There is life outside of work!

http://idolbuster.com/archives/2245#_edn1

Business & Admin VQ success!

Well done to Mike & Aileen, both of Polaris Learning, on recently completing their Business & Admin Level 3 VQ's! 

From left to right: Gordon Gibb (Director), Aileen Loggie, Catriona Sloan (their Assessor & Office Manager), Mike Mortimer & Helen Rush (Business Development Co-ordinator)

IMCA News...

IMCA have now published Competence & Assessment Guidance for Marine, Diving, Survey, ROV and Assessor Training. 
See their website for more... 

http://www.imca-int.com/

The great mismatch

Skills shortages are getting worse even as youth unemployment reaches record highs....

http://www.economist.com/news/business/21567885-skills-shortages-are-getting-worse-even-youth-unemployment-reaches-record-highs-great?fsrc=scn%2Fln_ec%2Fthe_great_mismatch&goback=.gde_3376889_member_194208311

Video flash

The land of food & drink, very nice to watch! We can be proud to be Scottish!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp-S7E0-bXs&feature=youtu.be

What tips would you give to a new supervisor or manager? One suggestion we often hear is address problems head on.

Training tip

When training, can you always tell the difference between somebody who is struggling to understand and some one who is just being negative?

Of course, this comes with experience but can still be difficult with some people.  But what do you do when you do not have the experience or just are not sure?  

We suggest: give them plenty opportunity to ask questions.  Check understanding through discussion.  Think about learning styles, and give them the opportunity to mix in group exercises, individual learning, active learning and reflective learning. 

Productivity

Research shows employees who are the happiest at work are the most productive.

And the research shows that these employees are: 
twice as productive, stay five times longer in their jobs, are six times more energised and take ten times less sick leave. 

Top ten tips for competence assurance system success!

Coming in at number 8 in our top ten tips for competence assurance system success is:

8. Support assessors during the early stages 

Work with assessors during the first few months of assessment and provide good quality feedback so they know what is working well and what to improve.

Supporting your Managers

Do you think good managers can be 'trained' or is good management something some people can do and some people cannot?

We believe you can give managers the skills, knowledge and tools.  You can help them understand the organisation's systems and processes.  But then you need to support the manager in the workplace.  And some managers will need more support than others. 

Lack of training, no career plan?

Have you thought about how much lack of training or no career plan is influencing your organisation's turn over?

We so often hear about efforts to keep the best people, but so often employees feel they do not have a clear career plan or they are not receiving the right training.

One thing at a time!

One of our course participants, told us he feels like he can never settle to one job, can't relax at home, is always working yet never gets anything done.  We suggested he practise just focusing on one job, block out everything else and relax…everything else can wait.  Doesn't seem like much but it is a big step if you can't switch off or stay focused.

Appraisal time?

Is it appraisal time in your company? 

What are your top tips for getting the most from an appraisal?

Bad communication in your organisation?

Bad communication in organisations is often seen as a classic management mistake.  This can be within a team or across the whole organisation.  Do you know your organisations goals and values?

Assessor training: qualifications v non qualifications?

There are pros & cons of both, here are some points to consider...

1. The first thing to check is what your clients and auditors need.  Increasingly the oil & gas supply chain is being very specific about what is required.

2. Then think about what is achievable.  How will you get your assessors to finish the assignments needed for qualifications?  Consider the implications for those working internationally.

3. If you do not do a qualification, are you happy you have the evidence to proof your assessors are competent?

Tips for competence assurance system success!

Our 4th top tip when implementing a successful competence assurance system:

4. Prioritise your people

If this is your third or fourth look at competencies then focus on people new to roles. Assess the level of risk - two people might be new to a role but the one who has not been offshore before has to be a priority.

The 20-Minute Exercise To Eradicate Negative Thinking....

http://www.fastcompany.com/3003046/20-minute-exercise-eradicate-negative-thinking?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=linkedin&goback=.gde_3114584_member_188142764

New research - are you threatened by 'burn out'?

One in three employees threatened by ‘burn-out’, finds new research from HR Consultants Towers Watson. 

The firm’s Global Workforce Study, which surveyed 32,000 employees worldwide, found that more than a third of UK employees (34 per cent) said they were often affected by excessive work pressures. What do you think?

A bit of calm in your day!

Picture taken at the top of Ben Lomond by Catriona, Polaris Learning.  Well Done Catriona!

The cHeRries Awards 2013!

Nominations now open for the cHeRries Awards. We're delighted to continue to be a sponsor! 

Now in it's 6th year, the cHeRries Awards ceremony will be held in the Boyd Orr Suite at the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre. 

The awards recognise the successes and examples of excellence in the fields of Human Resources, Recruitment and Training in the North East of Scotland.

Please see their website for more info:
http://www.cherriesawards.com/

Baxters Workplace Trainer!

We cater for all learning styles & needs!

Turtle Training in Brazil!

One member of the Polaris Learning team, seen pictured, recently went out to North East Brazil to do Assessor Training with Odfjell Drilling but happened to take a trip to to a biological reserve where they are monitoring turtle activity - a project sponsored by Petrobras called the Tamar Project.

Tamir researchers protect turtle nests.  The eggs are buried in the sand when laid and either left on the beach or brought into a hatchery for incubation.  When they hatch they are released immediately into the sea... 

He was very lucky and actually got to see them releasing baby turtles to the ocean that day!

More photos to follow...

Are you responsible for your company's Competency Management System?

If you are responsible for your company's Competency Management System, then look no further than us for some top tips to help lead you to success!

When implementing your Competency Management System, there is a lot to address and it is not hard to imagine why some organisations feel their competency assurance system does not prove or completely demonstrate competency for all roles. With skills shortages and not enough time to give the younger generation years to build up experience, a robust competence assurance system becomes even more important.

Here are 3 top tips to lead you in the right direction:

1. Identify the right competencies

Link all your competencies to your safety management systems/safety case.  These documents provide essential information to help guide you.  But remember to get input from your offshore personnel.

2. Draw a map

Map out the competency process so that only workplace competencies are assessed offshore.  Otherwise you risk duplication of effort between training, familiarisation, emergency response training and competency.

3. Build a workable system

Competence assessment is a small part of what supervisors and teams are asked to do offshore.  So your documentation has to be clear and quick to use.  The working part must line up with responsibilities.  The people doing the assessments (the assessors) can be given checklists that reflect key aspects of procedures and risk assessments.

IMCA Annual Seminar 2012!

The 2012 IMCA annual seminar is coming up & will take place on 28–29 November at the Okura Hotel in Amsterdam, Netherlands. 

With the theme being: 

Marine and subsea operations: a culture of sustainability!

Our Managing Director, Keith Adam, 

will also be presenting at this on Thursday 29th on: 

linking training and competence to the safety management system!

Full information can be found by clicking on the link below:

http://www.imca-int.com/events/seminar/programme.html

Have you thought about your learning style recently? Or the learning styles of your team or trainees?

We all learn differently.  This can greatly effect how we learn, what we learn and if not handled correctly, how well we learn.  As a trainer or manager, you will be more effective if you understand your learning style and recognise the different learning styles of your team or trainees.  

Please get in touch if you would like a copy of our learning styles questionnaire.

New funding from the Scottish Government!

There is now funding available from the Scottish Government to help Food & Drink Manufacturing companies secure funding to raise recruitment levels in sectors where women are under-represented, increase earning potential and aid career progression.

See the full story below:

http://foodanddrink.nsacademy.co.uk/content/women-and-work-employer-investment-fund-round-3

Communication is vital!

If your team feel you do not tell them enough about what is going on, have a think about your own communication needs. 

We all have different needs when it comes to communication.  Some people just don't need much information.  But others need a lot more.  If you don't need much information but your colleagues or peers do, they will always feel like you do not communicate.  Try to 'over communicate' for a while and see if that helps.  You can always cut it back if need be, but you might find this is the level of communication they need.

The Harbour - BBC1 Series!

Have you ever noticed a new program on TV called "The Harbour"? 

It's on every Monday night on BBC1 between half 6 & half 7. 

This week, the Bibby Sapphire faces a North Sea storm and we meet the characters in a fish factory. 
If you miss

ed it this week, there is always BBC iPlayer or tune into BBC1 next Monday night for next week's episode!

It's something you don't want to miss!

Struggling to work with a colleague?

Sometimes we can forget to look at a situation from a different perspective.  If you are finding it hard to work with a colleague, try looking at it from their view point and see if that helps.

Mentoring & supporting your Training & Competency Manager

If you are new to your role as Training & Competency Manager, we can support you to build up your knowledge and understanding of what is required.

Tackling employee smart phone: who is in charge anyway?

Are your employees personal smart phones distracting them from their work?

We all know that smart phones are great but the majority of the time managers will agree that employee’s phones take control on a lot of things.  

Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards 2012!

A huge congratulations to all of this year's winners at the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards, it was a great night!

Please click on the link below to see all of the gossip and photos from the awards ceremony which took place on the 19th October at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness.

http://www.facebook.com/hifooddrink?fref=ts

A taste of Success!

Remember we still have Business & Administration VQ places left!

In-House Training

Next time you run in-house training, remember you need to get your audiences buy-in within the first 30 minutes.  What techniques work for you?

Hints & tips:
1.  Some trainers find a relaxed style works for them.  
2.  Make aims, objectives & plans for the day clear.  
3.  Make introductions relevant to what they will be learning:  what do they want to get out of the     day, what are their experiences and concerns?
4.  Keep it interactive.
5.  And don't bombard it with slides!

Dealing with negativity as a manager?

Dealing with negativity as a manager can be challenging.   If you reinforce the negative view, does it make it worse? Here's our thoughts...

Negativity at work:

1. Don’t dismiss what they are saying.  This is what they feel and they need to know you understand.
2. See if there is any area where you can both agree.  Once you have somewhere to start, you are more likely to be able to help them see different ways of looking at everything else that is bothering them.
3. Together work out some clear actions they can take to change the situation.  We always hear that ‘you can’t change others but you can change yourselves’.  Remembering this can help us feel more in control.
4. Look at the areas they do feel positive.  Add your positive thoughts to help reinforce this positive feeling.  By remembering the things they do like, you might be able to help them move on from that negative mood.

Ice Breakers: do you use them in training? What are the benefits?

Some trainers love them but we also know many trainers never use them. 
How much do they help kick off the training or do you prefer another option? 

Let us know!

Cracking your competency management system!

1. Identify the right competencies

2. Draw a map

3. Build a workable system

4. Prioritise your people

5. Get management buy-in

6.  Provide quality assessor training

7. Provide accessible guidance

8. Support assessors during the early stages

9. No snakes and ladders!

10. Recognise competency

4 things your Internal Verifiers need to know!

1.  Understand your assessment process
2.  Be able to guide & support assessors
3.  Know & address your auditors and clients' requirements
4.  Be occupationally competent in area being assessed.

If you were to give honest feedback to your manager, what would you say?

How often do we tell our managers what we really think?  What stops us?  And what would happen if we did it more often?  Receiving feedback, good or bad, is not something we all feel comfortable with.  Any giving feedback, especially negative, can be even harder.  But done the right way, there can be a lot of benefits and your relationship might be stronger!

Oil & Gas PILOT Fair Share 2012!

PILOT Share Fair
Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, 
Wednesday 7 November 2012

Come along and join us in attending the PILOT Share Fair this November to get the chance to be among the first to hear about the latest UK oil and gas business development opportunities from the major oil and gas players!  

In the meantime, why not visit their website for more information:

http://www.oilandgasuk.co.uk/events/pilot_share_fair.cfm

How do you get 'good communication' in your team?

Positive communication is more likely if you:

- Offer help
- Show you are interested in each individual
- And remember to acknowledge each person's contribution

Buying in management training?

We find training that is most effective usually builds in the company's own processes.

Getting management training that results in change back in the work place can be difficult.  We find you need the following aspects in place for managers:

• Self awareness
• Motivations & behaviours
• Management skills
• Management processes
• Successful relationships.

E-mail inbox over loaded?

Remember it is your inbox, you can take control!  This keeps coming up at our time management training.  But some simple steps can help...

8 Steps to Tackle Email:

1. It’s your inbox. Take control of it!

2. Delete any irrelevant emails first.

3. Learn how to use your spam filter.

4. Don't sign up for any email lists.

5. Make a different, personal e-mail address for on-line buying, junk mail etc.

6. Make sure your colleagues are aware of certain subjects to copy you in on so you aren't bombarded with emails that aren't relevant to you.

7. Come to a solution where you can remotely access your work computer from anywhere so you don’t have to be at your desk to get to your emails.

8. If you can, try not to reply to every email you receive.  Maybe 3 or 4 times a day would be enough (OK to throw in a fifth!)

Assessors still struggling with assessment?

Go back to basics:  what, how & when.
Training packed with theory will probably not work.  Most assessors need training that is practical & hands on.

Do you work in Business & Administration?

If you work in Business & Administration, we might be able to help you achieve your VQ at no cost!  

Feel free to get in touch with us.

Trainees falling asleep?

How to.... liven up training. If your training is a bit dull then you might be interested in our training top tips:

1. Throw away the presentation and make the training hands on
2. Have fun - tell of experiences
3. Have a conversation - make them feel more relaxed
4. Be happy to be there, smile and be enthusiastic about what it is your training them on
5. Treat people like responsible adults

Supporting your supervisors to get it right first time!

Not everyone is a natural supervisor.  Without support they might struggle, be demotivated or make costly mistakes.  Some training early on can make all the difference.

Keeping your competency management system simple: a top tip!

Support assessors during the early stages!

Work with assessors during the first few months of assessment and provide good quality feedback so they know what is working well and what they need to improve on to make the training effective.

Tackling your smart phone: who is in charge anyway?

Smart phones are great.  But so often we hear managers saying their phones take over. 

3 ways to take control of your Smartphone:

1.      Be more favourable but respectful with caller IDs.

2.      If you have other deadlines to meet ask yourself if the Smartphone is just a distraction.  Allow some calls to go through to voicemail and pick them up when you have time. 

3.      Try not to allow for office calls to be sent onto your smart phone when you are out and about. 

Skills Scotland 2012!

Want to find out about careers and skills you need for a job? Then look no further than Skills Scotland! 
This is sure to be an opportunity you don't want to miss!

Success in Thornton!

Alastair Dickie (right) presenting a certificate to a graduate at Thomson of Thornton who recently completed his VQ Level 2 in Food Manufacture.  Well Done!

Baxters Food Group Success!

Catriona Sloan presenting certificates to the hygiene team at Baxters. Recently qualified Assessor Iain Stockwell (centre) and Jimmy Rhinds, Hygiene Supervisor (far right) with all staff who have successfully completed their SVQ Level 2, Well Done Guys!

Success in Assessor Training!

From January 2011 to August 2012 we have also put 429 candidates through the Assessor Awards!

Long may this success continue!!

Success in Modern Apprenticeships!!

From January 2011 to August 2012 we have had over 700 candidates on our books undertaking the Modern Apprenticeship programme! Whether it's in Food Manufacture, Business & Admin or Warehousing & Storage. Well Done to all involved! Here's to the next few years!

Success stories from Modern Apprenticeships!