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essential skills. know how to get ahead.

John Templeton, Chief Executive, Craigavon Area Hospital Group has a strong personal commitment to further education and lifelong learning and gives his reasons for promoting Essentials Skills within his company.

Greater challenges

John Templeton said: “Increased competition in the Craigavon area had created greater challenges for employers and by investing in our staff we hoped to set ourselves apart from our competitors and offer something to employees that will give them an incentive to choose us and an opportunity to upskill and improve their quality of life”.

Solution

The Essential Skills programme linked Craigavon Area Hospital Group with the Upper Bann Institute which facilitated learners with an advice centre and a place of study. The College assisted with the structure and execution of the course and was readily available for help and advice.

After identifying the need for Essentials Skills in the workplace Craigavon Area Health Trust Group engaged 14 Adult Learners on their Essential Skills programme.

Staff determination

John Templeton said: “While the Trust decided to promote Essential Skills training among our workforce, it was the courage and determination of the staff who stepped forward to meet the challenge that made the difference. Their successful achievement proved that there is an untapped resource within every organisation. I believe these people to be the true ambassadors of learning."

“I strongly believe that every individual has the same capacity to learn. What makes the difference is a person’s motivation and most of all the opportunity given to them."

Second chance

“As a major employer and one that is engaged as a major teaching and education resource in relation to health care professionals - Doctors, Nurses, and Allied Health Professionals - we knew we could further provide our support services - Laundry, Catering, Domestic Services and Portering - with an opportunity for a second chance in relation to their education and skills base and through this provide them with improved job and promotion prospects”.