MP Sees Special Approach of Top Learning Centre

Paul Holmes MP, Member of Parliament for Chesterfield and a member of the Government's Education and Skills Select Committee, has praised the flexibility and positive attitudes of staff at TBG Learning in Chesterfield. This is TBG Learning's best performing Centre in Derbyshire for getting long term unemployed people into jobs. He made a visit last week (23 November) to see tutors in action and learn how the Centre works to help the long-term unemployed back into work.

"It's very impressive to see an organisation like this which is flexible and personal in what they do, rather than being pre-set. They have real involvement with their learners which is helping to change attitudes and motivate people to find work," said Paul Holmes MP.

Based in the heart of Chesterfield in St Mary's Gate, the Centre is situated in a modern office development. It runs courses for over seventy job seekers at any one time and over 600 people have attended since it opened last year, with 44% being helped to find suitable paid full-time employment. TBG Learning is the New Deal Prime Contractor for Derbyshire and, delivered training and support for about 500 people at any one time.

Paul Holmes MP met Stuart Smith (pictured) from Holmegate (near Clay Cross) in an 'employability skills' class which helps with identifying suitable jobs, preparing a CV and practise interviews. There are also classes in literacy and numeracy and a range of vocational skills. Through TBG Learning's links with local employers, work placements arranged, many of which lead to full jobs.

18-24 year olds attend a two-week intensive course to help identify their strengths, build confidence, research vacancies, prepare a CV and do practice interviews. Paul Holmes MP met Kelly Batty, age 19 from Shuttleworth near Bolsover who starts a new job as a Sales Assistant at Greenwoods in Chesterfield next week having completed her course.

TBG Learning Chesterfield is in Block A, 1st Floor, St Mary's Court, St Mary's Gate. Telephone 01246 207500. There are also TBG Learning Centres in Derby and Alfreton. See www.tbglearning.com