FEATURE: APPRENTICESHIPS & TRAINING Apprentice is cut above the rest
Dennis O’Brien achieved a distinction in his barbering apprenticeship through Skills Group, while working at Nicky’s Garden Salon in Sidmouth. Dennis O’Brien, who is known as
Junior, was one of the first learners at Skills Group to undergo the Apprenticeship Standard’s End Point Assessment for barbering, since moving from Apprenticeship Frameworks. The standard is designed to test the key knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to succeed in the profession. Junior achieved a distinction; the highest possible grade an apprentice can achieve under the standard. During the
rigorous End Point Assessment, Junior had to complete a wet shave, hair cut and a beard trim while being observed by an independent assessor. Junior said: “It was a challenging and nerve-wracking assessment as you have an assessor watching every move you make. I’m really pleased to have achieved a distinction as I feel like my hard work and commitment have paid off. I travel every week from Sidmouth to Plymouth for training at Skills Group, as I enjoy learning from the trainers and the
‘I’m very
proud of Junior for achieving a Distinction’
L-R: Helen Morrish, Dennis “Junior” O’Brien and Nicky Smith
facilities are fantastic. I also want to thank Nicky’s
Garden Salon for supporting me
every step of the way; I’m now progressing onto my Level 3 barbering qualification at the salon. In the future, I’d like to travel to Canada using my qualifications.” Nicky Smith, owner at Nicky’s
Garden Salon, said: “I’m very proud of Junior for achieving a distinction. He’s worked hard at the salon and has an excellent manner with
customers to put them at ease. Travelling to Plymouth every week is a big commitment and demonstrates just how much Junior wants to progress in the industry. We look forward to supporting him through his Level 3 qualification.” Helen Morrish, Hairdressing and
Barbering Team Leader at Skills Group, said: “A huge congratulations to Junior for achieving the first barbering distinction under the standard at
Skills Group. Junior has remained dedicated to his training throughout; even his End Point Assessor noted his passion for his craft in her report. The result also recognises Nicky’s Garden Salon for supporting Junior, as well as Skills Group’s state of the art facilities and expert trainers. Apprenticeships are a brilliant springboard to launch a career: Junior is now qualified in a trade that he can use for the rest of his life.”
A focus on providing high quality training
The Focus Training Group is in its 21st year as an established training and apprenticeship provider. They have been recognised by OFSTED for their delivery and are rated as a “Good” provider. The group also offers good quality commercial training in all sectors in which they offer apprenticeships.
The group comprises differerent
sectors, each dedicated to delivering high quality training in a variety of industries functioning from their Bristol, Exeter, Newton Abbot, Plymouth and Redruth centres. The group specialises in arboriculture, electrical, gas, and fire & security. They also offer the
Professional division which offers a range of different apprenticeships in sectors such as accountancy, business admin, customer service and management. The Focus Training Group employ specialist tutors and assessors from their specific fields of expertise. The Focus Training Group is a specialist in domestic electrical and fire & security training, having a long-established reputation with employers and a keen interest in always delivering the best possible training experience and support to learners. In addition, they also specialise
in Gas and Oil. Level 3 Gas engineering apprenticeships are available with teaching staff that have worked in the industry, and who are passionate about encouraging and supporting every learner to achieve what they need to meet the needs of today’s industry. The Arb Academy (Arb being short for arboriculture) is the
28 Chamber Profile Spring 2020
group’s tree specialists, who pride themselves on delivering a unique field of expertise through informative and fulfilling learning for people starting their arborist career, a physical and challenging occupation. In June 2019 the group opened
their new 18,000 square foot bespoke Plymouth facility on St Modwen Road, which shows a significant investment in the region to support the demands of businesses and candidates that require quality apprenticeship routes and training in and around Plymouth. The Plymouth centre also
contains a new state of the art gas training facility. If you, or someone you know, is
keen to participate or employ an apprentice, contact The Focus Training Group to discover the opportunities available.
Visit:
www.thefocustraininggroup.com
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