Limited spaces remain for Training Now’s free 2-hour FUEL (Free, Upskill, Educate & Learn) session for Health and Social Care professionals taking place 13:00-15:00 on Tuesday 7th February at the MacAlister Suite at AFC Bournemouth.
The FUEL session focuses on coaching within leadership, looking at its benefits in the workplace and how coaching can successfully impact employee retention. The session is led by professional trainer Imogen Sayer, who has over two decades’ experience working as a trainer in both the public and private sector, including many years with the Dorset Police.
The session also gives a taster of what to expect from Training Now’s newly launched Leadership and Management programmes – developed to make organisations more effective, innovative and productive.
Managing Director of Training Now, Tara Roudiani, is delighted to be announcing the first in the series of FUEL sessions:
“We are so pleased to be launching the first of our FUEL sessions – where Health and Social Care professionals can take away important skills and techniques to motivate and retain staff during these uncertain times.
“Those wanting further support and guidance are encouraged to look at our Leadership and Management programmes, where we can tailor bespoke solutions to meet different business needs.”
Having recently been rated ‘Good’ by OFSTED and now an endorsed Skills for Care provider, Dorset-based Training Now is an expanding nationwide training company that specialises in practical social care, education and business apprenticeships. Training Now also delivers a wide provision of short courses and professional qualifications, all of which can be adapted to the needs of employers.
A nationwide training company, Training Now specialises in delivering practical social care, education and business apprenticeships as well as short courses and professional qualifications.
In addition to providing training for external partners, we offer apprenticeship opportunities within our own team based at our head office on Portland, in Dorset.
For our newest apprentice, this opportunity allowed her to change career path and gain the qualification she needs.
Meet Rhianne
Rhianne moved to Weymouth from Bedfordshire three years ago with her Mum and Stepdad as they pursued their dream of owning a B&B on the seafront.
While greatly enjoying the views of the beach and harbour, owning a B&B was not an aspiration she inherited from her parents. Instead, she was interested in nutrition and fitness. Rhianne explains;
“I studied nutrition and food tech at GCSE and wanted to be a nutritionist. When I left school and became a fitness instructor I realised it wasn’t what I really wanted. That’s the good thing about an apprenticeship. It meant I could gain qualifications in something else without having to take time away from work.”
Pursing something only to discover it isn’t what you thought it would be is often a big fear for people thinking about careers. Fortunately, it’s never too late to try something new.
As Rhianne discovered, an apprenticeship can help.
Opening up new possibilities
An apprenticeship is a great way to learn while continuing to earn. For Rhianne, it was an opportunity to gain the qualification she needed to progress her career without having to take time out of work to study.
Having previously worked as a fitness instructor, Rhianne wanted to find a career that offered her a clearer structure and pathway for progression. What’s more, she looked to become part of a friendly team that shared her positive energy and aspiration to succeed.
She would find all of this in Training Now thanks to the recommendation of a friend.
“Katie is one of my best friends outside of work and did the apprenticeship before me. She recommended I apply. I really wanted to gain a qualification and work in an office environment where I can work my way up, so it was perfect.”
Managing Director, Tara Roudiani (middle) with Rhianne to her left and Katie to her right.
Of course, this didn’t come without some hesitation. It is a common misconception that doing an apprenticeship often means earning less money but, as Rhianne adds, that isn’t the case.
“I was worried that an apprenticeship would mean I earnt a lot less. But I earn pretty much what I did in my old job and am now gaining a qualification as well.”
Business administration apprenticeship
As a Business Administration apprentice, Rhianne is responsible for booking all exams, taking minutes in meetings, and performing other administrative tasks that support the wider Training Now team.
As an apprentice in head office however, she also provides helpful insight. Tara Roudiani, Managing Director, explains;
“It is our policy to always have an apprentice within our team here at Training Now. Not only does this provide opportunities for those looking to pursue a career, but it gives us a valuable insight into how our apprenticeship programmes are supporting employers and individuals within the work environment.”
Build confidence with an apprenticeship
Now two months into her apprenticeship, Rhianne is already feeling more confident in her role and is grateful for all the support she has received from the team.
“Training Now is a small team that really cares about helping people build their careers. Everyone here is really supportive and wants to see every apprentice succeed. They are all behind you and genuinely care about your dreams and aspirations.”
Since starting her apprenticeship, Rhianne has seen her confidence grow. Never having worked in an office before, nerves and self-doubt left her anxious about such a big change. Already, these anxieties have diminished.
“I have become so much more confident since starting my apprenticeship. When I started I naturally doubted myself but Katie has helped with that, as a friend and someone who has done the apprenticeship.
“Soon after I started I took my first minutes in a meeting. It was daunting and I felt like I was being thrown in at the deep end but it was such a good confidence boost, especially when I got good feedback from the Managing Director, who spent time with me going through all the improvement points.”
Looking to the future
While unsure exactly what path awaits her, Rhianne is committed to staying with Training Now.
With aspirations of working her way up and taking on a managerial role further down the line, she recognises the important role that her apprenticeship is playing in setting up her future. To anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship, she says:
“Just go for it. It gives you a good starting point to pursue what you want to do. It opens up so many opportunities, giving you a qualification while you continue to work. It’s worth it.”
Everyone at Training Now is delighted to welcome Rhianne to the team, and wish her all the best with her apprenticeship and her career.
If you are inspired by Rhianne’s story, find out more about our apprenticeships.
Training Now has been rated good in all categories following an inspection by Ofsted in September 2022.
Here at Training Now, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional apprenticeship programmes nationwide, with a specialist focus on health and social care apprenticeships as well as in business enterprise and management.
While the rating came as no surprise to our exceptional team, it recognised the hard work we have put in over the past year to establish Training Now as a young, dynamic and inspiring training provider.
What does the report say?
The Ofsted inspection report praised the quality of learning across our apprenticeships. It noted that not only do Training Now apprentices successfully apply the skills and behaviours required to carry out their role effectively, they also demonstrate a very good understanding of the attributes of care: compassion, courage, communication, competence and commitment.
The inspection team also recognised how well Training Now’s curriculums have been designed in order to be flexible and best suit the needs of each learner. This included ensuring that apprentices who work with older people complete units on dementia, end of life care or managing Parkinson’s.
What’s more, the report acknowledges the work done to provide ‘effective strategies to identify and support apprentices’ career aspirations’ and how well employers ‘value the way that the teaching team brings wider and more relevant professional experience of the sector.’
Since her appointment in December 2021, Managing Director Tara Roudiani has overhauled the framework of Training Now from the ground up; revitalising the energy and enthusiasm for learning that lies at the core of our ethos.
Tara is a highly experienced leader with a long and varied career in Further Education and Skills, and brings a passionate energy and dedicated work ethic to Training Now.
On learning the result of the report, she praised the hardworking efforts of her team who have embraced her vision while continuing to transform the lives of apprentices nationwide:
“We are absolutely thrilled to have achieved a ‘Good’ rating in all categories. The impact of our training on our apprentices’ working practices has been incredible.
“The fact that inspectors told us that our apprentices display compassion and the practical skills needed for a successful career in care is very rewarding to the team.
“This is such an exciting time for Training Now, we are focussing on widening our apprenticeship provision so that more people have access to really good training in health and social care.”
Tara Roudiani (middle) with Head of Quality and Learning, Joann Stone (Left) and Operations Director, Scott Jones (Right)
Health and social care training
Training Now is proud to work with companies across the health and social care sector to provide bespoke training opportunities.
Of those, Agincare, a national health and social care provider, offers all of its 3,700 strong work force the chance to gain an apprenticeship with Training Now.
In praise of the relationship between Agincare and Training Now, Agincare Chief Executive Raina Summerson said:
“We are proud to have hundreds of apprentices building a rewarding career with great progression opportunities at Agincare, and Training Now is absolutely central to that success.
“The recruitment and retention of a skilled workforce in adult social care has never been so important or pressing; and Training Now can go on to play a leading role in producing care workers and leaders of the future, not only at Agincare but for all the other care providers it works with.”
The positive report from Ofsted reflects and recognises the commitment and enthusiasm of the Training Now team. Through our apprenticeships, we are united in supporting the future leaders of health and social care to succeed.
In addition to our range of apprenticeships, Training Now also offers short courses, CPD programmes and qualifications covering the health and social care sector.
Whether you are an employer looking to provide opportunities for career progression to your workforce, or an individual looking to take the next step, our apprenticeship and short course opportunities could help.
As well as providing social care, education and business apprenticeships to employers across the country, we welcome our own apprentices, working in our head office on the Isle of Portland.
Two months into her placement as a course administrator, we caught up with Whitney to find out more about her journey and how she is finding her business administration apprenticeship.
Meet our newest apprentice
Whitney spent an impressive seven years working in retail for the same company. During this time, she attended college and later completed a Level 2 Retailer apprenticeship.
But working in retail was never Whitney’s dream career and she was eager to find a more structured work environment with avenues for progression.
As is common for many, upon leaving school Whitney struggled to find ways of gaining the experience she needed to find employment. She explains,
“I applied for admin jobs but I just didn’t have the experience. So I thought, why not gain the experience while doing it. That’s the good thing about an apprenticeship.”
Thanks to her friend and our Enrolment and Compliance Officer Andrea, Whitney found an opportunity with Training Now.
With an apprenticeship, Whitney can gain the skills she needs to progress her career and earn while she learns. Through a combination of on and off the job learning, Whitney is working towards the all-important qualification she needs.
“My apprenticeship means I can be earning while gaining more knowledge and experience. For me, the most important thing is that it allows me to gain a qualification and helps me develop my career.”
Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship
As a Course Administrator, Whitney supports the learning and development team in making sure that Training Now’s professional development courses run smoothly. It is her responsibility to book and make sure that people can access their SAT training.
Whitney has made a great start already and has recently taken on the additional responsibility of administering the claims for the Workforce Development Fund.
Managing Director for Training Now, Tara Roudiani, added:
“Whitney is already displaying the level of customer service expected by us in Training Now. She can troubleshoot and field phone calls from our candidates when they are struggling to access their training courses or their assessments and has a real eagerness to learn. She is a valuable and valued member of our team.”
With on the job learning, Whitney is gaining practical experience in course administration; enabling her to not only learn, but to build confidence in her new found knowledge and skills.
This was particularly true last month when Whitney visited the Agincare Weymouth Home Care office to invigilate a functional skills exam.
“My business administration apprenticeship helps me gain the experience I need while doing it. It helps me to learn through actually doing it rather than just reading or sitting in a classroom. Having done a course on the rules and then getting to invigilate an exam, I am so much more confident.”
Support services for apprentices
All of our apprentices are supported by a Teaching and Learning Coach and also benefit from our range of additional support services.
This includes careers advice and guidance with a specialist careers advisor. During these sessions, apprentices can seek help exploring their options for the future, updating their CV or building their interview skills.
Whitney is supported through her apprenticeship by Teaching and Learning Coach Klaudia who provides guidance, mentoring and training.
When talking to Whitney, she stressed the value in having a supportive team around her.
“What’s special about Training Now is that they are so supportive. My Teaching and Learning Coach is always available to listen or help me and I know how to access additional support if I need it. Everyone is always there to answer questions I have and to help me learn.”
Whitney is also supported by Training Now’s previous business administration apprentice, Katie, who continues to work within the team; offering her insight into her End Point Assessment and what to expect throughout her apprenticeship.
Unlocking your career potential
Already, Whitney has settled into the team, and to her role. What’s more, she shares a genuine passion for supporting others to receive the learning they need to realise their career potential.
However, for the newest apprentice, there is another factor that makes working at Training Now so rewarding.
Training Now primarily delivers social care apprenticeships and short courses to care staff working for Agincare; one of the UK’s largest care providers. This, Whitney explains, makes her work all the more gratifying.
“My job is so rewarding. I get to help people to care for people. I help give them the training to do that.”
For Whitney, her business administration apprenticeship is helping her to escape the dilemma faced by many leaving school and looking for a career. She is gaining the qualifications needed to open new doors for the future.
While her exact path remains unclear, Whitney stressed how her apprenticeship was a means of opening up new doors for the future.
“Apprenticeships are a stepping stone into more options. I want to work my way up in administration and take opportunities that gaining my qualification will open up for me.”
Drawing our conversation to an end, we asked Whitney what advice she would give to anyone considering an apprenticeship with Training Now. Her advice:
“Go for it. It’s a big step towards your long term goal and everyone is so supportive and helpful.”
At the start of December, Training Now welcomed Tara Roudiani to the Managing Director’s chair.
Tara brings with her over 24 years of experience in teaching and learning, beginning her career in education at the age of 26 as a support worker for a deaf learner at Bournemouth Arts University.
Since then she has worked her way through the ranks, achieving her teaching qualification and going on to receive a degree from Southampton University in Post-Compulsory Education and Training.
Tara joins the Training Now team from her previous role as Quality Manager and Deputy Head of Service at Lambeth Council where she was responsible for all aspects of quality across the provision. She was also responsible for curriculum development and commissioned specific courses and providers to meet the needs of Lambeth residents.
Who is Tara?
Her shift to Training Now however, marks a return to her true passion for apprenticeships and the positive impacts they have on career and personal development. Tara explains,
“Training Now is an incredible opportunity for me to get back to apprenticeships which is something I really believe in. I have enormous respect for anyone who is working and learning; I gained my degree while I was working full-time with a 3-year old at my feet.”
Tara and her husband Alex met while teaching at Bournemouth and Poole College. Coincidently, Tara’s parents also met this way. Together they have a 15-year-old daughter, Maya, and two dogs; Marvellous Marvis, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Piglet, a French Bulldog.
Born in Iran, Tara and her family moved to England at the start of the Iranian Revolution when she was only 6 years old. At the time, she could speak very little English.
“I was only 6 and when learning to speak I just heard and absorbed Farsi. I remember my mother telling me that although I knew a few words in English, I was stubborn and refused to speak it or answer people who spoke to me in English. When I came over here, they sent me to boarding school in the New Forest and they soon taught me to speak it.”
Taking the helm as the Managing Director of Training Now, Tara’s experience and passion for teaching and learning promises to steer the company to further successes; reaching out to new employers and delivering innovative and bespoke training.
“Training Now will be employers’ first choice for apprenticeship training because they are clamouring to be trained by such an effective team who routinely deliver the best learning experience for apprentices.”
We wish Tara a warm welcome to Training Now, and to the Agincare Group. Scott Jones, Operations Director for Training Now adds,
“We are excited to welcome Tara to our team who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge within the sector. We are already seeing the many benefits and valued changes Tara has to offer.”
Training Now
Training Now specialises in delivering practical social care, education and business apprenticeships as well as bespoke short courses and professional qualifications nationwide.
The team of qualified professionals are on-hand to support learners and employers by delivering a package of training bespoke to individual or employer needs.
This also includes access to a range of support services designed to help learners get the most out of their qualifications and discover their career goals.
If you are currently doing an apprenticeship with Training Now and need support studying for your functional skills qualification in Mathematics, you can join our free, face-to-face sessions. The online video call meetings take place every Tuesday and Friday between 6 and 8pm.
It is a requirement of an apprenticeship that apprentices have or gain a level 2 (GCSE equivalent) qualification in English and Mathematics. British Sign Language qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.
Apprentices without the required qualification need to achieve this level prior to completion of their Apprenticeship. They are supported by their allocated Teaching and Learning Coach.
Although all apprentices receive mentoring sessions with their Teaching and Learning Coach at least once a month, Training Now is committed to opening pathways for individuals to seek further assistance with their studies.
The three-month trial of functional skills tutoring is part of that commitment. It offers an opportunity for those currently studying for their Level 2 Maths qualification to receive additional tuition alongside their normal mentoring and online learning.
Director of Training Now, Scott Jones explains:
“We are trialing Maths tutoring as this has been identified as a key point of failure for apprentices. By providing that additional face-to-face support, we are giving apprentices a chance to talk through areas they find challenging in a way they are unable to do on the e-learning platform.”
Apprentices complete the qualification through Skills Forward, an e-portfolio system which enables a greater autonomy over how and when the individual learns compared to traditional, classroom-based teaching.
While the virtual learning enables apprentices to work their studies around other commitments, Training Now acknowledges the importance of providing a range of support services to assist them in gaining their qualifications.
Delivery Manager, Jo-anne Mackay added:
“Everyone learns differently and, by setting up these sessions, we are giving our apprentices a choice in how they learn. The tutoring is not there to replace the e-learning platform, but it gives apprentices a chance to ask questions, and engage in discussion about their learning.”
A month into the service, the functional skills sessions have a 100% pass rate and continue to welcome apprentices weekly. With this success, Training Now is looking at further increasing the support services it provides.
Functional skills tutoring in level 2 English and ICT are set to accompany the current Maths sessions and careers advice service for apprentices in the coming months.
To find out more, or to join the free functional skills tutoring sessions, contact your Teaching and Learning Coach or call: 01305 897655
Shortly before their arrival in October, Agincare International, the global recruitment arm of Agincare, approached Training Now for a combination of mandatory and tailored courses to their new job role within Agincare.
Tailored program of staff training
Within two weeks, Training Now, which is situated close to the Agincare head office on Portland, put together a tailored program of courses which combined the wishes of Agincare International directors and their own expertise in delivering high quality staff training.
At the start of their training, each international employee received a training programme relating to the courses they were undertaking and a reflective diary. Jo-Anne Mackay, Delivery Manager for Training Now explained-
“We gave them a pack containing the training program they would be undertaking and a reflective journal for them to fill out each day. It is important that people reflect back on learning.”
Over their two-week training period, the five new employees completed a three-day mandatory induction training which meets the requirements of the care certificate standards. They were given training specific to their new roles including end-of-life training, person-centred dementia care and moving and handling.
On the first day we focus on life in Britain and the new cultures that the employees will be facing in their daily lives.
Jincy, who was an Intensive Care nurse in India, said:
“My favourite was the moving and handling training. It was really fun and engaging.”
They also completed their First Aid training and were presented with their Level 3 certificates on the final day.
In addition to classroom based learning, they also visited Crecy Care Home in Weymouth. This afforded them a unique opportunity to become familiar with the care setting they would be going into at the start of November.
Bespoke Staff Training for your Business
To suit the unique requirements of Agincare International, it was important to adapt the way training was delivered. Jo-Anne explains;
“As this was their first time in the UK, we wanted to ensure they had one consistent trainer. We had to rejig the schedule to suit this but it was important. Consistency helped them to relax and enjoy the training.”
Training Now values the importance of consistency and comfortability in learning. Whether it is a short course or an apprenticeship, staff training is a pathway towards achieving career goals. That pathway should be both enjoyable, and a positive memory that they can reflect on when in the work environment.
For the full two weeks of training, the new employees were accompanied by Trainer, Mandy who took on the role of teacher and mentor.
Reeja, who comes from Thiruvalla in India, said:
“Mandy is a wonderful teacher. She has given us hope and a good time.”
By ensuring that the trainees were taught by Mandy whenever possible, they were able to relax and enjoy the experience; forming professional relationships in the process.
More than just training
By the end of the two weeks together, the employees, who had been unknown to each other less than a month before, had formed close bonds and shared memories.
Describing what the training had meant to her, Reeja added:
“It’s about the emotional bonding with training. We have all become close with Mandy too.”
On their final day in the classroom, the group of trainees expressed their gratitude to Mandy by presenting her with a thank you card.
The five employees have now begun their placements in care homes across the south of England and Agincare International hopes this will only be the start of their global recruitment initiative.
Why Training Now?
We offer a wide range of staff training courses tailored to your specific needs. We can:
Embed your own ways of working and policies into the course content, providing you with a bespoke staff training package.
Deliver our courses to suit you – from half a day to a full week, or as refresher training.
Provide staff training in your own venue, or at one of our 12 training venues across the country.
Deliver our courses as e-learning, distance study or in a training room.
Create bespoke courses and training programmes for you.
If you are seeking bespoke staff training for your employees, contact Training Now on: 01305 897655
Over the past two years, Saira has combined studying with a career as a Home Care Assistant as well as taking care of her three children at home.
Having now achieved her end point assessment, we caught up with Saira to find out more about her experience doing a Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship.
Stepping back into studies
Saira has worked at Agincare’s Woking home care branch for the past 7 years. In 2019, having spent time considering a means of progressing in her career, Saira approached her manager about doing a Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship.
“It was good because it was flexible. I have three kids so I can’t go to a college and study, especially during Covid. So I was able to study whilst at work. My Teaching and Learning Coach was always available to do phone calls and text when I needed extra help.”
Saira has three daughters aged 5, 10 and 14. As schools closed during the pandemic, the flexibility that the apprenticeship offered Saira meant she could continue her studies.
Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship
Having chosen a course, Saira’s manager, Bev, put her in touch with training provider, Training Now.
Training Now is a nationwide training company specialising in social care, education and business apprenticeships. Although a separate business, it works closely with Agincare and all apprenticeships are provided by Agincare Group Ltd.
Apprenticeships usually last between 15 and 18 months, depending on contracted work hours. However, for Saira, the coronavirus pandemic would see her course go from face-to-face to virtual learning.
Doing an apprenticeship during the pandemic
Describing the affect that the coronavirus pandemic had on her Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship, Saira explains:
“They were so understanding and flexible with the apprenticeships. When I had a busy week they would give me less work to do that week, and I would do more when I have time. They really worked with me.”
Saira is thankful for the support and tailored learning afforded to her by Training Now and its team. Rather than being confined to a strict learning plan, the training could be adapted to accommodate for unexpected changes in routine or work.
Saira also described how her teaching and learning coaches helped to motivate and push her towards completing the Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship.
“I had a team of two teaching and learning coaches, Daniela and Gemma were both excellent.”
With the support of Training Now, Saira has been able to complete her Level 3 qualification regardless of the challenges faced during the pandemic.
The different methods of learning available, be it in branch, zoom, or phone meetings meant that Saira did not miss out on her education and has benefitted greatly from her apprenticeship.
What’s next for Saira?
Already Saira has seen the benefits of her studies. In June, four months before completing her Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship, Saira was promoted from Home Care Assistant to Care Coordinator. Woking branch manager, Bev White, said:
“Saira has benefitted greatly from the training she has completed, her confidence has grown and she has now successfully been promoted to care coordinator and is a valued member of the office team.”
That decision in 2019 to return to studies has proven to be rewarding, helped by the flexibility and support offered by Training Now. It has already seen Saira progress her career and feel confident in her new role. She added:
“The apprenticeship really helps. I remember things I learnt, like data protection, every time I’m at work.”
What’s more, Saira is considering another course and progressing further in her career.
“I have an appointment with Training Now for careers advice next week. I want to keep studying and progress. I’m thinking of doing level 4, then level 5.”
Training Now encourages all apprentices to book a session with a careers advisor. Whether they are looking to create a CV, or need advice on avenues of career progression, the careers advice service continues to support apprentices even after their course has ended.
When asked if she would consider continuing her education, Saira added:
“If I was to do any further training, I would definitely do it through Training Now.”
Entering an apprenticeship programme is a great way to earn while you learn and means you can put your skills, knowledge and experience into practice straightaway.
