Brockencote Hall front of house staff Amy Teague and Izabela Larroque are today celebrating after achieving their Level 2 NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) in Customer Service, thanks to a fully funded training scheme delivered by Kidderminster College.

The scheme, Train to Gain, offers companies full funding for NVQ training for any staff over 19 who haven't previously achieved a full Level 2 qualification (equivalent to 5 good GCSEs). Devised by the Learning and Skills Council, Train to Gain, ensures that employers can support all their employees to develop basic skills, including literacy and numeracy, and work towards relevant, valuable qualifications to at least Level 2.

NVQ Assessors from Kidderminster College have been working with Amy and Izabela since November last year and, through a series of assessments based upon performance criteria reflecting the skills and competencies of the customer service industry, they have both successfully achieved their qualification.

Commenting on the course, Amy said: "The work was certainly hard to begin with but once we got into it, it became easier and I began to see the benefit in my work. Thanks to the course I am now much more confident in my ability to deal with customers."

"The course has certainly helped with my English and I can now help customers more confidently using the skills I have been taught," added Izabela.

Alison Petitjean, Proprietor of Brockencote Hall said: "I am really pleased with the development in Amy and Izabela through their NVQ course. Originally we were looking for a course which encompassed customer care and would ultimately improve our ability to look after our customers. This course has done just that and customers are benefitting from more confident and knowledgeable staff."

Tracy Skelding NVQ Co-ordinator at Kidderminster College said: "Train to Gain is a fantastic way to encourage and develop staff. We are extremely pleased with the dedication and commitment to learning shown by both Amy and Isabella and are thrilled to hear that Brockencote Hall will continue their development through the Level 2 NVQ in Business Admin."

Over the last 6 months, Kidderminster College, which excels in offering training solutions for employers, has provided training to over 84 companies in the area - either in the workplace or at its modern town-centre based establishment.

"Kidderminster College has built a reputation as a leading establishment for workplace training," continues Tracy. "We are delighted that Wyre Forest Brockencote Hall chose Kidderminster College to help them achieve their goal of developing their staff to excel in customer service; Amy and Isabella will be great representatives for Brockencote."

If you or your company is interested in finding out more about Train to Gain and the funding available, contact Kidderminster College's Business Unit on 01562 512029, or visit the website at www.kidderminster.ac.uk.