Find out more about education and training from Amicus-MSF at Whitehall College
Project Worker:
Project Manager:
Gary Owen, Amicus-MSF
Project Administrators:
Janette Thorpe (Trust);
Leisa Povah Amicus-MSF
Lifelong
Learning Office
Staff Training
Department
Royal Lancaster
Infirmary
Lancaster LA1
4RP
Telephone: 01524 583233
Learning with the Project
Positive Results from Pathology
Lifelong Learning - NVQ’s
The following comments have been received from staff within the Pathology Department who have taken the opportunity of using their ILA accounts to undertake NVQ’s in Customer Service.
Yvonne Howse - Medical Secretary, Pathology
Since joining the Health Authority (many years ago) I have only acquired word processing qualifications.
I applied for an Individual Learning Account (ILA) in January 2001 and used this to undertake an NVQ Level 2 in ‘Customer Service’. This is the first time I have had the opportunity to undertake this kind of course and I was very wary at first because I did not know how much work it entailed and whether of not I would have the time to commit to it. However because the course was work based and a tutor visited the department I did not have to attend weekly evening classes. This meant a lot to me as I work full time and have two young children and therefore do not have a lot of free time.
The ‘Lifelong Learning Project’ and the ILA’s allows anyone at any level and at any age to start studying again and achieve vocational qualifications. Successfully completing the NVQ level 2 has given me the confidence and motivation to carry on studying. I am soon to commence the NVQ Level 3 in ‘Customer Service’
Susan Wilkinson - Medical Secretary, Pathology
In April 2000 I was asked if I was interested in undertaking an NVQ Level 2 in Customer Service as part of the Young Apprentice Scheme at Lancaster & Morecambe College. I was very wary at what I was letting myself in for as I had not undertaken any kind of study since attending college 6 years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed completing the course and felt there was something missing when the work was completed. This motivated me to carry on with my studies and it was agreed with my manager that I would carry on and complete NVQ Level 3.
The ‘Lifelong Learning Project and its Learning Representatives have highlighted the need for continuing education and I fully appreciate the help and support I have received.
I have now enrolled on the NEBS Certificate in Management course at Lancaster & Morecambe College. Who knows what I will do next!!!
Donna Smith - Medical Secretary, Pathology
I opened an Individual Learning Account in January 2001 and decided to undertake an NVQ Level 2 in Customer Service. This is the first course I have undertaken since leaving education some years ago. I did not know what to expect as I did not know very much about NVQ’s. With the help and support of the Learning Representatives and my course tutor I successfully completed this in May and am now eager to carry on to the Level 3. I found this an excellent way of getting back into studying and because the course was work based I had a wealth of evidence and experience to draw on.