NORTH East businesses are reaping the rewards of training available to up-skill workers thanks to the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC).
Regional dental group, N&N Dental, has been working with the NECC to take advantage of free training and courses available to improve the skills of its staff.
Jeff Brown, 37, employed at the N&N Dental practice on Verne Road, North Shields, completed a decontamination course with the NECC and said the training has secured his future with the practice.
He said: “Before I joined the practice on Verne Road I was from a factory background, not a clinical one, so there was a lot I didn’t know. The course was really helpful; it recapped a lot of things I needed a refresher in and I learned a lot that’s helped me with my job day-to-day.
“My Training Adviser, Christine White, came to me at the practice so I wasn’t away from work. I can’t thank the assessors at NECC enough for their guidance and support, and my practice manager for giving me the opportunity to complete the course.”
Jeff received the Level 3 Certificate in Decontamination of Instruments and Devices, a City and Guilds qualification, after completing various units assessed by written work, observation of practical work, and by an exam.
Linda Lacey, N&N group manager, said: “The Chamber has really supported the growth and development of N&N. We have worked closely with the NECC in the past to take on our dental nurses, so when we were told about these courses, we were keen to get our staff involved.”
Andrew Robson Head of Training Operations, NECC, said: “N&N have been great to work with because they’re so supportive of their staff and Jeff has done so well with the course – even better than some with previous clinical experience and knowledge.
“These courses are so valuable to both learners and employers. Apprenticeships have already been proven to deliver for businesses and help them grow. We’re working with organisations to help reduce training and recruitment costs, increase productivity and develop a skilled, motivated and qualified workforce.
“A dental apprenticeship is a way for young people and adult learners like Jeff to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification and a real future.”
The formal City and Guilds qualification means Jeff is now qualified in decontaminating instruments and devices in the dental environment as well as being trained in infection control.
Jeff added: “I’m proof that you’re never too old to improve yourself. I’m from a non-dental background and I still did well and it’s really helped my confidence.”
N&N Dental serves over 40,000 patients across County Durham, Tyneside and Wearside from four practices, providing dental services from routine checkups on oral health to cosmetic treatments.
NECC and its partners actively encourage businesses across the region to take advantage of the training and courses available for employee skills development, offering a variety of apprenticeships and training courses, uniquely designed to fit with the needs of both the business and the learner.
For more information on NECC training and development opportunities, visit www.necc.co.uk/what-we-do/apprenticeships-training.