Applications for the 2010 Wider Horizons Programme - Canada Choices programme have now closed.

The programme has 3 phases:

Phase 1 Training: 10 weeks training, personal development and mutual understanding delivered at Austins Quality Training Services with 2 day residential and site visits to venues promoting mutual understanding. The training will include: Introductory Retail Skills; Food Hygiene; Catering Skills, IT and Conflict Prevention & Handling. The training delivered will to Level 2 of the national qualifications framework.

Phase 2 Work Experience: 8 weeks on location in London, Ontario, Canada. Candidates will live independently, have a social programme and workplacement in a variety industries including retail & warehousing; catering & hospitality and business administration.

Phase 3 Job Search & Evaluation: 2 weeks following return to Ireland will include completion of mutual understanding programme, job search activities and programme evaluation residential.

This is a cross-community cross-border programme and open to participants from both Nortern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. Participants must be 18 to 28 years of age and currently unemployed.

Anyone wishing to take part in a future programme or would like to recieve additional information are asked to contact Sharon McElhinney at sharonm@austinstraining.com or Tel: 028 7126 9324.

Austins were delighted to recieve the Training/People Development Award at the Derry City Business Awards 2009 ceremony held in the City Hotel on Friday 2nd October. The award recognises the development and implementation of our key learning programme which has positively impacted on both the workforce and the performance of our business.

We thank FP McCann who sponsored this award and all at City Centre Initiative for their continued support.

The New Autumn 2009 course prospectus has been launched today and includes the new ILM qualifcations together with the updated qualifications for the Retail and Hospitality industries. AQTS have been swift to update courses to meet the new occupational standards and ensure that our candidates have the best available training provisions.

Download a prospectus now

Austins Quality Training Services to deliver internationally recognised training to local managers

With the recession starting to bite, local business leaders in North West are being encouraged to gain the edge over their competition by taking management qualifications from the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM), which are now available at Austins Quality Training Services.

Austins Quality Training Services has recently successfully achieved the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) Approved Centre status and will begin delivering ILM qualifications from 1st September 2009.

Joining the largest awarding body for leadership and management qualifications in the UK and a global network of over 2,000 accredited centres, Austins Quality Training Services will offer qualifications in Team Leading and First Line Management.

Throughout ILM training, participants work through the skills needed to manage their teams effectively and make sure they are achieving organisational goals.

Sharon McElhinney said: "We went through a rigorous approval process to achieve our ILM status and are delighted that we will provide specialist leadership and management qualifications to individuals and employers from our local area. We are looking forward to welcoming our first ILM students in September."

"We would strongly encourage anyone in a position of leadership or management to consider taking an ILM qualification. By investing in management development, organisations can ensure that their leaders are confident in their abilities and able to lead employees through the challenging times ahead. Nurturing effective leaders through management development is the single most cost-effective investment."

ILM qualifications are designed to help managers increase staff efficiency and motivation, ensuring that their businesses run at an optimum level of productivity. Training courses can be tailored to the needs of individual organisations and their managers.

For further information about ILM qualifications soon to be available from Austins Quality Training Services please call 028 7126 9324

AQTS are pleased to annouce the availablity of 2 new retail courses. We are now delivering the City & Guilds Level 2 and Level 3 Certificates in Retailing.

The Certificate in Retailing can help you prepare for, and develop, your career in the retail industry as it covers everything you need to know, from products and pricing to payments and security.

At level 2 you can build up your basic knowledge and understanding of retail. It is ideal if you are new to the industry and are looking for your first workrelated qualification. It includes:
• Displaying products
• Establishing relationships with customers
• Handling products
• Health and safety at work.

At level 3 you can cover all of the skills needed to supervise staff and meet any challenge. It includes:
• Improving retail operations
• Selling products and services
• Monitoring customer payments
• Understanding employment issues.

Contact us at Tel: 028 7126 9324 for further information and course dates.

Austins Quality Training Services are pleased to announce that they are now official verifiers for the Retail Passport.

INDIVIDUALS

Retail Passport is designed to motivate and help you fulfill your true potential. You own the Retail Passport and control the content. You control who has access to it but you can share its content with your selected partners and sponsors such as employers (current and future) and training providers.

EMPLOYERS & VERIFIERS

Retail Passport gives employers, training providers and recruiters a fast and easy way to check the validity of an individual's credentials, qualifications and skills. It provides detailed reporting on training activity and an easy way to manage personnel training records.

For more information about the Retail Passport check out their website at http://www.retailpassport.co.uk/

Individual wishing to acquire the Retail Passport should contact us at: 028 7126 9324.

Austins Quality Training Services are delighted to announce the availability of the following short accredited courses. These courses are ideal for employers planning staff development programmes that require updating of current employee skills and enhancing the customer experience:

Level 1

• Certificate in Hospitality Customer Service
• Certificate in Hospitality Selling
• Certificate in Conflict Handling
• Certificate in Customer Service (L1)
• Certificate in Selling

The above are one-day courses with a true/false exam at the end. Marking & accreditation is provided by City & Guilds HAB.

Level 2

• Certificate in Conflict Handling and Prevention
• Certificate in Customer Service (L2)

Course run over 45 hours. A HAB set assignment is completed by candidates over the period on the training. Accreditation is provided by City & Guilds HAB.

Further details are available by contacting us at: 028 7126 9324 or emailing info@austinstraining.com

Second Supervisor Opportunity - WHP Canada 2009

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POST ARE NOW CLOSED

Austins Quality Training Services require an Experienced Supervisor for an 8 week overseas programme to Canada.

The successful candidate will accompany the Programme Co-ordinator and a group of 21 candidates in a supervisory capacity to Canada for 8 weeks of work experience and training as part of an IFI Wider Horizons Programme. The expected period is 15th May to 10th July 2009.

Applicants should have 12 months experience working with 18-28 year olds from a wide range of backgrounds with proven ability to facilitate learning in a non-formal environment for this age group. Secondments will be considered from those with appropriate knowledge and experience.

Closing Date: 12th March 2009 at 12.00 pm

Download Application form and further information:

Focus Learning and Promote Greater Personal Responsiblity

Across our economy, skills needs are changing and in order to maintain productivity and competitiveness in a tight labour market, employers must focus on the way people are managed and developed. Important aspects of organisational performance have always been Training, Effective People Policies and well defined Management Capabilties. By demonstrating a passion for learning and development, employers show interest in their key talented people; they value their current skills and a preparedness to invest in their potential. These are key drivers for improving moral and employee loyality. By choosing the most suitable programme that meets your organisation's current needs you will make training pay and reap the benefits of capable, motiviated and efficient staff.

"Budget Concious Marketing - Getting the most from your marketing on a limited budget" presented by local marketeer Mark Nagurski kick starts our Enterprise provision this autumn; keep an close eye developments in this area over the coming months we will introducing a number of management/supervisory short programmes.

Our portfolio now also includes two new short courses:

City & Guilds VRQ L2 Customer Service

City & Guilds VRQ L2 Conflict Handling and Prevention

Of course our skills programmes for Catering/Hospitality and ICT are ongoing and we are also eager to develop our programme schedule - please send your suggestions to me at sharonm@austinstraining.com so that I can ensure local needs are provided for.

Full Autumn Schedule

Sharon McElhinney, Centre Manager

Austins Quality Training Services are currently updating our provision. We are eager to attract the best possible tutors and trainers to deliver our programmes. If you think you could add to our team, please send your CV and supporting documents to the Centre Manager at the address below. We are currently interested in those qualified to deliver qualifications at levels 2-4 in the fields of:

Enquiries may be made by post or email to:

• Mrs Sharon McElhinney, Centre Manager
• Austins Quality Training Services
• 4th Floor Austins Department Store
• The Diamond, Londonderry BT48 6HR

E: sharonm@austinstraining.com

Congratuations to all those who recentlly completed the IFI Wider Horizons Programme to Canada. I hope you all enjoyed the experience. The team took in the sights of Toronto and Niagara Falls during their 8 week placement in London, Ontario, Canada and sampled Canadian hospitality!

The group are picitured below during the visit to the falls:

Thanks to the Programme Coordinator, Bronagh McMonagle, for her hard work ensuring the success of this programme and also to Johnny Connelly and Niamh McEnhill for their supervisory assistance. Maria Pulzoni was an excellent Overseas Provider and we are very grateful for her assistance.

Good luck to you all for the future.

If you would like to take part in a future programme, please send your details to us at:

Austins Quality Training Services, 2 The Diamond, Londonderry BT48 6HR

email: sharonm@austinstraining.com or telephone: 028 7126 9324

Congratulations to all the candidates taking part in the Wider Horizons Canada Choices Programme 2008. Stage one has now been completed and the team travelled to London Ontario on Monday 5th May. All arrived safe and well but somewhat tired.

The group will spend 8 weeks on work experience in Canada and will have the opportunity to experience the Canadian lifestyle and culture. A wide variety of social outings are planned and it promises to be another successful venture. Good luck to all taking part.

Are you:

• 18-28 years old?
• Unemployed?
• Looking for a new direction?
• Would like the opportunity to undertake work experience in Canada?

Austins Quality Training Services are currently recruiting for a Wider Horizons Choices Programme which includes:

• 8 weeks pre-departure phase
• 8 weeks overseas phase in London, Ontario, Canada
• 4 weeks return phase
• Certified training towards qualifications including Customer Service, Food Hygiene, ECDL and Conflict Management.

Work experience opportunities available in hospitality, retail, warehousing and administration.

The programme started on Monday 10th March but a few places are still available. Anyone interested in taking part are asked to contact the Programme Co-ordinator, Bronagh McMonagle on 028 7126 9324 for full details or contact your local FAS office.

This programme is funded by the International Fund for Ireland, the Department of Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland and FAS - Training and Employment Authority in Republic of Ireland.

Congratulations and welcome home to all those taking part in the Wider Horizons Brussels 2007 programme. Stage two of the programme has now been completed and candidates travelled home from Brussels to commence the final stage on Saturday 6th October. They have spent 8 weeks on placement in Brussels at the Radisson SAS EU and The Rennaissance Hotels with 8 weeks pre-departure at Radisson SAS Letterkenny and An Grainan Hotel.

Thanks to Sandra Reigard and her team at the Radisson SAS EU and Laurent Gard and his staff at the Rennaissance Hotel for their hard work and dedication during the stay in Brussels.

This programme is funded by the International Fund for Ireland with support from the Department of Education and Learning (Northern Ireland) and FAS (Republic of Ireland). This is a terrific opportunity for young adults to sample the hospitality industry and gain considerable experience working in a strategic European city.

Austins Quality Training Services are delighted to announce that they have recieved a contract from the Department of Education and Learning (DEL) to deliver an apprenticeship programme as part of the long awaited "Training For Success" programme.

A number of local employers have registered their vacancies with us and applications are now being sought from young people interested in a career in the following areas:

• Chef (Food Preparation & Cookery)
• Food & Drink Service
• Retail Operations

Further details and application forms are available to download below. Please return completed forms to the Centre as soon as possible as places are limited. If you would like to speak to someone about the options available, please call 028 7126 9324 for an appointment.

Austins Quality Training Services are delighted to offer a Wider Horizons Programme to Brussels this summer. The programme, funded by the International Fund for Ireland, will be delivered in conjunction with our partner Radisson SAS Hotel, Letterkenny. This is a terrific opportunity for young adults to sample the hospitality industry and gain considerable experience working in a strategic European city.

The programme starts on Monday 18th June and lasts 20 weeks. During the first eight weeks participants will follow a busy schedule of training and work-experience in preparation for travelling to Brussels. Included will be specific training on key aspects of customer service, hygiene requirements when dealing with food and drink, team member skills, conversational French and IT skills.

Brussels, Belgium, is home to the European Parliament which is this year celebrating 50 years since the signing of the Treaty of Rome. A feast of activities are planned to mark this event. Work experience at the Radisson SAS city centre hotels will be provided together with additional language training. There will also be a programme of social activities included. All transport and accommodation costs will be covered and a training allowance provided.

The main focus of the programme is to promote reconciliation and understanding between our communities. Participants will be drawn from three communities: Republic of Ireland, Northern Irish Catholic and Northern Irish Protestant. Candidates must be 18 to 28 years and currently unemployed.

Anyone interested should contact Bronagh McMonagle, Austins, at 028 7126 9324 or Chris McGee, FAS, at 074 9120542.

This programme is supported by International Fund for Ireland, FAS and DEL.

Date: 12th June 2007

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Training is an integral part of Inishowen Tourism's drive to up skill the Catering and Hospitality sector to better service the tourism industry. As part of the ACCEL project training will be provided in marketing, customer service, budget control, food hygiene, barista and wine and spirit areas. Austins Quality Training Services are delighted to be working with Inishowen Tourism on this project. Additional information is available from their web site www.visitinishowen.com .

ACCEL is an initiative of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and is managed by Skillsnet Services Ltd on its behalf. It is funded by the European Social Fund and the National Training Fund.