Training News

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Adult Learners' Week 2013

Roll up, Roll up, for the Learning Market 2013

Riverside Marketplace, Haverfordwest

Saturday 18 May 10am-2.30pm

Adult Learners’ Week 2013 is being launched in Pembrokeshire with this Learning Marketplace. Visitors can shop for new learning opportunities and sample what’s on offer during the rest of Pembrokeshire Learning Festival. There will be plenty going on so don’t miss out – and it’s all free!

Find other free events or taster days here (opens new window)

http://www.yourfuturechoiceaction.org.uk/english/freeevents.htm

Call for expressions of interest Voluntary Sector marquee at the Pembrokeshire County Show 2013

Is your organisation interested in having a stand/ stall at the Pembrokeshire County Show 2013? Not sure the budget can stretch that far? PAVS might have the answer…

For a number of years PAVS has had a presence at the County Show by having a stand in a marquee (called the Learning Zone) with a number of other organisations. However this year we thought it might be worth asking if any voluntary/ community groups in Pembrokeshire might be interested in doing something similar to the Learning Zone, but specifically to promote the third sector.

The Learning Zone brings together a number of different organisations to share the cost of having a marquee at the Pembrokeshire County Show for publicity purposes. During 2012 the Learning Zone had 18 different organisations with a stand, some had activities on their stand to attract visitors others had quizzes or competitions, some just had information and leaflets. Approximately 3,200 visitors came through the Learning Zone marquee during the 3 days of the 2012 show and stallholders reported that 60% of visitors had general or serious enquiries.

If we decided to go ahead with a third sector marquee it would follow a similar model to the Learning Zone. Each organisation would have a stall space (approx 1m x 2m), a trestle table and chairs – a small number of tickets per day would also be included. There would be electricity in the marquee and someone would facilitate the health and safety, insurance and fire precautions. There would be a working group, which would have a representative from each organisation involved, to coordinate the arrangement of the event (including marketing, activities and so on). However only around 3 meetings are needed, attendance at these meetings is important but not mandatory. Currently the cost of a stand is around £220 (plus VAT), however this may be less, it may also be possible to “share” a stand between organisations or have a “hot stand” where organisations come for just 1 day and pay accordingly.

If you would like to know more, or express interest in having a stand, please contact Louise Wilkinson at PAVS louise.wilkinson@pavs.org.uk or phone 01437 769422 by 1 March 2013.

Please note the Learning Zone will still be going ahead as usual, this is would be an additional marquee. 

The 'Learner Involvement Strategy' for Pembrokeshire was unveiled at the County Show's Learning Zone in August.

Earlier this year representatives of learners from across the Pembrokeshire Learning Network - the umbrella partnership for adult learning in the county - had been nominated to draft the strategy and form the Learner Voice Panel.

The new strategy includes a two year action plan bringing together suggestions of ways to improve the service from learners across the county.

Councillor Huw George, Cabinet Member for Education, welcomed the initiative."This move aims to ensure that learners have a greater involvement in the development and provision of classes," he said.

For more see the Pembrokeshire Learning Network website www.pembrokeshirelearning.net

Learning Zone at the County Show – Your Choice, Your Future

If you’re coming to the CountyShow this year (14-16 August), then pay a visit to the Learning Zone on the corner of Main Avenue and Band Avenue. The Learning Zone is a one stop venue incorporating all the training and educational choices in Pembrokeshire for adults over 16 years of age.

Visitors will be able get advice about learning new skills and gaining qualifications that can help in progressing careers or even changing jobs. “The Learning Zone is always a great place to pick up information and ideas, for work or leisure. It’s a really good time to find out about courses starting in September as the new brochures will be out”, commented Coordinator, Louise Wilkinson.

There will be a mixture of demonstrations every day which will give people an opportunity to have a go at something new, with quizzes and competitions there will also be plenty to keep the children entertained. As well as picking up information about learning opportunities from local providers, and some from further afield, Careers Wales West will also be present if people want advice and support about careers.