Tony gains much from his training (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Tony gains much from his training

11:09am Tuesday 22nd April 2008 in Jobs

A KITCHEN porter at Basing-stoke and North Hampshire NHS Foundation Trust Hosp-ital is celebrating after achieving the NVQ level two in cleaning and support services.

Tony Elliott, from Oakridge, Basing-stoke, undertook his training with BCOT's Business Unit through the Train to Gain initiative.

Tony said: "The NVQ was wholly work-based and assessed the knowledge behind what I do within my role.

"My assessor was excellent and gave me all the support that I needed.

"Getting this qualification has really given me the incentive to further my studies. The last time I studied was at school, but now I really want to expand my horizons."

The NVQ is suitable for staff working in cleaning and support services and offers the opportunity to obtain a nationally-recognised vocational qualification.

John Skingle, kitchen manager at the hospital, said: "Cleaning is not just about washing and cleaning floors, and our staff need to be extremely diligent.

"We are a very busy kitchen and cater for up to 350 patients a day.

"We hope to be able to offer this course to more employees."

Train to Gain, funded by the Learn-ing and Skills Council (LSC), helps companies get the training they need to succeed and aims to encourage all businesses and individuals to realise the benefits that learning can bring.

Train to Gain offers free training in level two programmes for all employees over the age of 19, not already qualified to level two standard.

For more information on Train to Gain, telephone the Business Unit helpline on 01256 306237.

For a full list of all courses available, log on to www.bcot.ac.uk/business