Alexandra Road
Sudbury
Suffolk. CO10 2ZX
Tel. 01787 377988
News Archive
Luton Borough Council Business Improvement Awards
An awards ceremony was held on 13th December at the Luton Town Hall to recognise the achievements of the staff of Luton Borough Council.
The top teams included a number of people who have achieved their Business Improvement Techniques Qualifications, trained by ABA Training Ltd.
We would like to extend our congratulations to all staff at Luton Borough Council for their fantastic achievements in improving services to the public and we wish everyone a successful future and look forward to working with you all again.
200 Highly Skilled Drivers in Luton
The Mayor of Luton, Cllr Tom Shaw presented the latest ABA Training, Taxi and Private Hire graduates with their NVQ in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving certificates.
Luton College hosted the latest presentation event which was also attended by Lisa Devayya of Go Skills and the Licensing team from Luton Borough Council. Luton College catering students provided an excellent buffet as usual, and we would like to thank everyone at Luton for their hospitality.
In his address, the Mayor expressed the importance of the qualification to the drivers, who may be the first point of contact visitors to the area meet. He congratulated all of the learners on their achievement.
AJ’s Taxis – Clacton
AJ’s Taxis are very proud to be the first taxi company in Clacton to have completed the NVQ course.
An informal presentation took place on 11th October to the drivers from AJ’s Taxis who have achieved their NVQ L2 in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving. The training was delivered by ABA Training and was funded by the Learning and Skills Council through the Train to Gain scheme.
"It was a pleasure to run the training for this group. They were a fantastic bunch and we all had a really good time" Lisa, tutor and assessor for ABA Training.
Additional Funding for Taxi and PHV Drivers
ABA Training are pleased to announce they have secured additional funding for Taxi/PHV drivers to take their NVQ’s.
We have been given special dispensation by the Skills Funding Agency to run a number of courses throughout Oct – Dec 2010.
This is a limited offer and only available through ABA Training. If you know of any drivers who have yet to complete their NVQ and wants a fully funded place, tell them to contact us NOW!!.. 01787 377988 or email clare.garner@aba-training.com
Certificate Award For Our in House Apprentice
Our apprentice Daniel completed his Level 2 Business Administration apprenticeship with us in the summer and was presented with his certificates on the 29th September.
His assessor from Colchester Institute (Witham Campus) helped present the certificates.
Daniel has progressed onto the Level 3 award and continues to add value to our activities. Congratulations Daniel.
Operations Staff
Our Operations administrator Steph left ABA on the 10th September to pursue her academic activities as she has enrolled onto an accounts course.
We wish her well with her studies and her plans for the future.
A1 presentation
We have expanded the ranks of A1 NVQ assessors with Myra, Tony and Andrew successfully completing their programme so enabling us to expand our capacity.
They were awarded their certificates at a presentation at our offices on the 9th September.
ABA Training achieve direct claim status from EDI
After our September EV visit, ABA Training has achieved direct claim status with awarding body EDI.
Their EV was so impressed with our assessors’ standard of work, ABA Training has been asked to provide a copy of a portfolio to be used as part of EDI’s next EV standardisation meeting.
ABA Training Consolidate Their Offices
Please note that as of the 30th July 2010 ABA Training Ltd will be combining all activities at one location.
We have taken the opportunity with new office space becoming available at our registered offices in Sudbury to consolidate our activities into one location.
This means staff currently located in Great Baddow will officially be moving to Sudbury as of 1st August 2010.
We are taking this as an opportunity to work closer as a team and continue to grow programmes we are able to offer our customers.
Teaching Assistants (TAs) from the Sudbury area presented with their NVQ
We presented our latest group of successful Teaching Assistants (TAs) from the Sudbury area with their NVQ certificates on the 26th March along with another TA who has progressed to become an assessor and was awarded her A1 certificate.
The certificates were presented at our Sudbury offices, which is based at South Suffolk Business Centre by Liz Meadows who is the Workforce Adviser from Suffolk County Council. Liz congratulated the candidates and made it clear during the presentation that she was very proud of their achievement.
Four other TAs and 1 A1 assessor were unable to attend the presentation.
ABA gains Matrix Accreditation
We are proud to announce that both of the ABA offices were successfully assessed against the Matrix standard during February (12th, 23rd and 24th). The Matrix is a Nationally recognised Quality Standard for any organisation that delivers information, advice and/or guidance (IAG) on learning and work.
There are two elements to the standard depending on whether IAG is provided to internal staff and/or to external learners. We were successfully accredited to both elements.
Second Luton presentation event for Taxi and Private Hire drivers
Luton College hosted the second presentation event for Taxi and Private Hire drivers to have completed the NVQ in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving. 37 certificates were presented by the Mayor of Luton, Cllr Mohammed Riaz.
He said in his address "It is good for drivers to have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, good for the public who will benefit from having more confidence in their driver and good for the Licensing Service who will be able to witness first hand that the drivers who invest in themselves will lead to better standards. It is a win win win situation."
Peterborough licensed drivers presented with their NVQ's
26 Peterborough licensed drivers were presented with their NVQ in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving recently at a ceremony. The drivers completed the course as part of the mandatory licensing conditions in Peterborough.
Two more Associates earn their A1 Assessors awards
ABA Training were able to present two more of its Associates with their A1 Assessors awards at a recent training session. Receiving their awards from tutor Susan Thom were Alan Walsh and Teresa Adams.
ABA Staff and Associates, World Class Skills
25 ABA Staff and Associates took part in a training session enabling them to deliver effective Information, Advice and Guidance delivered by World Class Skills recently at their Great Baddow offices.
Gravesend drivers celebrated at Gravesham Council offices
57 Gravesend drivers celebrated at Gravesham Council offices after being presented with their NVQ certificates by Councillor Cubitt, Portfolio holder for Community Safety and Environment ´Clean, Green and Safe´.
Presenting the certificates Cllr Cubitt recognised the candidate’s hard work and dedication in completing the qualifications
Teaching Assistants working at Belstead School complete their NVQ's
Teaching Assistants working at Belstead School in Ipswich have been awarded their NVQ Certificates at an assembly held on 4th February 2010 after completing the NVQ in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.
Taxi drivers in Bury St Edmunds successfully complete their NVQ's
The first taxi drivers in Bury St Edmunds to successfully complete their NVQ in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving training course were congratulated by councillors, when they received their certificates at a licensing committee meeting on the 27th January.
Hilary Workman, St Edmundsbury Licensing Manager said,
" The drivers committed to an intensive ten week course, with practical on the job training and lots of learning. The day job involves long hours and I very pleased that they achieved these qualifications and that they are setting a new standard "
Certificates were presented by Cllr Frank Warby Chair of the Licensing Committee.
Terry Kinchlea Awarded Internal Verifiers certificate
Anne Howes, Director of ABA Training Ltd, was delighted to present Terry Kinchlea with his Internal Verifiers certificate at the recent ABA Christmas Luncheon.
Terry is very much a home grown product having completed his NVQ in 2007, his A1 Assessors qualification in 2009 and then shortly afterwards his IV award. Terry has been working on the various ABA projects in Nottingham, Bedford and Luton.
Bedford Drivers Graduate with NVQ
95 Bedford taxi drivers have graduated from a training course developed to raise standards of customer service.
A graduation ceremony took place where the drivers were awarded their NVQ certificates by members of the Bedford Borough Council Licensing Team.
Keith Simmons, Head of Registration and Records at Bedford Borough Council, said " The Council is committed to developing a professionalised Taxi trade in Bedford to meet the needs of local residents and businesses. This project is a major contribution to this aim and has brought Government funding through LSC into Bedford economy. In addition this project has given each of the drivers a qualification which demonstrates transferable skills and will support their professional development."
Shenfield Taxis
An informal presentation took place to on the 19th November to the drivers from Shenfield Taxis who have achieved their NVQ in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving. The event was a chance to recognise the hard work the drivers had been through in achieving their awards. Andy Frydd of Shenfield Taxis acknowledged that the drivers had benefitted from the course and said that the skills learnt were beginning to show through increased customers. The drivers achieved two qualifications, the NVQ and a VRQ in transporting Passengers by Taxi and Private Hire. Both qualifications are nationally recognised and were funded by the Learning and Skills Council through the Train to Gain scheme.
ABA rolls out a new course to Transport staff
The Hackney Carriage drivers of Forest Heath District Council in the North of Suffolk were the first to benefit from the newly devised Disability Awareness course for Transport staff. The 14 drivers all drive wheelchair accessible vehicles in the area, and underwent a three hour awareness session. The course takes candidates through identification of different types of disabilities, assistance to be offered, as well as practical observation of loading and unloading passengers in wheelchairs. The session was delivered locally ensuring the down time for drivers were kept to a minimum.
Southend Drivers recognised
A presentation of certificates took place at the Balmoral Community Centre, Southend to the second phase of drivers completing their NVQ level 2 qualifications in road passenger vehicle driving. The presentation of certificates was made by Licensing Officers of the Council.
Harlow Taxi drivers recognised for customer care skills
A presentation took place to the drivers of A& Bee and ABC cars Harlow on the completion of their NVQ course in Road Passenger Vehicle driving. The course ran over a period of eleven weeks and combined a VRQ in Transporting passengers by taxi and private hire with the NVQ course. Drivers were assessed on their knowledge and by the production of evidence through observation and customer feedback.
Extra skills for local taxi and private hire drivers
Twenty-nine Luton licensed taxi and private hire drivers received their NVQ Level 2 certificate in Road Passenger Transport from the Mayor, Cllr Mohammed Riaz, Thursday 1 October at Barnfield College.
The training was delivered ABA Training who tailored the sessions to minimise the driver’s down time. Courses continue at Barnfield College where any driver who has problems with numeracy or literacy problems is also offered extra tuition.
Cllr Don Worlding, Executive Member for Licensing, said: "This is excellent news. What these drivers have done is invested in themselves by spending their own time at college and completing work-based portfolios to ensure they deliver the best possible service to local people."
These drivers are the first in Luton to achieve the qualification, which arose through the partnership with the Council, the college and ABA Training, an external specialist training organisation. The drivers have benefited from Government funding for the course.
Essex Chronicle Business Awards Winner
On Friday the 18th September 8 members of the ABA team joined a select group of business people from across Essex at Braxted Hall for the finals of Essex Chronicle Business Awards.
We were finalists in two categories: ´Best Growing Business´ and ´Best Training Programme´.
We were delighted to be announced as winners in the Best Growing Business category and as runner up in the Best Training Programme for our teaching assistants programme.
After the awards were all made we spent a couple of hours dancing the rest of the evening away in celebration.
New Apprentice Starts at ABA Training Ltd
We would like to welcome our newest recruit Daniel to ABA. He joined us as an apprentice on the 7th September and he will be working towards his Business Administration NVQ between now and June 2010.
Shell Step Business Awards 2009
We are very happy to announce that our two placement students, who have been taking part in the Shell Step awards, won 5 of the 11 awards at the Shell Step Awards 2009 for Suffolk and Essex.
Shelley George, a second year English student from the University of Southampton and Jonathan Mason, a Business Studies student from the University of Lincoln were taking part in the Shell Step awards – which aims to bring together students who want to gain valuable experience on real work placements with companies who want an injection of fresh ideas, talent and enthusiasm to inspire and build their business.
Shelley, who was based in the Great Baddow office, was the winner in her category of Marketing and Market Research. She was also awarded with a commendation in the Best Report category.
Jonathan Mason, who was based in the Sudbury office for his 8 week placement was the winner in the category of Economics and Business Research, he also won the award for the Best Presentation.
To top off the evening for ABA Training and its two students Jonathan won the overall award of The Most Enterprising Undergraduate in Suffolk and Essex 2009 for his work in developing the passenger assistant training scheme for community transport drivers.
Students and Business in Step
For the second consecutive year, ABA Training Ltd has welcomed Shell Step Students to their humble offices. The Shell Step scheme allows undergraduates and graduates to take part in eight week project-based placements with local organisations. For Jonathan Mason and Shelley George, ABA Training was the perfect match.
For eight weeks Jonathan and Shelley have been helping ABA Training Ltd with Market Research and Marketing, researching new courses and funding opportunities, updating the website, creating flyers, and generating PR.
As well as benefitting ABA Training, the students are able to gain hands-on experience in their job of choice, gaining a real insight into the world of Marketing and boosting their CVS and subsequent career prospects. Along the way, Shell Step has also offered them valuable help with report-writing and presentations, which will no doubt be useful in later life.
By the 25th August the students must submit a 1,500 word report, and do a presentation in front of a judging panel where the best students from the local area will be in line to win cash prizes for their efforts and achievements.
An Awards Ceremony is due to take place on the 27th August at Colchester Town Hall, where Anne and Bill, directors of ABA Training Ltd, will enjoy a formal sit-down meal with the students, to reward them for their hard work.
Finalist of the Essex Business Awards
We are proud to have made it through the selection rounds to be finalist in the Essex Business Awards 2009. We are finalists in two categories:
- Best Growing Business – this recognizes the significant growth that we have gone through over the past year and since incorporation in 2005.
- The training that we are doing with Teaching Assistants in partnership with Wells Hall CP School is recognized in the Best Training Programme category.
The award ceremony will be held at Braxted Hall on the 18th September.
Second round of Nottingham city taxi drivers to graduate with NVQ
Taxi drivers involved in a training scheme supported by Experience Nottinghamshire, will be graduating tomorrow at Trent Bridge cricket ground after completing a course designed to enhance the visitor experience.
It’s the second graduation ceremony this year, and more than 100 drivers have benefitted from the training that took place between January and June 2009. All graduates have achieved an NVQ level 2 in the Road Passenger Vehicle Driver course, provided by ABA Training Ltd.
First Nottingham City Taxi Drivers to Graduate with NVQ
More than 100 local taxi drivers are set to graduate from a new training course developed to raise standards of customer service. It follows an initiative by Experience Nottinghamshire to improve the quality of the visitor experience.
A graduation ceremony will take place at Trent Bridge cricket ground on Wednesday 28 January when the first graduates to take part in the scheme in Nottinghamshire collect their certificates.
Eastern Region National Training Awards
We are delighted and extremely proud to announce that we won our category at the Eastern Region National Training Awards on the 25th September 2008, for the ABA Training Driving to Success training programme, for taxi and private hire drivers. There were 28% more entries this year, and the organizers (ukskills) said the standard was higher than ever, so to be a finalist was a huge achievement. To win was something else!
The award was made after a rigorous assessment process which involved a visit to our offices, discussions with learners and a telephone interview to the Local Authority, to confirm the robustness of the programme, and the benefits to learners and other stakeholders. The fact that we were then selected as finalists and ultimately winners is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our team.
The award ceremony was attended and enjoyed by the administration teams from both of our offices.
Taxi Driver Training Programme Wins Two Awards
ABA Training Ltd of Suffolk and Group Taxibus Ltd from Chelmsford have been celebrating their success at not just one, but TWO prestigious events recently.
The Driving to Success training programme which was designed by ABA Training to train the drivers of Group Taxibus Ltd, to ensure the company was in the ideal location for the 2012 Olympic and Para-Olympic games and other developments.
At the finals of the National Training Awards 2007, in Cambridge the programme was Highly Recommended and also won Best Company Training Programme in the 10th Essex Business Awards.
The programme enabled drivers to achieve both the NVQ in Road Passenger Transport at the same time as earning themselves a BTEC qualification in Transporting Passengers by Taxi and Private Hire. The training programme covered such areas as customer service, equal opportunities, disability awareness, safety, the carriage of luggage and parcels by taxi, route planning and UK taxi and private hire regulations and ensured the drivers were putting into practice what they learnt on the course through assessment and monitoring.
The programme has been so successful; it has gone on to become the Quality Taxi Partnership model for Chelmsford and Braintree councils.
GoSkills helps Taxibus pickup training for 20 drivers
Chelmsford operator begins journey to gain Passenger Transport NVQs
Proud of its reputation for providing the ‘one stop’ answer to the needs of its customers, Chelmsford Taxibus is currently boosting its service repertoire by putting 20 drivers through NVQ Level 2 Road Passenger Transport training.
Funded by Chelmsford LSC’s Employer Training Pilot (ETP) Profit from Learning scheme, the training was brokered by GoSkills and is being delivered by the award winning, ABA Training Ltd.
Super-Trained Taxi Drivers
Around 50 taxi drivers in Essex will become among the most professional cabbies in the country; receiving a qualification and membership of a scheme helping them become "ambassadors" for Essex.
At an awards ceremony the drivers from Chelmsford were presented with their NVQs certificates in Road Passenger Transport, by rCllr John Spencer ECC and Cllr Potter Chelmsford Borough Council.
The drivers have also become fully fledged members of the Quality Taxi Partnership.
The NVQs have been introduced as part of a scheme to help taxi drivers become ambassadors for the area they serve, with training on customer care, awareness of medical conditions and disabilities. They are also trained in health and safety, safer driving skills and legal matters. They will in essence, be supremely qualified for the work they undertake giving their customers an even better service and a lasting impression of professionalism. The training programme has continued to roll out, and currently there are 100 more Chelmsford drivers on the programme.
Training breaks down ‘them and us’ barrier
In 2002 a small Essex company was "in turmoil" before it found a long-term solution to its problems through staff training. Midwest Microwave International Ltd (MMIL), of Widford Industrial Estate, Chelmsford, worked in partnership with ABA Training of Writtle, Chelmsford to turn itself around and have gained a place in the final of the National Training Awards 2004.
