The team set up a display in the reception area and encouraged people to find out more about improving their oral health care.

The aim was to highlight the three main oral health messages as outlined by the oral health charity the British Dental Health Foundation:

• Restrict sugary snacks and drinks to meal times only
• Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste
• Visit your dentist regularly (every 6 months)

The team were on hand throughout Tuesday 15th May to offer advice to people and answer their questions.

Our Dental team have been educating staff and visitors to Total People about oral health

The first fifty people to approach the stand were given a free goody bag containing information about the campaign as well as a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Dental Sector Manager Judith Hughes said:

“As this event is held Nationally the Dental team felt it was an ideal opportunity to promote the importance of dental health to colleagues. The event was well attended and members of staff were able to ask specific advice regarding their Oral Health so we’d like to thank everyone who got involved.”

If you are interesting in learning more about oral health, the National Smile Month website has lots of useful information on keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

The workshop will be held at our Head Office in Middlewich on Wednesday 6th June 2012 – 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Subjects covered during the Principles of Infection Control workshop will include:

• Causes and spread of infection;
• Prevention and control of infection;
• Effective hand washing;
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment.

To book your FREE place on this workshop you can either contact your Training Adviser or email carolyn.bailey@totalpeople.co.uk.

Or make an enquiry below:

Opportunity

The IAG project provided staff with the opportunity to obtain a recognised qualification whilst enhancing their understanding of their own job and the role the company plays in providing advice and guidance to employers and individuals.

The qualification, aimed at people working in roles that involve the provision of advice and guidance, included themes such as interacting with clients via social media and supporting clients to make use of the advice and guidance services provided.

Short Courses

In addition to the delivery of the IAG qualification, staff were also encouraged to attend a series of short courses, designed to enhance their knowledge and understanding around a variety of the company’s practices. Workshops covered a diverse set of topics including effective communication, safeguarding and sales techniques for staff who wouldn’t necessarily see themselves as “sales people”.

“The provision of effective advice, guidance and support is essential to ensure the needs of our employers and learners are fully met”

Janice Woolley – Associate Director

Janice Woolley, Associate Director for Total People acknowledged the positive impact the project has had on the organisation suggesting “A key factor in Total People’s success is the provision of effective advice, guidance and support to ensure the needs of our employers and learners are fully met”.

Total People Managing Director, Nigel Hartley added “The IAG project has been a resounding success resulting in significant business benefits and a positive impact on our staff and employer-base alike”.

Organisational Needs Analysis

As a result of the project and the training undertaken, Total People have since delivered in excess of 100 Organisational Needs Analyses with employers of all sizes – many of which have subsequently drawn up development plans to help improve their business with support from Total People staff.

If you are interested in the training and development of your staff and feel there are skills gaps in your organisation that need to be addressed, Total People can help.

For an informal discussion about the support that Total People is able to offer, please call 01606 734016.

If you work at Bentley Motors get involved!

Whether they read all the time or haven’t picked up a book in years, the Six Book Challenge is all about encouraging staff at Bentley Motors to read more.

The Challenge

Read six books, of any size, between Monday 14^th May and Friday 16^th November 2012, write a short summary of each book and hand it to a Union Learning Rep in a sealed envelope or email rachel.clarkson@totalpeople.co.uk.

There are suggested reading lists available but these are only suggestions so feel free to choose your own if you prefer.

Entry Requirements

To enter the challenge, email rachel.clarkson@totalpeople.co.uk  or notify your Union Learning Rep stating your name, sap number, department, email address and which of the following categories you fall into:

1.  I never read

2.  I read occasionally

3.  I read all the time

Judging

You will be judged based on which of the above categories you have stated but will not be judged on spelling, grammar, punctuation, or the amount you write.

Judging will take place from Monday 19^th November until Friday 30^th December 2012 with an award for the winning entrant from each category announced early December.

Get Involved!

So what are you waiting for? Pick up a book today and help make the Six Book Challenge 2012 the most successful yet!

Launching from September, Apprentices employed in the industry can attend the School on a weekly day release basis where they will receive training of the highest standard to learn techniques and treatments.

How does it work

Apprentices on programme can:

• Learn how to carry out treatments and techniques including improve facial skin conditions, facial massage, lash and brow tinting, brow shaping, apply make-up, waxing techniques, spray tan, perform manicures and pedicures
• Achieve ITEC Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3)
• Receive the best training from a proven, highly regarded national and international learning provider
• Enjoy learning in a modern, highly equipped centre and receive support from Total People

Successful candidates will initially attend The International School of Beauty Therapy for two weeks to gain the theoretical and practical techniques that are required to perform the salon treatments and for one day a week thereafter.

The School

Since opening in 1993, it has been the aim of the only private Cidesco school in Cheshire to provide the ultimate private beauty education for the Beauty Therapist, which can be seen from the consistent, excellent results with Cidesco, ITEC and CIBTAC.

Although apprentices are required to study the NVQ framework, qualifying in levels 2 or 3, they will benefit from being associated with a training provider who has private students qualifying with the prestigious Cidesco Diploma qualification. They are among the most sought after therapists in the profession worldwide and have gone onto work all around the world.

Apprenticeship Vacancies Available

There are currently ten Apprenticeship vacancies within Beauty Salons and Spas across the area all of whom are seeking enthusiastic candidates who are keen to start a career in Beauty Therapy.

Find out more

Principal Louise Leach is encouraging budding young therapists to come along to the School’s Open Evening and find out more about careers in Beauty.

• Wednesday 30th May 11am – 4.30pm
• International School of Beauty Therapy
• 2 Marsh Lane, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 5HH
• Telephone: 01270 626236

Visit their Open Day to find out more

However, thanks to the launch of the National Careers Service, there’s a new feature which can make creating that all important CV (Curriculum Vitae) somewhat easier.

Creating a professional and interesting CV can help you get a job interview!

Why is a CV important?

Your CV is your chance to show an employer why they should choose you over lots of other potential candidates.

It showcases everything you can bring to an organisation on just two sides of A4.

It’s about selling your skills and experiences, and demonstrating that you’re the right person for the job.

But most of all it’s about selling you.

How do I create one?

How you write your CV is up to you, but there are some basic rules to follow if you want to create the best impression.

And don’t be worried if this is your first CV – with help from the National Careers Service, you’ll soon have a professional CV and covering letter that are ready to be sent out and get you interviews.

Remember, your CV will only help to get you an interview, not the job.

However there is also helpful advice on preparing for an interview on their website too!

Create your CV today>>>

Jess recognises that her Apprenticeship has set her up for an exciting career

Finding a Job

“I visited my local job centre and saw an advert for a trainee Dental Nurse at a practice in Winsford,” says Jess. “I’d always been interested in healthcare so this really appealed to me.”

Jess was invited for an interview and was successful in getting the job. They were already linked to Total People and outlined that Jess would work towards an Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing.

“I was keen to add to my previous qualifications so the Apprenticeship route sounded ideal,” says Jess. “As this was my first job, I needed thorough training and I definitely got that with the help of my employer and Total People.”

The Apprenticeship

Jess attended off-the-job training one evening a week at Total People’s centre in Middlewich. After 12 months she left the practice in Winsford in order to further her career opportunities and got another position at Cottage Dental Practice in Sandbach.

“The combination of having off-the-job training as well as working enabled me to put my knowledge into practice and it definitely helped me to understand techniques and remember things.”

Jess Walklate -

Dental Nurse at Cottage Dental Practice, Sandbach

Jess’ job consists of a variety of tasks such as preparing the surgery for the day, record keeping, reception work and ensuring cross infection control.

Benefits of the Apprenticeship

“Doing the Apprenticeship really made things clearer. The combination of having off-the-job training as well as working enabled me to put my knowledge into practice and it definitely helped me to understand techniques and remember things.”

“My Training Adviser was brilliant, she was always available if I had any problems and made the theory sessions fun. I’m really glad I chose to get a job as my confidence has definitely improved since starting work.”

Progression

In January, Jess started a Diploma in Dental Hygiene & Therapy at The Greater Manchester School for Dental Care Professionals. The two year course will enable Jess to become a qualified Hygienist and Therapist meaning she will be able to carry out fillings and extractions.

“Without my Apprenticeship, I wouldn’t have been able to progress in order to be able to do this course so for anyone thinking about what to do as a career, I would definitely recommend this route!”

Interested in a Career as a Dental Nurse like Jess?

If you are leaving School/Sixth Form/College shortly or perhaps like Jess, you aren’t keen on returning for your second year of further education, we are currently advertising a number of Apprenticeship vacancies with practices across Cheshire and Staffordshire.

If you have good communication and co-ordination skills, you may be the perfect Apprentice Dental Nurse!

To view more details and apply for the position, visit the Current Apprenticeship Vacancies section on our website.

The AGE 16 to 24 year olds initiative is aimed at helping employers to offer young people employment through the Apprenticeship programme, by providing wage grants to assist them in recruiting apprentices.

Payment

The £1,500 payment is in addition to the training costs of an Apprenticeship framework which are met in full for young people aged 16 to 18, with half the costs met for those aged 19 to 24.

On committing to recruit a young person and supporting them through their Apprenticeship programme, employers will receive two payments. The first payment of £750 will be made after they complete 8 weeks of their Apprenticeship Programme and a further £750 will be paid when the apprentice completes 12 months of employment with the company.

‘Reviving Apprenticeships’

Mr Hayes added “In the past, smaller firms have been deterred from hiring an apprentice due to perceived logistical, training and administrative costs but the new incentives of £1,500 are encouraging SMEs to give young people a great start to their working life.”

“Reviving apprenticeships, will help thousands of young people build successful careers”

John Hayes MP, Skills Minister

Skills Minister John Hayes said “Reviving apprenticeships, will help thousands of young people discover the purposeful pride that builds successful careers, thriving firms and stronger communities”.

If you wish to find out more about the AGE 16 to 24 initiative and find out if your company is eligible please click here, call Total People on 01606 734000 or complete the form below and a member of our team will contact you.

Ryan Freeman, Ross Makin and Sophie Rusling represented Total People in the West Midlands heat of the World Skills UK Accounting Technician competition in early April. The competition, held at Halesowen College, was open to learners who have completed their AAT Level 2 qualification and are currently working towards their Level 3.

The competition, designed to reflect typical aspects of work and responsibilities carried out by AAT Level 2 qualified learners, lasted for 3 hours with each team undertaking work which showcased both their technical knowledge and working skills.

Rules of Engagement

The teams carried out a range of tasks to demonstrate their individual and collective abilities as Level 2 qualified Accounting Technicians which included processing sales invoices, completion of a petty cash book, team work and use of planning to schedule work.

Ross, Ryan and Sophie must now wait to find out if they accrued enough points, whilst winning their heat, to qualify for the live UK Final which is to be held in London.

“It’s a great achievement by the team of apprentices and everybody at Total People would like to congratulate them on their success”

Cheryl Kelsall – Total People

Cheryl Kelsall, Accounts Sector Manager for Total People described the success as “a great achievement by the team of apprentices and everybody at Total People would like to congratulate the team on their success so far and hope they have the opportunity to progress to the UK Final on May 19th”.

WorldSkills UK is a portfolio of skills competition activities managed by the National Apprenticeship Service in partnership with organisations from industry and education. To find out more about WorldSkills UK click here.

When Is It?

• 19th & 25th April 2012
• 2pm – 7pm

What’s It All About?

Pathways to Apprenticeships allows you to:

• Learn new skills
• Gain recognised qualifications
• Receive help in applying for jobs
• Go out on work experience
• Improve your confidence and communication skills

At the Open Day you will be able to meet our friendly team of staff and take a look around the centre to see the facilities that we have to offer.

Come along and see what's on offer.

Who’s The Programme For?

The programme is open to anyone aged between 16-18 and is ideal for people who are leaving school this summer or have left school and are unsure about what to do next.

Perhaps you’ve not got anything to move onto in September or maybe going to college full-time really doesn’t appeal to you.

Or maybe you’re not currently in education and are looking for something to do which will help you get back on track with your future.

If so, the programme enables you to remain in education, however learning is more geared up to the individuals needs and gives you the essential skills employers are looking for when recruiting.

You could later progress onto an Apprenticeship with Total People.

For more information and to book your place, call or text Cathy Jump on 07855 434004.

So what are you waiting for?  Get yourself down to Total People this April and get your future on the right track for success!