ILM & Westminster Kingsway College

05 December 2007

Employer Training Solutions offers custom designed, work-based training and professional development programmes that suit a wide range of employers in all industries. We are recognised as one of the leading providers of training in London.

We started working with ILM approximately three years ago after our research highlighted them as the organisation whose approach and programmes best met our clients’ needs as well as their expectations of management qualifications. They offered us qualifications with a variety of components, clear progression routes through to all levels, and a customised approach based on employer-specific modules.

Back in 2005 we received funding from the London Development Agency (LDA) to devise a management qualification for the hospitality sector. This followed identification of a significant need to develop the skills of middle managers working in or entering the industry in the capital. We worked closely with ILM to put together a programme and a model of delivery that met the requirements of the LDA, employers and employees. We also developed comprehensive resources that enabled learners to work through topics independently and interactively, as well as catch up quickly if they missed any sessions. Thirty-nine learners achieved an ILM level 3 qualification in First Line Management and many of these felt encouraged to continue their training and progress to the next level - the success of this project reinforced our confidence and belief that in ILM we had found the right partner.

We have found that when we work with ILM to develop courses, the retention and achievement rates of those learners who undertake them have been significantly higher than average. In fact the achievement rates are way above the national benchmark. We have also seen several learners being promoted within their companies whilst undertaking ILM programmes at levels 2 and 3. This is extremely positive not only for all those successful candidates but also for our reputation as a training provider that supports learners and truly helps them to achieve.

ILM is a highly flexible and innovative organisation. It agreed to let us provide a voice recording facility so that, if they prefer, learners can record their assignments orally rather than in written form. This means that we can really test people on their management knowledge and skills rather than on their ability to write or use a computer. ILM has therefore enabled us to put in place an assessment tool that helps learners to achieve rather than reinforcing barriers to achievement.

The flexibility of the ILM approach has also enabled us to start working with individual employers as well as unemployed groups to create management courses containing units that are most appropriate to their needs. ILM is happy to adapt and customise its qualifications to suit specific user requirements and our partnership with them ensures that we get the right fit and the best solutions.

ILM recognises the needs of individuals and employers and always work with the utmost professionalism. As a training provider delivering ILM awards we always receive appropriate, detailed and rapid support. They respond quickly to any queries and are proactive in working to meet our requirements and those of our clients. Our partnership goes from strength to strength.