bwhittle@accesstraining.org, Author at Access Training

Author Archives: bwhittle@accesstraining.org

Last chance to secure funded Team Leader apprenticeships following de-funding decision

Gateshead-based Access Training has been delivering the Level 3 Team Leader apprenticeship for eight years – upskilling hundreds of employees at a wide range of companies including Fairstone Group, Collingwood Business Solutions, University of Sunderland, Avery Dennison, Greenbean, Brewlab and TGA Consulting Engineers.

The Department for Education announced in March that it will no longer fund the course, along with 15 others – a decision that Access Training’s MD, David Armstrong, describes as “disappointing”.

A small number of funded places are now available for the next, and final, course intake which starts this summer.

The programme covers a wide range of transferrable skills such as leading people, managing employees, building relationships and communication and builds knowledge of operational management, project management, finance, management of self and decision making.

A recent group of 10 Team Leader apprentices who studied at Access Training all passed with distinction on the leadership development programme. The learners came from office-based roles, manufacturing, and production environments – each with differing levels of experience.

The apprenticeship, led by Business & Management trainer, Darren Ashton, focuses on building practical leadership capability and workplace confidence, tailored to individual learners.

Darren said: “A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to tailor the team leadership training to each individual. I’m very proud of the group and their achievements. Some were new to education, some were returning and it’s been an absolute pleasure to see them all succeed.”

Several learners have progressed their careers since completing the programme – highlighting the course’s impact beyond the classroom. Among them is Luca Tomassetti, a catering manager at Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, who praised the immediate value of the training.

He said: “The programme has helped me improve my leadership skills, build confidence and make a positive impact on my team. I enjoyed learning practical techniques and management approaches that I could apply straight away.”

The apprenticeship has opened doors to new opportunities. Josh Miller, shift leader at Renolit, was recommended for an operations manager role following completion, while Lucy Ross-Knight of Miller Groundbreaking secured a promotion to marketing manager.

Lucy said: “Darren was an excellent trainer and I felt supported throughout. The sessions were highly relevant to real workplace situations and the skills I’ve developed have helped me grow as a leader and boosted my confidence.”

Former apprentice and now business development consultant at Access Training, Matt Spencer, adds: “I’ve experienced first-hand how the programme helps develop core management skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

“From additional sessions to End Point Assessment preparation, the support learners receive goes above and beyond.”

Final funded places available

With funding for Team Leader and Operations Manager apprenticeships set to be withdrawn, Access Training is offering a limited number of final funded places, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Employers looking to upskill staff or invest in future leadership talent are encouraged to act now to avoid missing out.

To find out more or reserve a place, contact Matt Spencer on 07821 663697 or email mspencer@accesstraining.org.

More than just a training provider…

Gateshead-based Access Training provides upskilling courses and apprenticeships in HR, project management, team leading and management, accountancy, business administration, learning & skills teaching, and fire, emergency & security systems.

We have been delivering training programmes for businesses and individuals across the North East for over 40 years. We have a genuine interest in the success of the companies we work with and the people we train, and we aim to provide a personal, bespoke service.

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Expert Training Provider has signed a new agreement to show their support for the Armed Forces.

The expert training provider has pledged to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant by offering employment support to members of the Armed Forces Community.

Access Training is proud to have eight members of their team who are Veterans or military family members and wants to extend their support to employers they work with and the wider Armed Forces Community.

Managing Director, David Armstrong, said: “We recognise the contribution that Service personnel and their families make to our organisation, our community and to the country. By signing the covenant, we have pledged our commitment to support veterans and acknowledge that serving personnel and military families should be treated with respect.”

Quality Manager, Tracey Malkin, whose father served as a Sergeant in the RAF, led on the application process. She commented: “It is important that we encourage more applications from members of the Armed Forces community and demonstrate active non-discrimination regarding interview opportunities.

“We also want to support veterans, in particular, by encouraging and offering training in skills not gained in the Armed Forces, to help and support them with employment opportunities and to thrive in civilian life.”

The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge of support to the armed forces community. It is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect.

Businesses and charities can sign the Covenant to demonstrate their concrete support for the armed forces community. For Access Training and their staff members, this is even more pertinent.

Ethan Roberts, Curriculum Lead and ex-Royal Navy, said: “Being recognised as part of the Armed Forces Covenant sends a really positive message to the ex-forces community, and demonstrates that we recognise and understand the skills, experience and qualities that ex-forces personnel possess and how these can positively impact business and society.

“It also demonstrates that we understand and can relate to some of the challenges faced on the transition back to civilian life. At this time of year especially, around Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, service personnel both past and present are foremost in many people’s minds, and our membership of the Armed Forces Covenant gives a level of reassurance to veterans that they are valued and understood.”

Stuart Fiddler, Trainer and ex-Army, added: “The education and opportunities we can offer ex-service personnel are incredibly important. In my own experience, I’ve gained a better understanding of how things are conducted in the civilian sector and how I’ve been able to transfer not just my knowledge and experience, but also enhance and develop the qualifications I already had.

“I’m undertaking numerous qualifications to build my portfolio, and I’m able to pass on knowledge and experiences from the forces in my delivery. It’s rewarding to see my experience helping others, with learners stating the knowledge and experience I have provided is invaluable.”

For more information about the Armed Forces Covenant and how you can get involved, please visit: https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/

More than just a training provider…

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Stress Awareness Month 2025: How Access Training Supports Mental Wellbeing at Work

This year’s theme, #LeadWithLove, encourages workplaces to embrace empathy, compassion, and human connection as powerful tools for improving wellbeing and resilience.

At Access Training, we know that looking after mental health isn’t just a one-off effort—it’s about creating a supportive and balanced environment every day.

Recognising the Impact of Stress

Work-related stress can affect focus, morale, relationships and even physical health. According to the Stress Management Society, creating a culture of kindness and understanding in the workplace can help reduce stress and boost overall happiness and productivity. That’s why we take a proactive approach to supporting our team’s wellbeing.

What We Do at Access Training

We’re proud of the positive, inclusive culture we’ve built at Access Training. Here are just a few ways we help reduce stress and support each other:

Monthly ‘Shout Outs’: During our team meetings, everyone—not just managers or team leads—has the chance to give a shout out to a colleague. It’s a simple but meaningful way to recognise hard work and celebrate wins together.

Encouraging Regular Breaks: We actively promote taking breaks throughout the day, especially lunch breaks. Many of our teams take walks outside to reset and recharge, which is great for both mental clarity and physical health.

Hybrid Working Policy: We’ve embraced hybrid working to give our team greater flexibility. Being able to work from home part of the week supports a better work-life balance, which in turn reduces stress and helps our team stay focused and energised.

Promoting Work-Life Balance: We encourage our staff to set boundaries and take time to rest and recharge outside of working hours. Balance is key to sustainable success.

More Ways to Support Wellbeing

The Stress Management Society has put together some fantastic resources and challenges to help workplaces embrace the #LeadWithLove ethos. From journaling prompts to team wellbeing activities, these tools are great for inspiring a healthier, more connected culture.

You can explore their latest guides and downloadable resources here:

Lead with Love at Work Challenges (PDF)

Stress Awareness Month 2025 Pack (PDF)

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

We believe that mental wellbeing should be a year-round priority. This Stress Awareness Month, let’s take a moment to check in with ourselves and our colleagues, and continue building a workplace where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported.

More than just a training provider…

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Apprenticeship facts

Access offer over 10 different apprenticeship and advanced apprenticeship frameworks and are one of few providers able to deliver Higher Apprenticeships (level 4) in Accounting and Management (new).

When considering whether to offer apprenticeships within organisations companies may wish to consider the following:

Facts….

80% of those employers who employ apprentices agree they make their workplace more productive.
81% of consumers favour using a company which takes on apprentices.
The National Minimum Wage for apprentices is £2.50 per hour. Many employers prefer to pay more however, and research shows that the average salary is approx £170 per week.
Employers who take on a 16-18 year old apprentice only pay their salary. The Government will fund their training.
Over 100,000 employers offer Apprenticeship places in over 190 job roles across a wide range of sectors.
88% of employers who employ apprentices believe that Apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.
83% of employers who employ apprentices rely on their Apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future.
One in five employers are hiring more apprentices to help them through the tough economic climate

More than just a training provider…

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Pre-Apprenticeship Training in Administration and Customer Service

Delivered at our premises in the Gateshead Skills Academy the programme has been designed to equip individuals with personal and social development skills; knowledge and skills relating to a job role in Administration or Customer Service and functional skills in Math and English.

Training is delivered by our experienced and well-qualified staff and leads to the achievement of nationally recognised qualifications.