Learner Starting Point“I have been out of work for over 7 months due to health concerns, and I was ready to look at going back in to work. I liked the look of the roles that were advertised as I had previous experience in the sector and really enjoyed that line of work so the…
In June 2021 mother and son, Jill and Thomas, took part in one of the Optimum Skills Hospitality courses located in Durham. One year on they have been successful in opening their own business on Durham’s River Walk. The Maple Patisserie boasts an array of tasty treats, freshly made drinks and a friendly atmosphere in…
Why did you enrol on this course? “I have been out of work since January, and I really wanted to get back into work. I liked the look of the roles that were advertised.” What has your learner journey been like to date? “Even though I wasn’t sure about doing the course at first, I’m…
Optimum Skills have been working in partnership with Tomahawk Steakhouse to provide opportunities for the development of both new and existing staff through apprenticeship qualifications. Aidan joined Tomahawk Steakhouse in Acklam Hall as a Commis Chef Apprentice after completing an employability course with Optimum Skills. He is growing his skills, knowledge and confidence on the…
Beth recently achieved a distinction in her Bricklaying Apprenticeship with Training Provider Optimum Skills and employer Shaw Construction! She started her journey on a Traineeship at the Optimum Skills Construction Academy and found a passion for bricklaying. From there Beth did work experience with Willmott Dixon and Shaw Construction and was offered the opportunity to…
What were you doing career-wise before the course and what led you to join the course?“I’m currently signing on, I used to work for a company called Costco and I was there for 6 years. Basically the job centre put me in touch with Reed in Partnership, which passed me over to this course. I…
How did you first hear about Optimum Skills? “They came recommended from one of our employees who had worked with Optimum Skills in previous years.” What challenges / problems or trends in the industry required the assistance of Optimum Skills? “We had an opportunity in our Garage Network Team to hire a Customer Service Advisor…
Why did you enrol on this course? “I enrolled on this course as I thought that it would allow me to expand my knowledge on hospitality as well as gaining the qualifications to move forward in my career.” What has your learner journey been like to date? “My learner journey has been knowledge based. This…
A group of several learners took part in our Business Admin Routeway in Newton Aycliffe to gain the necessary skills and qualifications to be able to progress into employment. This is what a few of the learners thought about the course. Brydie (Business Admin Course, Newton Aycliffe, November 2021) “I have learnt about communication, about…
We recently spoke with Benjamin and Matthew, Warehousing Apprentices, and Chris, Managing Director, at Last Mile Logistic Solutions in Stockton to find out about their experience of apprenticeships and working with Optimum Skills!
A group of several learners took part in our Hospitality Routeway in Durham to gain the necessary skills and qualifications to be able to progress into employment. This is what a few of the learners thought about the course. Ashleigh (Hospitality Course, Durham, September 2021) “I heard about the course through DurhamWorks, some skills I…
Meet Liam, one of our Bricklaying Apprentices who works for Ajay Brickwork! Liam is building his skills, knowledge and realising his potential on his apprenticeship journey. Liam’s goals are to one day open his own construction business using the skills he will gain from his apprenticeship.
A group of several learners took part in our Hospitality Routeway in Durham to gain the necessary skills and qualifications to be able to progress into employment. This is what a few of the learners thought about the course. Brogan (Hospitality Course, Durham, June 2021) “I have learnt, food safety in the kitchen, what ingredients…
George completed a course with Optimum Skills in early 2020, to which he was put into employment with the support of Optimum Skills. However, he found himself looking for work following being laid off due to COVID. After trying to find work with no success, George reached out to us for help, due to the…
Altayeb was enrolled on to the Lean Manufacturing distance learning course as due to current COVID-19 situation was laid off from his employer. He has worked since the age of 12 years old helping his dad in his family owned take away and therefore is not shy of hard work. Prior to beginning the course,…
Michael enrolled onto the course as he wanted to get back into work following redundancy due to the COVID-19 crisis. Michael had previously worked as a chef for many years. During the course, Michael’s son was hospitalised in intensive care 250 miles away and he was unable to visit or help due to the COVID-19…
Learner Journey Sophie enrolled on the course during the Coronavirus lockdown so that she could gain some of the knowledge she needed to try to get into University. During the course Sophie started a new job and has managed to juggle work, training and looking after a young child. Sophie was able to attend several…
Learner Journey The Equality and Diversity course is delivered via distance learning study packs. Scott immediately adapted to working from the packs and subsequently has submitted tasks. His work has been of a consistently high standard. Scott has met submission deadlines and is on track to achieve his qualification. In relation to his Warehousing qualification,…
Learner Journey Paige has been on programme now for five weeks. She came with various anxiety issues being nervous about being in a group situation and concerns about being accepted. Paige had previously attended courses but did not complete any, due to these problems. Our tutor made initial contact by several telephone calls to discuss…
Learner Journey Michael enrolled on the courses, Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care, and Awareness in Dementia Level 2. He felt that with the lockdown, due to Coronavirus, was a great time for him to gain some new skills and look at a change in career path. Michael has attended all training sessions over…
Journey to Date Bethany began her Business Administration apprenticeship with UMi on the 4th March 2019. Following a successful recruitment process with Optimum Skills Bethany was successful in gaining her apprenticeship and is finding the experience very enjoyable. Since deciding that the college environment was not the right path for her development, she approached Optimum…
Journey to Date Beth joined the Optimum Skills Construction Academy on a traineeship in Darlington, not knowing what she wanted to do, or what direction to go in. After a week of training she started to get into her stride. At the academy she was given the opportunity to try joinery, but found it wasn’t…
Journey to Date Kyle is a determined and self-managed young man, who is hardworking and committed to gaining an apprenticeship. He knew what direction he wanted to go in and that he wanted to work in the construction industry. Kyle was extremely enthusiastic in contacting Optimum Skills Construction Academy. Starting as a trainee in September,…
Journey to Date In Shildon a group of 8 learners were completing the Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care L2 qualification, to prepare to gain employment in the social care sector. The group consisted of 6 females and 2 males, ages ranging from 18 to 55. 2 learners in this group had learning support…
Journey to Date Jack is a young learner who came to The Academy with a little knowledge of construction already. He became more confident as the course went on, showed good progression and the correct attitude throughout. Jack had previously completed some construction training elsewhere but needed to concentrate more on certain aspects of Health…
Journey to Date Jason came to the Construction Academy with some previous experience of the construction environment. Prior to joining the Construction Academy, Jason had attended a course with another provider. He became disillusioned with the styles of learning and unfortunately did not progress onto an apprenticeship. Jason took the decision to enrol on a…
Journey to Date Jessica began her apprenticeship in Business Administration with a company which later went into liquidation. This caused a little bit of a delay in Jessica’s progress. She began her new employment with Hughes Bros part way through her qualification. “Optimum picked up the mantel, if you like, and pulled everything together for…
Journey to Date When Jessica joined the Traineeship programme in March, she was initially very apprehensive. She felt that she lacked self-confidence and was very conscious of how the experience of being in a new environment and meeting new people would impact her. Jess had a vague idea of what she wanted to do for…
Journey and Progression to Date Konrad came to the construction centre to start our first traineeship cohort back in January. He was quite shy at first, opening up as the course progressed. He had no problems interacting with the other learners. To start with he did have problems with attendance and punctuality, which was due…
Journey and Progression to Date Becky’s journey with Arlington Automotive has seen her develop massively with her professionalism, understanding of the company and her job role. She has gained confidence with communicating to suppliers and customers and rarely asks for support with tasks. She is proactive with taking on work and completes it to a…
Journey to Date Minster Cleaning are a cleaning company based in Blaydon upon Tyne. They also run another business from the premises called Pure Concierge. Both are owned and managed by Simon Bibby. Minster Cleaning are a nationwide company but this franchise in Blaydon employ around 130 people, they are one of the most successful…
Learner Journey to Date When Lewis first started his apprenticeship with Glen Office Supplies, he was very shy however, he didn’t let this hold him back as he always gave his full attention when speaking with people. He had an air of self-confidence, despite being shy. Lewis now has knowledge of store locations, he has…
Learner Journey to Date: Amy was referred to Optimum Skills Construction from YEI (Youth Employment Initiative), on her arrival to the centre she was accompanied by a representative from YEI due to being nervous about being in a different environment. Amy currently works in retail on a 4-hour contract, which is not what she aims…
Learner Journey to Date After a period of uncertainty regarding employment and having various knockbacks in terms of apprenticeships, Matthew started his journey with the reputable Beaumont Grounds Maintenance in April 2018 as an Apprentice in Landscaping and Horticulture. Matthew was selected from a pool of candidates due to his enthusiasm and eagerness, as well…
Learner Journey to Date Paul first arrived at Optimum Skills after signing up as an apprentice butcher in August 2018. Previously Paul took voluntary redundancy from his main employment in mining. Paul has a partner and two young children and has taken this opportunity to find a career path that was more suitable for his…
Learner Journey to Date: Lauren is currently doing a level 2 apprenticeship in childcare at West Park Academy. She started her apprenticeship a year ago, previously she studied hairdressing but realised that wasn’t for her so decided to take a different route. Her day to day duties include, risk assessments on the mornings and afternoons…
Learner Journey to Date: Violet attended a Construction multi skill group which finished on the 19th September 2018, she was the only female in a group of 5. Violet travelled to Darlington from Richmond using public transport every day, she was punctual and always on time for the start of the class. Violet was passionate…
Tracey is working towards her level 3 in Management at Supportive in Ferryhill. Her Assessor is Chris Humble who has worked closely with Tracey to help her get to a level 2 in functional Maths, English, and ICT, so that she can pass her tests. Michael Arnold has also worked with Tracey teaching her Level…
