Offering either administration or general service orientation, the content was specific to these areas. At the end of the four weeks, the candidates obtained recognized certificates in health and safety, food hygiene and data science.
There was also ‘a day in the life’ where NHS Borders board secretary Iris Bishop shared her experiences and gave the group invaluable insight into their busy and vital role.
Mia Thomson successfully completed the course administration route and subsequently secured a modern apprenticeship position with the Scottish Borders Council. Delighted with her success, Mia told us about her success:
“I graduated from college in 2016 after completing my SVQ in Beauty Therapy, then worked in the industry until I decided to change my career path. I was looking for something office automation, I started working in customer service roles from that point on.
“The course came to my mind when I was recently made redundant and was looking to stand out to new employers and wanted to be more confident in my abilities because I had not fully utilized my skills. Microsoft Excel from university.
“As the course drew to a close I had obtained a modern apprenticeship with the Scottish Borders Council for Environmental Health – Business Administration, currently I have just moved into work and look forward to completing my SVQ level 3 in business administration and trying to secure a full-time position at the end of my apprenticeship.
“I couldn’t believe how easy online learning was! I would follow our online schedule for our classes and join our class through Microsoft Teams and our lectures explain our work and send us our assignments during our own study time. The access granted by the college to use the free Microsoft package made our work hassle-free.
“It was just a call or an email for help. The conferences allowed us to have speakers from the field in which we were aiming a career to tell us about a day in their role and about the company to give us additional knowledge to support us.
“I would 100% recommend the course to others. If you’re looking for a chance to get your foot in the door or start a new career path, go for it! Now is a great time to try something new and if you want to start from scratch, the course will give you that great start! “
Fiona Turnbull, Account Manager, Contracts, Procurement and Employability, said:
“I am delighted to hear that Mia has found a job in her new career path and that the Train to Gain course has helped her achieve this by refreshing her skills and gaining confidence. Due to COVID restrictions, the course was online and it’s great to hear how well it worked for Mia. We wish him the best for his learning.
Not only has attending the course been positive for Mia in obtaining her apprenticeship, following her accomplishments, Iain Bell is also taking action in her future career by finding a job with the NHS at Borders General Hospital.
Iain commented:
“The course helped me be more aware and think more about my actions when dealing with others. After working 20 years as a lab technician in production control, the course gave me a better understanding and appreciation of why some people act the way they do.
Commenting on the course delivery method, Iain added
“I think the e-learning approach is actually better than working in the classroom, as I have found it to be more relaxed and less formal, giving more time to work at your own pace and when time permits. The support was great as someone is only an email away and I always had a quick response to any issues / questions. I would recommend the course because everything is explained simply.
