Top premiership player learns life saving first aid skills

Arsenal and England footballer Jack Wilshere has committed to being the difference between a life lost and a life saved by becoming an ambassador for first aid charity, St John Ambulance. Jack will make his debut in an educational social media campaign in which he swaps five key soccer skills for five life saving techniques.

Training to save lives

The series of short online films sees Jack learn five basic first aid skills from St John Ambulance first aid trainer, Clive James. He shows fans how to cope with choking, bleeding, a heart attack, someone who is unconscious but breathing, and someone who is not breathing.  Viewers are urged to text LIFE to 85010 for a free pocket first aid guide. See Jack in action at www.facebook.com/SJA

Jack Wilshere says: ‘In football, without training you cannot win the game. Without first aid, you cannot save a life. I want to encourage more people to learn first aid so that they can be the difference between life and death.

‘We’re lucky on the pitch that we have first aiders on the sidelines to help if there is an emergency. When you’re out with your mates or at home with your family, you haven’t got that back up so it’s important that we all have the skills to help others.

‘I’m delighted to be an ambassador for St John Ambulance and support this campaign and I hope everyone texts for a free guide.’

150,000 lives at risk

This is just the start of Jack’s relationship with St John Ambulance.  He will play a key role in helping to spread the message amongst team mates, peers and fans.

Sue Killen, CEO, St John Ambulance comments: ‘We are delighted to have Jack Wilshere on board to help spread the message that anyone who needs first aid should receive it. Up to 150,000 people die each year when basic first aid could have been the difference.  Research shows that we can’t rely on other people to have these skills - everyone should take the responsibility to learn first aid themselves**. Armed with this knowledge we can all be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.’

Take action

St John Ambulance is committed to ensuring everyone has the basic first aid knowledge that could save someone’s life. To get your free pocket-sized guide, just text LIFE* to 85010 or visit the St John Ambulance website for more information on the campaign www.facebook.com/SJA. You can also get advice on your iPhone with the St John Ambulance first aid app, available through iTunes.

Chamber of Commerce members are entitled to a 10% discount off St John Ambulance’s business courses in the North West. Call 0844 770 4800 for more details.

Liverpool City Council will be funding free deaf & visual awareness training on the following dates: Tuesday 6th December 2011, Tuesday 24th January 2012, Wednesday 15th February 2012 and Tuesday 20th March 2012, from 9.30am-4pm.

The trainers (one Deaf, one visually impaired) will provide trainees with an understanding on the importance of face to face communication with Deaf people, the difference between Deaf and hearing culture, knowledge of the benefits of BSL qualifications and the effects of visual impairment.

To book your place on the training contact Merseyside Society for Deaf People on 0151 259 5741 or email jcollinson@msdp.org.uk

Blind and partially sighted people in Merseyside who want to find out more about the basics of using a computer are invited to attend a free training course.

The Mobile I.T. training sessions are being run by Henshaws Society for Blind People, one of the main providers in the North of England of expert support, advice and training to anyone affected by sight loss and other disabilities.

During the 12 weekly sessions, visually impaired adults in Merseyside will acquire all the computer skills needed to get up and running. All of the computers will be equipped with specialist magnification or speech-based ‘access technology’ which means that the course will be open to anyone who has experienced sight loss.

The training sessions will also provide Internet and email tuition to enable people to send emails and browse the internet.

The sessions last for 2.5 hours. They are taking place in the following community venues:

• Birkdale Library, Liverpool Road, Birkdale  on Wednesday morning and afternoon
• Bootle Library, Stanley Road, Bootle, on Monday morning
  Knosley (Bradbury Centre until New Year) Yuens Way on Thursday afternoon
• Ashville Lodge, Ashville Road, Birkenhead  on Thursday morning
• St Helens Millennium Centre, Corporation Street, St Helens,  on Tuesday morning and afternoon and Thursday morning and afternoon

Bill Milner, the charity’s Merseyside Area Manager, Said: “These training sessions will be an ideal starting point for visually impaired people, even those who have never used a computer before.

“Being able to use a computer and surf the web is just as important for blind and partially sighted people as it is for anyone else. Whether it’s to look for a job, shop online or keep in touch with friends by email, these sessions will give people all the skills they need to use their computer with confidence.

“Over the years, our staff have built up considerable expertise of providing computer-based training to visually impaired adults. It may sound daunting at first, but I’d urge people to come along and give it a try. The sessions are very relaxed and everyone receives plenty of individual tuition.”

Anyone interested in booking a place or finding out more, can do so by phoning Neil Kynaston, Henshaws I.T. Training Manager on 0151 708 7055.

More information about Henshaws society for Blind People is available online at www.henshaws.org.uk

Free workshop for SMEs in Merseyside
Wednesday, 16th & 23rd November 2011, 9:00am - 4:30pm
Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park, Liverpool L16 9JD

This two-day workshop programme, in partnership with Lancaster University, will help SMEs develop and retain customer focus through the implementation and integration of social media tools and techniques.

The Programme:

Social media is a powerful and cost-effective means of building relationships that lead to new business. Commencing with a marketing refresher, this programme will provide tips for getting the most out of Social Media, look at the business reasons for using social media, and assist businesses to develop a social media and web based marketing strategy.  The programme will conclude with the development of an individual ‘go-to-market’ strategy to help your business innovate & grow.

These lively, interactive sessions will answer two core questions:

• How can social media make my business more competitive?
• How can I develop an integrated online and offline marketing strategy?

Benefits

• Refresh your marketing skills
• Better customer focus through social media
• Hear how other businesses like yours have used social media to become successful
• Find and attract new customers
• Reduce your marketing costs and eliminate wasted marketing expenditure
• Better understanding of customer behaviour through social media
• Sell more to existing customers

Who should attend?

Owner / managers of SMEs in Merseyside with a basic understanding of social media wishing to improve customer focus.

Who would benefit from this programme?
Eligible Merseyside SMEs with an interest in how strategic marketing & social media can lead to greater business efficiency and a competitive advantage.

Priority is given to following sectors:
Advanced Engineering, Food, Energy and Biomedical

Registration

For further details, eligiblity or to register your interest for the programme, please contact Elizabeth Underhill on 0151 291 2157 or email underhl@hope.ac.uk

Employment training and consulting firm, Sysco, offers free HR reports to firms getting to grips with the new Agency Worker Regulations.

Throughout October 2011 the Merseyside-based training and consulting firm, Sysco, will provide free HR diagnostic report featuring a detailed run-down on the HR function of your company, for companies unsure of the new Agency Workers Regulations.

The reports – worth £300 – will equip North West business with everything they need to know about how their HR department functions in relation to the new law, and what can be done to improve it if necessary.

The Agency Workers Regulations became law on 1st October 2011 and will introduce fundamental changes to agency employment criteria. Before the law was introduced, temporary agency workers had fewer rights than permanent staff. The new regulations have come in to being to ensure that temporary agency workers now receive equal treatment in basic working and employment conditions.

The Directive stipulates that temporary agency workers will receive the same rights as permanent staff members in all aspects ranging from paid holiday, overtime, remuneration and, arguably, pension contributions.

There will be strict penalties for companies who fail to adhere to the new legislation, including the agencies that supply temporary staff, and anti-avoidance measures have also been included to prevent discrimination.

The changes to the law will have noticeable impact on employment structures, HR systems and agencies – if you are uncertain of where your company stands, contact Sysco for a free HR diagnostic report this October.

For more information about Sysco and its training programs and consultancy, please visit www.sysco.uk.com or call 0151 236 1748 to speak to a member of the team.

Exploring Enterprise - a one day session to help your employees to: 

• Identify business ideas that work for them 
• Develop their idea and locate grants and finance
• Understand the start up process
• Develop sales and marketing skills and techniques
• Identify other networks and support available 

10am - 4.30 pm, including lunch and refreshments - £175 per customer

Training can be delivered at premises of your choice or accessible venues sourced by ELECT 

To find out more or book places contact ELECT on 0151 230 0300 or email training@elect.org.uk

Sessions can be delivered anywhere across the UK

East Liverpool Economic Community Trust Ltd (ELECT) exists to help all residents of Merseyside and West Lancashire, whatever their personal circumstances gain employment or start a business, improving their quality of life, sustaining communities and strengthening local economies.

Liverpool Chamber’s Graduate Retention Programme leads the way in keeping skills in the city

Graduates and professionals who are looking for work are finding a particular tough jobs market at the moment.

To ensure that the region keeps a skilled and educated population, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce is leading a consortium of local Universities, including the University of Liverpool to support the retention of graduates on Merseyside.

The programme is designed to assist graduates in developing the skills that employers look for, such as project management, presentation and negotiation skills.

Carole Crosby, Liverpool Chamber’s Deputy Chief Executive, said: “In the current climate of negativity, it’s great to see graduates of all disciplines, ages and backgrounds, taking positive action to improve their job prospects, and proactively promote themselves to Liverpool businesses. We’ve had a good success rate with over a quarter moving from the programme into full time permanent employment in a sector of their choosing.”

One of the graduates who benefitted from the course is Damian Fisk, a geography graduate. He said: “The course has given me the opportunity to take the skills that I learnt at university and apply them to the business world. I found it particularly useful to work on the group project and work in a collaborative way with other people.”

By providing work placements, the programme helps local business as well as the graduates. This, in turn, is helping the businesses to act as mentors, by bringing in graduates and helping them to develop the necessary skills to succeed in their chosen industry.

Liverpool Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Employment, Enterprise and Skills said: “Liverpool has a thriving student population and it’s vital that as many of them as possible stay in the city after they have graduated. Developing and retaining our talented graduates is massively important to our future economic growth. This programme is a great way of achieving just that, by providing meaningful employment for graduates, while bringing real, tangible benefits for local businesses.

“Liverpool City Council’s own transportation team has taken on three high-calibre graduates through the Graduate Retention Programme, and they have brought with them a range of skills which we have been able to make the most of.

“The graduates have assisted the team in a variety of important work - including highways development and traffic management - as well as taking on responsibility for individual projects. They have been a fantastic addition to the city council, and they will take away with them vital experience which we hope will serve them well in their future careers.”

For further information on the Graduate Retention Programme visit the webpage here or contact the project team on 0151 236 3222, email: projects@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

The graduate retention programme is part-funded by the European Union through the European Social Fund and co-financed by the Skills Funding Agency.

Training is of great importance within any organisation. Whether it is trying to improve existing skills, establishing new ones, or providing an introduction to innovative software, training will always be necessary, and is essential for the education and development of staff.

In September and October, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce will run a series of courses designed to train staff in different aspects of their work. Some will serve as a way to expand one’s knowledge of common programmes; others will be vital for those hoping to progress up the company ladder. Details about each seminar are listed below. Follow the links for more information and to book online.

September 2: Assertiveness Toolkit – The Art of Being Confident
September 7: Level 2 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace
September 14: First Aid at Work
September 20: Microsoft Word 2007 Intermediate – Advanced Course
September 23: Microsoft Excel 2007 Intermediate – Advanced Course
September 27: Negotiation Skills
September 29: Successful Presentation Skills
September 30: Microsoft Outlook 2007 Intermediate – Advanced Level
September 30: Chartered Institute Purchasing and Supply Level 2 Certificate
October 7: Using Competitive Dialogue Effectively

All of the seminars will take place at the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce at Number One Old Hall Street, Liverpool, Merseyside. Start times, durations and fees will vary between the courses.

Each of these seminars will provide a detailed insight into a specific area of business. They feature definitions, breakdowns and examples of each subject, and will give those who attend the chance to practice the skills they have learned.

Whether it’s learning the art of negotiation, improving your skills on Microsoft Excel, or simply ensuring that your work environment is safer, your knowledge and experience of the subject will increase, and reach higher standards, after attending these courses.

They will provide unique, detailed and extensive training. And remember: every organisation, every member of staff, will always require training.

For more information, visit the Liverpool Chamber website

Investment in training is a great way to strengthen your workforce and protect your business during these tough economic times.

Liverpool Chamber Training may be able to offer you 100% funding towards improving your existing workforce’s skills and qualifications.

We currently offer training in areas such as:

• Business Administration Levels 2 and 3
• Customer Service Levels 2 and 3
• IT Levels 2 and 3
• Retail Levels 2 and 3
• Team Leader Level 2
• Management Level 3

These work-based training programmes are designed around the needs of employers and lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

There is no age limit and it is a great opportunity for your current members of staff to gain a work-related qualification and be recognised for the job they are already doing.

This funding is only guaranteed up until the end of July. Changes are expected in early August with employers possibly being required to make a contribution.

This is a great opportunity to reward and motivate your staff with little financial cost to your organisation.

If you would like further information please contact our Workforce Development Team who will gladly arrange a visit to discuss your requirements in more detail.

To lean more call 0151 227 1234 or email recruitment@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

Liverpool Chamber Training is urging the business community in the city to take the Apprenticeship Pledge and take an apprentice aged 16-18 on a work placement for eight months.

Chamber Training aims to make this as easy as possible with a no-fee recruitment service.

Simply send us your vacancies and we will find the best candidates for you.

Apprentices are a proven way to develop your workforce. All candidates have completed an initial assessment to ensure their suitability for your company.

We have candidates ready to work in:

• retail
• customer service
• IT
•  business administration

To further endorse our support for the local business community,  Liverpool Chamber Training will pay the first year’s Chamber membership subscription fees for all currently non-member businesses who take on an apprentice.

Send your vacancies and staff requirements to Katie Jones at katie.jones@liverpoolchamber.org.uk  

Apprentices will only cost your business £2.50 an hour, working with you up to a maximum of 40 hours a week.

Benefits Of Chamber Membership

If you are currently not a Liverpool Chamber member but take on an apprentice through us, we will pay your first year’s fee.

Benefits of membership include:

• networking
• marketing
• money saving services
• healthcare
• HR & legal support
• plus lots more

See what you get here

Learn more about apprenticeships from Liverpool Chamber Training

Take the Apprenticeship Pledge