The secret to being positive.

by Martin Sadler (GQA EV)

As a Personal Performance Coach, one of the top questions I am asked by either business clients or private clients is “ How can I stay positive when things around me are going wrong”

This is a very common question in life you hear people say “ Today is not going well” “Everything I try goes wrong” “ Why does it always happen to me?” If you ask someone how they feel 9 times out of 10 you will get the response “Not Bad, OK I suppose” All of these are very common reactions to things in our life that do not go as well as we thought they could have or how we currently feel inside.

The issue is when you have this view of the world you tend to find a lot more things in your life or business that are not going as well as they could have. The more you place you focus on the negative aspects around you, the more you find and the worse you will feel.

So, what is the secret of being positive, the answer is very simple it is CHOICE!

We all have a choice in how we view the world around us, we can either see all of the negative or we can see all of the positive and that all just boils down to where we place our focus in life.

§ The only person who can make that choice is you.

§ You can choose how you respond to events that are happening around you

§ You can chose to respond to what you hear people say about you

§ You can choose how you view life both now and in the future

§ You can choose to be positive or to be negative

§ You can choose to be the cause or the effect of things around you.

In life and business you can choose to blame others for where you find yourself currently of you can take action and make things different for you.

Instead of blaming others for how you feel, you need to start to look much closer to home, in fact it starts with the person you see looking back at you in the mirror

The only person who can change how you respond to any situation is YOU. You have a choice on whether you want to be positive or negative, you can either look for everything that is wrong with something or everything that is right about it. If you think that you will never be able to change something you are right. However if you feel that you can change something you are also right. You just choose which one you prefer to act on.

How do you stay positive in a world of negativity?

It is all about what you choose to focus on, when you hear people saying negative things about you or your situation, it says more about them than it does about you. They do not know what you feel inside and what you can do, only you know that.

I am not saying that you should look at every situation as being fully positive, what I am saying is look at the positives you can get from a situation, because when you start to look for them you will find them.

If you would like to receive a copy of my 5 steps to being positive please email me: martin@expandyourpotential.co.uk

Have you considered?

Digital Voice Recorders

We have all done it, carried out a candidate observation either in driving rain, freezing cold conditions, stuck on top of a 50ft scaffold or squeezed into a small area in a workshop trying to observe the learner carry out a task. Then as you stand there shivering with cold with rain dripping off your chin or wedged in a tight space with your arm going numb you have to write a detailed report of what you have seen the candidate carry out.

I expect that NASA have already invented a waterproof pen, pencil and paper, however with limited budgets it is not something we can all go out and purchase straight away. So we struggle on writing on the wet paper with a ball point pen and as we write down our well thought through statements you seem them wash off the page or just melt into one big blue mess on the paper. At this point we give up and rely on our memory to record what we are observing and get distracted by the thoughts of that hot cup of tea and a digestive biscuit and trying to keep warm, and considering if this is really the job for me.

Then when you get down from the scaffold, you make some quick notes of what you have seen, wave goodbye to your learner and trudge back to the office to write up the observation. You sit down and look at your notes and you have either written it in a shaky spider like written or you just cannot read what you have written and need to rely on what you can recall However you may find that somewhere between being freezing cold and lovely and warm, the thawing process seems to have affected your brain and you forget what your saw and spend the next hour looking through the standards to see if something jogs your memory.

There is a much more effective way to carry out an observation without using pens, pencils, folders and laptops.

The answer is to use a digital voice recorder to record a narrative of what you are seeing the learner do, this means that you have not got to struggle holding down bits of paper in the wind and trying to keep everything dry at the same time.

The benefits of using a voice recorder are:

• No need to carry out around, pads and reports, pens and pencils
• No looking for somewhere to lean on to write down the report
• An accurate report of what you are seeing as you can focus on what the candidate is doing rather than what you are writing
• Better chance to catch everything the learner does and not bits and pieces of it
• You can add much more description to the audio recording and get a fuller report than if writing a report.
• Also use the process to record oral questions or professional discussions
• Do not need to rely on memory when writing up the observation
• Once recorded the work is done, all that is needed is to review the recording and reference to the appropriate standards
• When using e-portfolio systems much easier to upload than scanning documents and waiting for learners to send in their work

So, perhaps next time you are up a scaffold on a freezing day making notes and blowing on numb fingers you may consider using digital voice recording to carry out your observation.

Martin Sadler, GQA EV.

Westport Staff Receive their GQA Qualification Certificates

The Vocational College have been working with Westport in Maryport, Cumbria, delivering GQA QCF qualifications at Level 2 and 3 in Production of Glass Supporting Structures.

Westport supplies some of the major window installers both in the commercial and private sector throughout the U.K.

TVC Glazing assessor Jason Parker is pictured right with members of Westport staff who have just received their qualification. In total 19 members of staff took part in the QCF programme.

“West Port offers one of the UK's largest range of bespoke Timber Windows, encompassing everything from a traditional Cords & Weights Sash to a modern Scandinavian style High Performance Window.”

“All members of staff are encouraged to participate in working towards a qualification and the majority of them take up this opportunity. They all agree that in the modern day gaining a qualification is an absolute must and can only benefit yourself and your employer.”

The Vocational College - Finalists in 3 Categories at the Proskills Awards

The Vocational College are proud to have been chosen as finalist in 3 categories at this year’s Proskills Awards event at Alton Towers.

The Vocational College, a major GQA Approved Centre and National Skills Academy Provider, based in Liverpool have been shortlisted from a large competitive field to contest the ‘Training Provider of the Year’ category at this year’s awards.

Bryan O’Connor (TVC Learner - pictured below left) has also been shortlisted to represent the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ category at the awards beating off stiff completion from other Apprentices from across the country, while Jason Wlyde (TVC Learner - pictured below right) has been shortlisted to represent the ‘Achiever of the Year’ category.

Paul Gray who is the Delivery Performance Manager of the Glass Faculty at TVC said “We are extremely pleased to have been shortlisted for the ‘Training Provider of the Year’ award and we are also very proud of the achievements of our 2 Apprentices. Growing your own workforce and investing in apprentices is a key factor in ensuring the sector has the skills to move forward.”

The Proskills Awards take place on 3^rd November at Alton Towers in Staffordshire.

Ged Keeps it Safe at The Vocational College

Gerard McCarthy AIfL of GQA Approved Centre the Vocational College in Liverpool has just achieved the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety & Health (NEBOSH) National General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety with a credit. The units he achieved are:

· Management of Health & Safety (NGC1)

· Controlling Workplace Hazards (NGC2)

· Health & Safety Practical Inspection (NGC3)

Ged Said, “I very much enjoyed the course, it is such a deep subject; I found the training very informative: It’s such an important subject in our line of work.” He went on to say,” there was a lot of revision involved and 2 (two) 2 hour examinations and a 2 hour practical inspection and report, I thought I would scrape through with a pass, there was such an awful lot of information to take in, I was really pleased in achieving a credit.”

TVC’s Health & Safety Manager John Bradshaw FInstLM, FIIRSM, CMIOSH, GCGIL says “The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health general certificate (NEBOSH) provides managers, supervisors and staff from all types of organisations a broad understanding of health and safety issues. The certificate helps them manage risks effectively.

The Benefits of the NEBOSH General Certificate within the Vocational College Glass and Glazing Department:

• develop an underpinning knowledge of health and safety legislation and its impact

• assist the department’s safety management programme

• assess workplace hazards and develop control measures

• a good starting point in making safety improvements within the industry

“Ged has now met the academic qualifications for Technician status of IOSH (TechIOSH). The certificate also satisfies the eligibility requirements for Associate Membership of the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (AIIRSM)

As head of the department I see this new award in the department as direct contact with up to date health and safety information and legislation which will benefit the whole department as well as the SME’s we contract with for training.”

GQA's QCF Qualifications - An Assessors View

When I heard that the qualification suite from GQA was going through a revamp, trepidation, anxiety and frustration reigned in assessors thoughts – “if it isn’t broke don`t fix it”

However, having utilised the QCF units for the last 12 months or so the benefits and positives are there for the candidates and assessors alike.

At first glance of the QCF standards there seems little has changed but now the individual units are user friendly enabling both candidate and assessor to identify and understand requirements without endless interpretation particularly of the knowledge.

Simple “BE ABLE” and “KNOW HOW” criteria enables holistic assessment to be undertaken precisely, fully involving the candidate without hesitation, confusion and frustration and the need to try and interpret them. In turn unit achievement is enhanced which is a major motivation factor for candidates and, of course, assessors.

The cost effectiveness angle when delivering these qualifications as part of an Apprenticeship is also important as timescales and funding are being reduced, the QCF qualifications assist in the candidates development and candidates can now own their standards and fully understand what they have been ultimately assessed against.

Steve Hill - The Vocational College Assessor & I.V

DEL NI Announce Changes to funding for Adult Apprentices

Changes have been announced to the funding arrangements for adult (25 years +) apprentices in Northern Ireland. As part of the draft Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) Budget, the proposal to fully remove funding for adult apprentices was originally included as a savings measure. However it has now been announced that DEL intend to retain funding for adult apprenticeships at a rate of 50% which is good news.

ApprenticeshipsNI funding rates for apprentices aged 16–24 year olds remains unchanged at 100%. (Those who are over 24 years and who are currently signed up, and those signed up by 30 September 2011, will continue to be fully funded).

The DEL Minister has also announced a policy review of adult funding to inform the priority skill needs of the local economy, to ensure that resources are targeted more effectively and the specific needs of adult learners are addressed. It is anticipated that the revised policy and funding position for adults will be implemented during 2012-2013.

For further information contact Diane Weatherup, Proskills Northern Ireland Manager, diane.weatherup@proskills.co.uk or 07795 011812

GQA Centre Works with County Council on Apprentice Initiative

GQA Approved Centre, IWA, is working with Essex County Council on an initiative that will see apprentice wages majority funded in the first year to encourage employers to invest in apprentices.

Jim Wilkinson, Skills Manager for Essex County Council said: “Essex County Council identified a number of specific industry sectors that were key to economic growth in the county, and through the overall pledge to support over 1000 new apprenticeships in Essex, looked to address those with help in employing young people. Thanks to the work of a number of local training providers, we have been able to support 130 new apprenticeships. The scheme has proved a real success.”

Coatings Industry Apprenticeship Programme Launch

Hull College launch the Coatings Industry Apprenticeship Programme tonight (16.00 – 19.00 - 22^nd September) at The CATCH, Redwood Park Estate, Stallingborough, Grimsby, DN41 8^TH.

Presenters from AkzoNobel, Hull College and Jotun Paints will give a flavour of the industry and qualifications need while representatives of Hull College, The British Coatings Federation, Proskills and GQA Qualifications will be on hand to discuss all things linked to qualifications in the Coatings industry.

See you there.

Northern Roofline prove their commitment to competence and quality installations

GQA’s Mick Clayton visited Northern Roofline in Wakefield recently, as part of the company’s involvement in the Kestrel Registered Installer Scheme.

Mick met with Northern Rooflines Ben Hutchinson and Richard Wood, Kestrel’s David Maybank and Neil Whitfield of NWTraining to mark the occasion. Magden’s Gerald Atkinson and Jim Hannon completed the supply chain and the group.

Northern Roofline are now part of the Kestrel Registered Installer Scheme, which involves those installing Kestrel products undertaking a GQA qualification programme, delivered by Mike Smith of Absolute Training Services in conjunction with NW Training. The qualification, training and accreditation scheme is designed to give Kestrel registered installers formal training in fitting roofline products, legislation affecting the products they sell, the benefits of installing products from the Kestrel range and formal onsite assessment to determine their competence. The scheme also offers installers a great point of differentiation from competitors because it means they can offer homeowners the all-important peace of mind in the work they are doing, as well as the products they are installing.

Northern Roofline’s Ben Hutchinson indicated that “the Kestrel Registered Installer Scheme and the qualification is great for us as it proves that we have good, competent installers installing a quality product that can set us apart from others within our industry”

Ryan Gledhill and Martin Curry, Northern Roofline Installers, received their GQA Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Domestic Fascia, Soffit and Bargeboard Installation (QCF) whilst on site in Dewsbury as part of the visit.

GQA Qualifications - 2011 Conference and Awards Event – Proskills added to Sponsors

HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR PLACE YET?

The 2011 GQA Conference taking place at the Schuco Network Centre in Milton Keynes on the 16^th November 2011, is nearly upon us and is taking shape. Confirmed Conference sponsors Schuco and The Glass & Glazing Federation have now been joined by Proskills, following up their sponsorship of the 2010 GQA Conference with further support for GQA.

Speakers / Workshops:

Keynote Speakers

·Martyn Roads of Assessment Tomorrow (http://www.assessmenttomorrow.com) will be our opening keynote speaker; Martyn has researched and implemented the use of IT in assessment including work with QCA, and will discuss the benefits of technology in the delivery of qualifications.

·Tom Bowtell / Terry Watts of Proskills, the Sector Skills Council for the Glass, Coatings and Print industries will give an overview of their activities and plans within our industries.

Workshops

· Schuco’s Grenville Bramley will deliver a session on the installation of PV Panels, linking to the new GQA Qualification in this area.

· GQA EV, Martin Sadler, will deliver a workshop on Assessment, discussing good practice in delivery of GQA QCF qualifications.

· Paul Gray of The Vocational College will deliver a workshop on their experiences of using the GQA E-portfolio system which is to be launched at the conference.

· Paul Nolan of Web Products Direct and Amanda Jennings of GQA will give an introduction to GQAonline – the new web based system for centre administration of GQA qualifications.

· The GGF will deliver a session introducing the Green Deal, Minimum Technical Competencies and Qualifications.

There will also be the opportunity for delegates to get their hands on the new GQAonline system and the GQA e-portfolio system via a number of PC’s within the conference venue. This will give delegates a real feel for the new systems ready for using within their centres

Demand for places has been high, if you haven’t already booked your place please contact GQA on 01142 720033 or info@gqaqualifications.com to avoid disappointment.

GQA Launch new higher level Qualifications in Print

GQA Qualifications has now received approval from the qualifications regulator, Ofqual, for 2 newly developed qualifications for the Print industry.

The GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Print Administration (QCF) and the GQA Level 4 Diploma in Print Leadership (QCF) are available to the Print Industry from the 1st September 2011 through a GQA Approved Centre.

The Print Administration Level 3 qualification is aimed at those working in an administration role within the print industry in a wide range of roles that may involve decision making, quality checks, and making contributions to improvements in working practices and procedures. There are 3 pathways within this qualification, Costing and Estimating, Production Coordinator and Customer Service.

The Print Leadership qualification is aimed at those either holding a senior position within the Print Industry or those who are being groomed for such a position. The qualification covers 4 key areas within the role of senior management that include People and Leadership, Quality Assurance, Legal and Commercial and Print Technical knowledge.

For further details on the full range of GQA’s Print qualifications, please contact Sean Hayes at GQA on 01142 720033 or sean@gqaqualifications.com