What’s in it for me?

Did you know that learning a new skill could increase your earnings by £10,000 to £15,000 on average over five years – and perhaps even more in the longer term?

Pat Unwin, 45, works as catering supervisor at Debenhams in Nottingham. She has worked with the company for 29 years and has always wanted to move into a managerial position.  However, due to reoccurring tonsillitis, Pat left school without any qualifications, which she feels has held her back and affected her confidence in applying for promotions.

But when a training assessor from training company Protocol Skills got in touch with Debenhams to offer its staff free NVQ training, Pat immediately put her name forward for the Level 2 in Food and Drink.

        Pat’s training began in October, and by April, her efficient and speedy approach to learning meant she            was able to achieve not only her Food and Drink NVQ Level 2, but also her adult literacy Level 1

  
    and adult numeracy Level 1. Funding has also recently been secured for Pat to start a Level 3 NVQ in Hospitality Supervision and Level 2 in numeracy and literacy.

Sue Bell, Protocol Skills Learning Support Training Assessor, said: “Pat has been an absolute joy to work with. She was so enthusiastic about achieving these qualifications and worked tirelessly from the start. She was so hardworking and keen that she often completed six weeks work in just two!

Pat Unwin, said: “The skills and NVQ training I have done has given my confidence such a boost. I hope that my new qualifications and the experience I am gaining will stand me in good stead for promotion in the future. I think it’s great that the LSC provides funding for people in my situation, as I would never have been able to pay for it myself. I would recommend both the basic skills training and NVQ courses to anyone wanting to progress their careers.”