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    Author Archives: kpipes@accesstraining.org

    Gateshead training provider shortlisted for prestigious award

    Gateshead training provider shortlisted for prestigious award

    Access Training is excited to announce they have been shortlisted for the AAT Training Provider Awards, under the Apprenticeship Provider of the Year category.

    Back to Accountancy

    Access Training is committed to ensuring that both apprentices and staff achieve their full potential, as reflected in their outstanding AAT outcomes, with achievement rates significantly exceeding national averages.

    Being one of only five shortlisted providers highlights the effectiveness of the high-quality support and culture of continuous improvement that underpins Access Training’s AAT programmes.

    Access Training’s Managing Director, and Chartered Accountant, David Armstrong, said: “We are delighted to see Access Training shortlisted for Apprenticeship Provider of the Year, and we’ll be there to show appreciation for the work that AAT providers do across the country.

    “But more importantly, whether we win or not, we will be there to celebrate our hard work delivering Accounting Apprenticeships to the individuals and employers for the northeast. It’s not always easy, but our team does an amazing job and I’m so proud of them.”

    The AAT Training Provider Awards returns for its 10th year to celebrate outstanding achievements in the finance and accountancy industry, and is open to training providers currently delivering accounting apprenticeships, using AAT qualifications, in the UK.

    By combining strong communication, learner support, robust employer engagement and continuous professional development, Access Training aims to create an environment where both apprentices and Trainers thrive and excellence becomes the standard.

    Director of Training, Sharon Wallace said: “We are incredibly proud to be shortlisted for the AAT Provider of the Year Award 2026. This recognition reflects the dedication, and unwavering commitment our team brings to supporting every learner’s journey.

    “Being acknowledged among the sector’s leading providers is an honour, and it reinforces the impact of our work to deliver high‑quality, accessible, accountancy education. We’re excited for the next steps and remain motivated to continue raising the bar for excellence across the AAT community.”

    Senior Accounts Trainer, Sarah Hoggard, said: “I am so proud of our team at Access Training for being shortlisted for Apprenticeship Provider of the Year. As Senior Trainer for Accounts I have seen the hard work, dedication and support our trainers give and it shows with the results we see. Even if we don’t win it is so nice to see all of our efforts being recognised and appreciated!”

    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.

    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.

    Get in touch

      Experienced Worker Assessment

      Experienced Worker Assessment

      Why do experienced Fire and Security Engineers need it?

      Back to Fire, Emergency & Security Systems

      Award-winning North-East training provider Access Training is highlighting the importance of Experienced Worker Assessments (EWA) for experienced Fire and Security Engineers to demonstrate their competency.

      ECS card criteria has changed, and to be recognised on site as a FESS Systems Technician, you now need to hold a relevant level 3 qualification, otherwise you may need to apply for a labourer or operatives card – this why more and more experienced engineers are enrolling on the EWA course.

      The Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) route is mapped directly into the Fire Emergency and Security Systems Apprenticeship Standard, and therefore entitles experienced engineers to apply for a full JIB/ECS Gold Card, based on their experience in the industry.

      FESS Curriculum Leader at Access Training, Ethan Roberts, said: “The Experienced Worker Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation designed for experienced candidates who have not completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship or for those who do not hold a relevant Level 3 qualification.

      “EWA instead allows them to demonstrate their occupational competence and showcase their skills and experience, enabling them to gain recognised industry accreditation in the process.”

      EWA is aimed at candidates that have a minimum of 5 years working in the Fire and Security sector, and will enable them to apply for full technician status, covering all aspects of an engineer’s role, including installation, testing and commissioning, and service and repair.

      The recent changes to prerequisites for ECS cards suggest that the industry is changing, so it is increasingly important that companies aren’t left behind with skills gaps and a lack of accredited engineers – subsequently, the EWA route is gaining momentum.

      Ethan Roberts continues: “Here at Access Training, we want to help companies and their engineers stay as up to date with procedures and regulations as possible, with EWA serving as an obvious route for practiced engineers looking to validate their experience.

      “With these recent changes, and the requirement for additional validation, time is of the essence for experienced engineers to get their EWA completed, as the course can take up to 12 months from induction to final assessment.

      “Meanwhile, for employers, having your engineers complete EWA not only allows them to meet the requirements to apply for the ECS Gold Card, but also ensures that they are safe, compliant, competent, and ready for career advancement in the fire, emergency, and security systems industry.”

      According to the expert training providers, there are many other benefits to completing EWA, such as ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, demonstrating opportunities for career progression and contributing to high standards of quality in the sector.

      Engineers can choose to do a single pathway in either fire or security or you can opt for both. The assessment is assured by BPEC and is supported by industry and recognised by the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme.

      Gateshead-based Access Training are one of only three approved BPEC approved training centres in the country offering the BPEC FESS Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA).

      EWA Learners initially attend an induction, including refresher training on safe isolation procedures, and will then have up to 12 months to produce a portfolio of evidence, complete 60 multi-choice questions and undertake a practical assessment and professional discussion based on the portfolio.

      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, school support, digital, marketing 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.

      Get in touch

        A new chapter: Access Training and MTC Training

        A new chapter

        Access Training and MTC Training

        Award-winning North-East training provider Access Training is excited to announce a new strategic partnership with Sunderland-based MTC Training.

        Following the recent acquisition by the University of Sunderland, Access Training is undergoing a period of significant growth and will assume responsibility for the current MTC portfolio from 1st April 2025.

        Working together, Access will continue to provide MTC’s complete range of training programmes at their current site in St Peter’s Gate, Sunderland, in addition to other offerings in Accounting, Business and Management, and Fire & Security at their site in Team Valley, Gateshead.

        Access Training’s Managing Director, David Armstrong, said: “With over 40 years of training experience, particularly within apprenticeships, we have a proud history of delivering high quality training over a broad portfolio of subjects.

        “We are confident that we will be able to build on the strong relationships established with MTC over the years and we look forward to working with the MTC team to build on the respective successes of each organisation.”

        MTC Training is one of a number of successful commercial enterprises formed by the University of Sunderland, and are experts in delivering IT, Leadership, Management & Business Administration training and apprenticeships.

        Their expert trainers will continue to deliver in areas such as IT Technical, Desktop Applications, Advanced Leadership & Management Training and Advanced Apprenticeships in Team Leader / Supervisor and Business Administration, with additional support and expertise from Access Training.

        David Armstrong continues: “Through our ongoing partnership with the University of Sunderland, we now have the opportunity for two fantastic organisations to work to grow together, increase learner pathways and increase our impact on the north-east region.”

        The University of Sunderland’s acquisition of Access Training, and this new partnership, will allow for a broader range of programmes, supporting greater access to apprenticeships and other commercial training routes, and providing alternative pathways to higher education.

        Amanda Corbitt, Head of Commercial Training Services at the University of Sunderland, said: “The University is excited at the merger of MTC and Access Training which will enhance and broaden our existing CPD and Apprenticeship portfolio.

        “This new partnership will strengthen the offer from both organisations whilst also providing Access Training’s customers the opportunity to explore exceptional progression routeways to higher-level degree apprenticeships.

        “These include programmes such as MBA Level 7 Senior Leader, MSc Level 7 HR, and BSc (Hons) Digital, equip learners with the skills and qualifications to excel in their careers while empowering employers with the skilled talent needed to drive growth.”

        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, school support, digital, marketing 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.

        Get in touch

          North East training provider appoints two new senior leaders to support change and growth

          North East training provider appoints two new senior leaders to support change and growth.

          North East training provider, Access Training, which was recently acquired by The University of Sunderland, has appointed two new directors to support it through an expected period of significant growth.

          Gateshead-based Access Training, which employs 31 people, has welcomed Tim Pain and Andrea Walters to their senior management team.

          The directorships will be undertaken alongside their roles at The University of Sunderland where Tim is director of innovation & skills and Andrea is chief operating officer.

          They will work with Access Training’s managing director, David Armstrong, and director of training, Sharon Wallace, on strategic planning for the business and as conduits between the firm and the University.

          Tim has been with The University of Sunderland for almost 12 years and brings a wealth of senior and board experience in economic development, business engagement and change management, to the role. His previous positions include head of business and enterprise skills at regional development agency, One North East, and as an independent business consultant who worked on the development of an Enterprise and Innovation Strategy for the city of Sunderland.

          Andrea has extensive senior leadership experience gained in both private and public sector organisations and significant experience of leading large-scale organisational change, particularly within the higher education sector. This includes developing and leading cultural, structural and operating model transformations.

          Access Training managing director, David Armstrong, comments: “Having Tim and Andrea on our senior management team will have a profound positive impact on the company going forward.

          “They bring strengths in commercial and funded contracts and the wider education landscape as well as HR, legal, governance and operations expertise. All of which will help us to navigate our way through the change and expansion anticipated, following our buy-out by the University.”

          Tim Pain said: “We see this as a really exciting partnership that will enable us to provide a much wider offer to employers in the region and beyond.”

          Andrea Walters, adds: “We’re very much looking forward to working with Access Training to build on their outstanding achievements to date.”

          The University of Sunderland has been a major player in a number of recent skills programmes across the North East of England, all of which have been focussed on developing the regional workforce. The acquisition of Access Training allows it to deliver a broader range of programmes, support greater access to apprenticeships and other training routes, and provide alternative pathways to higher education.

          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, school support, digital, marketing 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.

          Get in touch

            University of Sunderland acquires Access Training

            University of Sunderland acquires Access Training

            The University of Sunderland has announced today that it has acquired Access Training, an award-winning and highly regarded independent training provider that delivers commercial skills training and apprenticeships to businesses and individuals across the north-east of England.

            Gateshead-based Access Training, which employs 31 people, provides upskilling courses and apprenticeships in HR, project management, team leading and management, accountancy, business administration, learning and skills teaching, and fire, emergency, and security systems.

            The University has been a major player in a number of recent skills programmes across the region, all of which have been focussed on developing the regional workforce. The acquisition of Access Training allows it to deliver a broader range of programmes, support greater access to apprenticeships and other training routes, and provide alternative pathways to higher education.

            Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland said, “As preparing for the future is so crucial to the region’s success, the partnership between the University and Access Training will help businesses to grow and individuals progress in their careers.

            “At the same time, we intend to become both a competitive and leading player in the skills and training market, building on our already strong presence across the private, public and voluntary sectors.”

            Access Training will continue to trade under its existing name and remain based at its site on Team Valley, Gateshead. It will be led by current Managing Director, David Armstrong who said: “This acquisition solidifies Access Training’s position as a leading vocational training provider and will create organic growth opportunities.

            “Access has earned a solid track record for delivering best-in-class skills training over the past four decades and becoming part of the University will allow us to further enhance our services for clients. Access and the University have worked increasingly closely since 2020 and we are delighted to formally strengthen that relationship.

            “To have a respected global brand like the University of Sunderland recognise the importance of our operation to the north east’s training and skills sector is a proud moment.”

            Picture: Left to right: Andrea Walters (Chief Operations Officer and Director of Access Training) Sir David Bell (Chief Executive and Vice Chancellor) David Armstrong (Managing Director of Access Training) and Sharon Wallace (Director of Training of Access Training)

            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, school support, digital, marketing 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.

            Get in touch