News - March 2009

Message from the Chief Executive

The past 6 months have been our busiest period since the Company was founded in 1981. We have successfully bid for several new contracts covering projects to deliver adult training for Jobcentre Plus to supporting companies in developing their employees I.T. skills,
Although some of our employers have been affected by the credit crunch we have seen a rise in the number of Apprentices on our training programmes. We hope all our partners have a successful and positive year.

Terry Connolly, Chief Executive

Darryl aiming high at 21........

Darryl Hand may only be 21 but he is already managing his first Care Home. Darryl is currently the manager of Dearne Lea Park Nursing Home in Thurnscoe which has played a big part in his life. Darryl’s grandmother Ruth began managing the home when he was 3 years old and he has always wanted to follow in her footsteps.

At 16 years old he started volunteering at the home as a carer and quickly progressed through his Health & Social Care qualifications with ITS. By September 2007 he had achieved both level 2 and level 3 and had progressed to Senior Care Assistant at Dearne Lea.

Darryl still felt that he wanted to do more and when Ruth announced her retirement in 2008 he jumped at the chance to apply for the position. Darryl has now started a Management qualification programme with ITS and is doing well. When asked what the future holds for Darryl he replied, “I would love to become an area manager but ultimately I would like to own my own nursing home”.

Darryl is grateful to his assessor Jackie Farrar for all her support and hard work in helping him to realise his ambitions.

Army Preparation 2008

The Army Preparation group of 2008 worked very hard at improving their fitness and gaining the skills necessary for life in the army. They worked together as a team striving to be the best and developing as young people. Out of the 18 learners 11 were successful (that’s over 60%) on their selection when they went to Scotland and completed tests and an ice breaker. They have all chosen their army careers and some have already started whilst the others have a little time to wait. The 7 learners that were not successful initially have completed their Employability Skills qualification at ITS and are awaiting a second opportunity.

Charity Walk

On the 9th of December learners on the Army Preparation course and some of their tutors embarked on a 24 mile walk on the Trans Pennine Trail from Worsborough to Crowden and on the 10th of December trekked back to complete the 40 mile round trip. They walked over the hard ice and in sub-zero conditions to raise money for the Broughton House Home for ex-service men. Overall £743 was raised towards helping those that have fought for our country, as the learners will be doing in the future.

Well done and good luck to all the learners!

JobCentrePlus

A 15 week programme at ITS working with Jobcentre Plus and CTS in Sheffield has been set up to support unemployed people to get back into work. Whilst on the programme they will do an Employability Skills qualification as well as literacy and numeracy, they may also do a work placement while on the programme.

Achievements to date has been high and we hope for continued success.

Employer Event 2009

Click here to see the event photos which were taken from the recent employers event which has recently taken place, to celebrate our employers.