What a shame that small companies don't invest more time and energy into training their staff.
I've been calling around local companies this week to ascertain what training needs local companies have. It's really shocked me, as to just how many staff reply "we're only a small company, we don't do any" or "what do you mean? I've never had any training". Wouldn't it be wonderful if the companies for whom these employees work, were able to pick up the phone to a training centre like ours and reply "oh we are always training our staff and really believe in developing people's careers"?
A quote from the "Ambition Club" management and leadership program:
"Isn't it better to invest time and effort in training your staff, rather than not bother and be stuck with them as they are?".
Research shows just how motivational training and development is for the staff in your workplace. Upon walking into a company's reception, you can instantly tell if the staff feel valued or not - and believe it or believe it not, alot of this has to do with training.
I can quite honestly say that attaining the Investor in People award in January 2009, has been one of the best exercises we did, as a company, to focus our minds on staff development and training. This having been said, I enjoy coming to work and being greeted by my friendly, helpful work force - wouldn't you?
Friday, 30 October 2009
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Greater interest in Spanish in Ashton-under-Lyne
It's great to note that people are still interested in learning Spanish
We are getting calls on a daily basis from local companies and the general public wishing to learn Spanish. I think that this is so encouraging, when the English are normally branded as being lazy, regarding learning a foreign language.
I am continually impressed by people's interest and enthusiasm to learn Spanish and by how hard they work, and the varying resources that they use to study. It's great from our point of view to be able to offer a flexible learning solution that doesn't stop for 6 weeks in the summer or 2 weeks at Christmas.
I encourage our learners to either read or listen to a bit of Spanish every day for only 5-10 minutes. This is a far better technique than sitting for prolonged periods of time studying text books, and not enjoying learning the language or having any fun.
My students either keep a list of spanish words in their briefcase or handbag to refer to when in a queue or waiting room, or listen to CD's in their car or around the house. Some have even logged onto various Spanish websites (such as www.about.com or www.bbc.co.uk) for further guidance. I was recently asked to procure several copies of Usborne's Spanish for Beginners for my "introduction to Spanish" class, which is very light reading and in full colour to add a bit of interest.
I will continue to support this level of enthusiasm in learning Spanish, as we may slowly negate our bad image as "Brits abroad", which would be great wouldn't it?
We are getting calls on a daily basis from local companies and the general public wishing to learn Spanish. I think that this is so encouraging, when the English are normally branded as being lazy, regarding learning a foreign language.
I am continually impressed by people's interest and enthusiasm to learn Spanish and by how hard they work, and the varying resources that they use to study. It's great from our point of view to be able to offer a flexible learning solution that doesn't stop for 6 weeks in the summer or 2 weeks at Christmas.
I encourage our learners to either read or listen to a bit of Spanish every day for only 5-10 minutes. This is a far better technique than sitting for prolonged periods of time studying text books, and not enjoying learning the language or having any fun.
My students either keep a list of spanish words in their briefcase or handbag to refer to when in a queue or waiting room, or listen to CD's in their car or around the house. Some have even logged onto various Spanish websites (such as www.about.com or www.bbc.co.uk) for further guidance. I was recently asked to procure several copies of Usborne's Spanish for Beginners for my "introduction to Spanish" class, which is very light reading and in full colour to add a bit of interest.
I will continue to support this level of enthusiasm in learning Spanish, as we may slowly negate our bad image as "Brits abroad", which would be great wouldn't it?
Saturday, 24 October 2009
La Noche Española!
On 17th October 2009, we held a Spanish Night in our Kitchen Showroom downstairs. Angel Fernandez-Sanz worked extremely hard in the kitchens (using our Gorenje and Siemens appliances - which at least we had the foresight to wire in!). He prepared a selection of Spanish food:
- Spanish tortillas
- Paella de pollo
- Paella de marisco
- Patatas bravas (con salsa)
About 30 people attended, who spoke Spanish for the evening (some more than others!), we even had Libby attend in her full flamenco outfit - she really looked the part. We drank Sangria, red wine and listened to Spanish music during the event, which lasted about 2 hours. The evening drew to a close at around 9.30pm, which was just enough time for us to tidy up and prepare for the showroom to open on the Sunday. We have had some lovely e-mails from the guests who attended since the event, to tell us how much they enjoyed their Spanish Evening.
Monday, 19 October 2009
Winner of the National Training Awards in the North West, Rubicon Developments Ltd are pleased to share their success. Having attained the only nomination in our category we are now the proud holders of this regional award. It gives kudos to small companies like ourselves who invest time and money into the development of our staff and their career paths.
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