designated an Edexcel National Training Provider Account. This status is in recognition of the consistent high quality reports received from our independent external verifiers and the ability of PDM to offer a wide range of nationally recognised NVQ and BTEC qualifications throughout the UK."

Edexcel’s National Account Manager Sue Richardson will have no hesitation in recommending PDM to companies looking for a national provider which can provide a solution for their training and development needs throughout the UK.

“PDM have given us added value and put us clearly ahead of our competitors." stated Simeon Benoit Managing Director of Benoit Security Services Ltd.

Benoit Security Services Limited

Benoit Security Services Limited is based in Swindon and is one of the leading providers of Door Supervisors in the central southern region of the UK. PDM Training and Consultancy Limited have currently trained 74 of their door supervisors with additional courses booked for later this year.

Historically training for door supervisors in parts of the UK has been optional. The training under the door safe scheme was carried out to varying standards. Licences were issued by local authorities so that individuals could operate within their geographic boundaries.

The Private Security Industry Act 2001 has meant that training standards have been set and licences will become compulsory and issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and will give coverage to England and Wales. For Simeon Benoit the Managing Director the training has been necessary for him to operate in the south of England and it has given him the flexibility to operate across the UK as and when necessary.

The result of this door supervision training gives Simeon a fully trained resource. A lot of those trained had various qualifications but for some it was their first recognised qualification.

The training content is as laid down by the SIA. PDM managed to get a good balance between theory and practice. Their down to earth approach was refreshing and reflected the fact that the PDM trainers had practical hands-on experience. The training brought all the aspects of the job together and opened their eyes to new ways of approaching potential situations. All the participants enjoyed and learnt a lot from the scenario/role plays and they were all particularly interested in conflict management.

For Simeon and his company this training has had a direct result in that his business is growing. Local authorities knowing he has fully qualified manpower have given him business opportunities. Simeon will be fully ready to go by the 23rd of August by which time you have to have a licence to operate as a door supervisor in the south-west.

Simeon Benoit the Managing Director of Benoit Security Services Limited said:

 “The PDM training was highly professional and effective and gave us new insights into our role as well as giving practical ideas and tools to improve our professionalism. PDM have given us added value and put us clearly ahead of our competitors.”

PDM Group’s successes over the last year have seen an expansion in their Head Office personnel. PDM have acquired further offices in the centre of Andover Hampshire.

The successes of PDM have meant that the number of full time staff has risen to 80. Not all the increase in personnel has occurred at Andover. The expansion of the company has been spread throughout its offices across the UK: Winchester in Hampshire, Pirbright in Surrey, Warminster in Wiltshire, Brecon in Wales and Lichfield in Staffordshire.

The annual Army Point to Point took place at Larkhill on the 11th of January 2004. A great day out was enjoyed by many civilian as well as military people. The Army Benevolent Fund were one of several charities to benefit.

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