Is Mobile Technology re-wiring the brains of our Children?

Posted on May 7, 2013 | 1 comment

Overload or Growth?

Overload or Growth?

Or is there hope in a BRAIN project funded by the President of the USA?

Well you do hear people say that mobile technology and smart tech is rewiring their brains brain, making a new breed of digital natives and even brain washing our children. The facts are that they will spend 11.5 hours a day using smart technology; whether that’s computers, tablets, television, mobile phones, or video games (and in my experience usually more than one at a time). That is a big chunk of their 15 or 16 waking hours. The media tend to exploit these facts and combine them with pseudo-science with outlandish claims of ‘brain rewiring’ and potential harm. I have heard this uttered in alarm, (usually by those concerned that children’s ability to learn and pay attention) and stated as a ‘good thing’ by others, convinced that a generation of digital natives has developed incredible powers of absorbing and applying information.

Indeed 4 years ago President Obama officially announced in 2013 that 100 million dollars in funding for arguably the most ambitious neuroscience initiative ever proposed. The project has the catchy name of Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neuro-technologies, or BRAIN, and aims to reconstruct the activity of every single neuron as they fire simultaneously in different brain circuits, or perhaps even whole brains. If you have seen Iron Man 3 there is marvellous moment when the evil Aldrich Killian (played by Guy Pearce) shows the beautiful Gwyneth Paltrow inside his brain in real time; a must see moment. The next great project, as Obama called it, could help neuroscientists understand the origins of cognition, perception, and other brain activities, which may lead to new, more effective treatments for conditions like autism or mood disorders and could help veterans suffering from brain injuries. It also might just help people realise why they need to choose a great course and real focus.

neuroscience and nerve system neuroscience brainSo what are facts about neuroscience and mobile smart technology? Can we learn effectively using smart devices? Well, when our minds are engaged in a simple or complex task, the information relevant to that task is held in our STM or short-term memory. According to the late but great psychologist, George Miller, this mental holding space can only contain four to seven pieces of information at a time. To be retained it needs to be transferred to the LTM (long term memory). We can only move information from short-term to long-term memory using our attention; we have to be paying attention to, and thinking about, a fact or a concept in order for it to be encoded in memory.

To encode properly you need to eliminate distractions, which are often caused by multitasking events. Young people report frequent media multitasking (texting, emailing, surfing the web, Twitter and Facebook) while also doing homework. Their belief is they can do it effectively, but research shows otherwise. In fact, research demonstrates that individuals who multitask the most are actually the worst at it. Whether we’re learning with a tablet, smart device or a book, it’s best to give it our best attention.

The rapid evolution of mobile technology has placed quite a burden on our concentration. The day is constantly being challenged by external sources. Even the most pressing of matters can be interrupted at any moment by a familiar buzzing in the pocket. This gives a friendly nudge to pay attention that the brain responds to and many find virtually impossible to resist; alarmingly even while driving. These all too frequent interruptions, coupled with growing expectations for immediate responses (emails responded to at 2am), will challenge our cognitive control system at its very core.

The cognitive control system is our ability to focus on accomplishing a task in the context of competing demands. You might want to look at a course that explains this in more depth. This special ability is what has allowed humans to achieve remarkable achievements, from developing languages and building complex societies.

It doesn’t matter that we think children are growing up digital natives and somehow addicted to technology. It simply doesn’t change how we come to understand new information. Basic understanding happens when we process new information in terms of its meaning, rather than its surface features. Understanding happens when we connect new information to what we know already.

It seems that the competing noise and multitasking distractions, will have a more significant negative impact for those with undeveloped or impaired focus and cognitive control. Those that easily lose focus such as children and us older adults, or in the presence of neurological or psychiatric conditions like ADHD or Alzheimer’s disease. There is no doubt that we have to be careful about the influence of unending data streams of interference on our minds. We need to make more informed decisions about how best to interact with the technologies around learners and how we use the technology positively every day. Perhaps the BRAIN project will guide us on new ways being effective learners.

The lesson seems to be that when we are engaged in something that requires high quality attention (like one of our excellent express courses in critical thinking we should conduct ourselves in a manner that is most appropriate for how our brains function: in the absolute focus mode.
So it seems that despite all the real concerns, technology is not rewiring young people’s brains or brain washing them. Indeed mobile smart technology must and can be harnessed to improve our minds. This will come as a relief to some and a disappointment to others. This new brain research will shed light on our understanding, our attention and focus systems and better memory that can now be applied to a new generation of humans, not so different from the ones who came before.

Mindfeed ebooks by Diane Shawe

Get a copy of Diane Shawe book from Amazon

 

 Shawe’s eBooks are available on Amazon right now at: https://www.amazon.com/Diane-Shawe/e/B0052WG8V6

About the Author

Diane Shawe is an author, speaker, trainer, mentor, consultant and entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience. She has personally trained over 2800 people around the world in a variety of fields and has published a number of works. She has contributed to over 100 Kiva Entrepreneur’s around the world.

She was also one of the producers of a Day time Ladies Talk Show in 2015 and Host of one of the UK’s best loved Annual Hair Extensions Awards.

Diane also enjoys oil painting, sailing and clay pigeon shooting. She focuses on topics that she is passionate about in her writing and has attracted over 36,000 followers on her popular blog.

Media Contact
Company Name: AVPT Short Courses & Hair Extension Training Academy
Contact Person: Diane Shawe MEd
Email: Send Email
Phone: +44 208 1333120
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Website: http://www.academyexpresscourses.com

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TOP 10 HAIR EXTENSIONS TECHNIQUES FOR 2013

Posted on May 5, 2013 | 13 comments

Hair extension advert avptglobal small 2013

 

Why setting up a hair extension business or service in your salon could be profitable

Article written by Diane Shawe M.Ed

We have seen the hair extension market grow over the past 15 years, now there are more hair extension techniques than ever before and it can be confusing to decide which is the right one for you to either apply to your own hair or become a qualified technician.

If you are thinking of becoming a qualified technician, it is important to consider how potential clients might make their decision.  Some people will make a decision based on price, others on their hair type and some based on what they need to achieve. Click to see our training school video

Here are just a few tips to help with your decision making process.

1. Wigs:  Wigs are a quick and easy way to give yourself a quick makeover.  What you need to bear in mind is that the cheaper the wig the more un-natural it will look.  You don’t need to spend a lot of money but it is worth investing in a wig that you can use from time to time.  Client will pay between £120 – £300 for a good quality wig which could last for up to 12 months.

2. Hair Pieces: There are lots of different hair pieces from pony tails to rear hair attachments in all different shades, curly, straight or plaits. There are also specialist hair pieces for thinning hair that can help disguise any problems.  The thing to bear in mind is that hair pieces are not often very secure and could make you feel a little uncomfortable.  Some of the ponytail pieces can be securely fixed, so if you want a demure look go for a ponytail.

popular integrated weave

See what one of our students said about her 2 day course

3. Integrated Weaves: This is when wefts of hair is sewn onto a fine cornrow which is then hide by the bulk of your hair on top.  It is a popular technique because if done correctly it can look very natural and offer up a robust and secure hair enhancement solution.  If you look after the hair you can reuse it when you go back to have it re tightened. Clients could pay between £190 – £330 for the integrated weave.

4. Pre-tips: This is small pieces of hair that have been pre bonded together.  They can be added in sections all over the head to aid thickening, give the impression of highlights or lowlight and length.  Pre-tips can be applied using heat, micro rings or even small elastic bands.  Be aware that they have to be professionally removed so as not to damage your own hair.

5. Strand by Strand (glue gun): This is when hot bond is used to bond small sections of hair to the recipients own hair.  It was a very popular technique in 6 years ago, but requires professional application and removal by a qualified technician.  Can give the appearance of flyaway hair that you could somewhat run your fingers through.  It is a very time consuming technique and is much better for a long term wear over 3-4 months.

6) Clip in hair extensions: These are now very popular.  They are best used for lengthening mid should length hair.  If the hair is shorter they don’t sit very well because they can be a little bulky in appearance.  They don’t offer up much security unless they have been professionally fitted.  This is when a very small cornrow is done and the clips are slipped through for much added security.  Great for an evening occasion but not advisable for long term wear.  click to read more

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net weave for a seamless look

7) Net Weave:  This technique is used when the client wants to partially extend just a section of their hair or if the client suffers from patchy alopecia.  This technique is suitable for 2-4 months wear.

8) Hook and Latch: This technique does not use any glues or threads. It is a beautiful technique, flat to the touch and hair could be worn up.  It works well with shorter hair especially the Micro ring track technique.

9) Lace Wigs: Lace wigs have become very popular. They are really good for girls with short thin hair, damaged hair, hair that needs a rest or a complete makeover.  Top celebrities have made them really popular and you can see why from the video testimonial below. See Radio TV presenters new lace wig

alopeciaconsultant

Hair2Skin is also popular for hair loss.

10) Braides and Plaits: Braides and Plaits have been around for hundreds of years.  A technique that can look very simple or quite exotic.  Braids can be worn for a number of months until the hair grows out, they can even have beads added to the end for that extra special look.

Hair Loss Specialists
Clients also suffer from thinning hair can be helped, click here to hear what one client had to say.

As we see an aging population, people are becoming more confident about getting help to resolve short term or long term hair problems.
HAIR EXTENSION TRAINERS
There is s shortage of qualified hair extension trainers in the UK. Visit this link to find out more and how you can become qualified.

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Diane Shawe speaks at Business Startup on the 6th & 7th June 2013

Posted on May 2, 2013 | 9 comments

business startup show 2013

Welcome to AVPT Global! We will be exhibiting at the Business startup show on the 6th & 7th |June 2013. We will be showing you some of our popular courses, how to turn your mobile device into a learning and teaching tool and how to create a new career doing this.  We get people qualified in days, not years, through our soft skills training courses, which are globally accredited through IAO and are available online or in workshops. All online courses are supported with a personal tutor!

free ticketVisit us on stand 330

business startup show 2013 dIANE sHAWE

Text ‘EARNINGS’ to  0793 798 5077 to get a £100 voucher? Click the Banner!

Diane Shawe M.Ed MIoD IEBE

Hear Diane speak on How to use your mobile phone to learn and earn.

Diane previously spent six years working for the Department of Trade and Industry working with bodies that award funding to business start-ups. In this presentation she will share six ways to raise finance for your company without resorting to banks – important guidance in this period of economic constraint.

About Diane Shawe M.Ed MIoD IEBE

As the CEO of AVPT Global, which provides online fast-track training courses, Ms. Shawe utilises her expertise in education and business administration to oversee individual, one-on-one, group and corporate training. In addition, she ensures that staff members are reporting and achieving and that the business is meeting its target of student recruitment. Ms. Shawe also manages the quality of training, company finances and front-end marketing, while also maintaining the business profile. She has been in the educational field for the last 15 years and has successfully led her company for the past five.

Find out how Diane’s company has created the next best online career!

In addition to handling her day-to-day responsibilities with flair, Ms. Shawe has published several books, including: “How to Cyber Kiss your Business to Success,” and “100 Ways to Generate Quick Emergency Cash.” She believes that people should try to integrate the following practice into their daily lives: “never do anything as though you are a professional amateur.”

Her next publication is due out in June title ‘The digital face of Education’

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Understanding the Language of Training

Posted on April 29, 2013 | 3 comments

questionmarkI know what your thinking…

article written by Tim Dingle MBA
Chief Development Officer  AVPTGLOBAL

Training is about to undergo a revolution and the understanding of body language will be crucial for those undertaking training. Speaking at a conference in Birmingham last year, a leading HR director observed that there was nothing as important as understanding the language of business.  That must mean the non-verbal as much as the verbal expressed language.  Non-verbal communication is commonly known as body language and I spent a lot of time studying the basis of this and its importance in training and interviews. So the question is can it be read and used by individuals, managers and directors- or indeed in their wider professional or social lives?

Body language is a broad term for forms of communication using dress, body movements or gestures instead of, or in addition to, sounds, verbal language, or other forms of communication.  It is part of the category of paralanguage, which describes all forms of human communication that are not verbal language.  This includes the most subtle of movements that many people are not aware of, including, for example, a discreet smile or a slight movement of the eyebrows. Such messages can be communicated instantly and silently through gesture; body movement or posture, facial expression and eye gaze.

Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle would not have recognised it, but just watching an accomplished politician, actor, or shopping channel salesperson can give you some insight into the power of gestures or facial inference.  Such gestures can add to the stagecraft, amplify the message and can provide surprisingly magnetic assurance about what you are being told.   Have a look at the courses we offer at The Academy of Vocational and Professional Training.

Can the use of these non-verbal signatures be imported into the business, training and HR arena?  It can be a risky strategy to attempt to read and rely upon body language signatures without some training and practice. Should individuals be aware of the power of non-verbal communication and seek to harness this aspect in negotiation? If our desire, as individuals in business, training or HR, is to produce our optimum performance then we should employ all of the communication and interpersonal skills with which we individually have been gifted.

We may well consider investing our time to improve our oral questioning and language skills, but very few individuals seem to give much thought to developing the skill of both reading and transmitting non-verbal clues. We can help! Developing those reading skills would be much easier if all our clients were between three and nine years of age – this is rare of course, even if sometimes a negotiation has something of a playground quality about them.  Children wear their emotions on their sleeves and are, except perhaps to other children or their doting grandparents, pretty easy to read.

Mobile Learning, Mobile Earning

Mobile Learning, Mobile Earning

Tightly crossed arms, a screwed-up face and a stamped foot quickly clues you into the internal voice of the child, even if their response to the question, “Are you OK” is “Yes”. A parent’s sixth sense is often nothing more than a demonstration of the superior body language reading skills that child carer’s, of necessity, have learned to develop.  The older we grow the more we learn how to mask our true feelings, which unconsciously includes the toning-down of our body language as well.  Whilst we can try and make our non-verbal communication less obvious, very few people can completely mask it.

HR directors, business people and individuals, might want to learn to look for those more subtle, but tell-tale, signs of stress, hope, agreement, confidence, resistance, and fear in the body language of the clients, and indeed their own clients.  Picking up on these signs could allow us to make progress in a situation of stale-mate and could save a negotiation that is about to crash.  These skills can allow us to zero-in our questioning, to know when a private meeting or a break is essential, and to see the evident bridges and agreements, even when the other side have yet to verbalise them.  How too are we at listening to clients, staff and business partners when they speak to us?  Are we fully engaged with them, having turned our chair, and thus our whole body towards the speaker, leaning forward and maintaining good eye contact?  If you want to be heard in your turn, you need to be seen to be listening.

People will usually only tell us what is really on their mind if they believe that we are really listening.  Do we really listen?  Taking notes whilst staring at out iPad or mobile phone as the person tells their story, does nothing to build confidence in us or the process.  Active listening skills such as reflecting back a summary of what has just been said by the speaker may just persuade, non verbally, a client to listen to you and thereby facilitate success. HR directors, managers and individuals should be encouraged, therefore, think about using their body language positively to enhance the oral skills that they already have, allowing them to maximise their potential as conflict resolution practitioners.

I know what you are thinking. You need to start training, now.   

Please review our VTF  Presentation and let us know if this is an opportunity for you.

Meet some of our current VTF’s: 

Invitation to our Free 2 hour introduction.

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Keep Taking the Tablets

Posted on April 2, 2013 | Leave a comment
Keep taking the tablets

Keep taking the tablets

-More Than 1 Billion Smart Devices Sold Last Year Changes Everything

article by: Tim T Dingle BSc (Hons) MIBiol PGCE MBA  CDO at AVPTGLOBAL

I can remember clearly (it was after all, only 3 years ago on April 3rd 2010) when Steve Jobs unveiled a unique consumer tablet with an unusual name. It had been one of his obsessions for years, even before the iPhone. Many people thought Apple would be better served by coming out with a netbook: you remember netbooks, don’t you?

According to the International Data Corporation[1], worldwide shipments of smart connected devices grew an amazing 29.1% year over year in 2012, crossing 1 billion units sold with a value of $576.9 billion. The market expansion was largely driven by 78.4% year-over-year growth in tablet shipments, which surpassed 128 million in 2012. Quite astonishing and I hope everyone had a great Christmas opening the tablets!

We all know that smart devices can deliver amazing functionality; from constant Internet and social media connection to brilliantly helpful apps. They are genuinely changing the way we operate as a society. The change is happening so rapidly and almost seamlessly that most of us probably don’t realise how much we use and rely on our smartphones and tablets.  How did the business world even operate without employees having constant access to their phones, email and the Internet? How did busy parents keep track of their schedules without a calendar that never leaves their side and actually reminds them of events?

apps galore!

apps galore!

If we pause to consider that now we can use apps to find the best meal when on the road, the nearest petrol station or to locate possible holdups on route. We don’t even have to watch TV or connect to an online news site to get instant national and local news. We can scan rail and plane tickets with our smart phones and check in with no paper for international flights. While smart devices are making everyday activities easier for consumers, some businesses are facing challenges to compete effectively. The challenge is being met by forward thinking companies like AVPT Global[2] who seek to use tablets and smart phone technology to be at the heart of online learning and push forward the rise of mLearning.

The iPad and other smart devices (including my brilliant Samsung Note 10.1) have had huge initial impact on access to information, business sales and social interaction. In fact the pioneering of this new category has in some ways been even more significant than the iPod and even the iPhone, because it has disrupted so many different device manufacturers. It has created a market opportunity for smart device manufacturers and created a challenge to other PC makers and even potentially influencing how we may watch television in the future. It has also extended digital content opportunities to make books and video on-the-go a more practical experience, ending the back breaking march of the child with books to school perhaps?

The iPad was the first device to successfully bridge the gap between the PC and smartphone for consumers. Since it landed in the first consumer’s hands more than 55 million iPads have been sold worldwide, used for watching (and streaming) movies, reading books, magazines and newspapers, Web surfing and playing games. Tablets are becoming familiar common coffee-table fixtures in households around the country. They’re also being stowed in the briefcases and bags of travellers, whether they’re going by car or by plane. And they’re increasingly carried by teachers, doctors, lawyers, real estate agents — a wide range of professionals who find they can do much of their work with a tablet. Put simply, the tablet has become the go-to PC substitute for a variety of activities.

A smarter way to study with www.avptglobal.com

A smarter way to study with http://www.avptglobal.com

People now leave their laptops behind more often, taking advantage of the tablet’s lighter weight, ubiquitous wifi (and 3G /4G) connectivity, its longer battery life and catalogue of useful applications. We are seeing some of the tasks traditionally performed on PCs and laptops, now being performed on the tablet. In fact, all five of the top activities (email, Web surfing, game-playing, social networking and online shopping) shifted towards the tablet in late 2011.

Many of these are activities we do on our smart phones, of course, but doing them on the tablet is not only more pleasurable visually, it leads to entirely new behaviours. Watching video (be it movies, TV or YouTube) is definitely one of the preferred uses of tablet owners who also have smartphones, as is Web surfing and email, according to new research from Nielsen. In a great piece of research called, “Tablets are for meals. Smartphones are for snacks,” Nielsen[3] shows how 10 per cent or less of smartphone owners opt to do those activities on their phones. Social networking (both Facebook and Twitter) is also better done on a tablet than smartphone, as is writing emails. Aside from making phone calls, the only activity right now where the smartphone beats the tablet is instant messaging. But even 18 per cent said they’re doing that on their tablets. It appears that mobile phones tend to be the gateway drug in emerging markets where consumers typically move on to a tablet.

The IDC report that grabbed the headlines last week (1.2 billion smart devices), goes on to say that it expects global smart connected device unit shipments to surpass 2.2 billion units by 2017. Consumers and business buyers are now starting to see smartphones, tablets, and PCs as a single continuum of connected devices separated primarily by screen size. Each of these devices is primarily used for data applications and different individuals choose different sets of screen sizes in order to fit their unique needs. These kinds of developments are creating exciting new opportunities that will continue to drive the smart connected devices market forward in a positive way. The first step on the long road to mLearning is just beginning and the potential for individuals and companies to grasp the opportunity is seen by only a few.

Taking the Tablets has never been so exciting.

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[2] The Academy of Vocational and Professional Training www.avptglobal.com

[3] Dan Lee, Director of Product, Digital Nielsen July 18th 2012

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How to start a Home or Mobile Eyebrow Threading Business

Posted on March 26, 2013 | 113 comments
Set up your eyebrow threading business anywhere.

Set up your eyebrow threading business anywhere.

An easy cost effective business that can be done anywhere

Article by Diane Shawe M.Ed

Threading in the UK has become a very popular treatment over the least few years and with a few tips and ideas you could benefit from starting your very own threading business.

There is a huge potential for earning good money as a self employed beauty therapist offering eyebrow threading as a service.

Look at most salons and even shopping Malls these days and they have signs for threading in their windows.  Look inside a salon and you will nearly always see them busy.

Customers don’t usually need to make an appointment, they just walk in and wait or get it done after they have had there other beauty treatments.

There has never been a better time to Start your own Threading business from home. Working on your own gives you the opportunity to work your own hours with much more flexibility and freedom then being tied down in a salon.

What’s more you can actually out sell salons with your threading service and make even more money than they do!

1. You can offer very flexible hours.  Working on your own you can offer treatments at unsociable hours such as evenings or weekends.  Just think how limited salon opening times are…

2. You can offer discounted rates.  A salon has huge overheads – staff, rent, heating etc, you can operate at very little cost and undercut salon prices hence making your threading prices very attractive.

Eyebrow Threading is an ancient art with hugh earning potential

Eyebrow Threading is an ancient art with hugh earning potential

3. You can offer a mobile service.  Clients love it when you can offer your threading treatments in their own home. Just think of the business mobile hairdressers get. Many people don’t want to visit a salon – they may have work commitments, young children, don’t drive.  There are many reasons why people can’t get to a salon and offering a mobile threading service is a superb way to make good money.

Setting up a Threading business is not expensive.  Although you should always buy the very best equipment, threading kits, tools and thread is very cheap.

You will have very little over heads, think what would you use for a client? A little talk, some wipes and a few metres of thread.  These products will hardly break the bank expenses wise so your profits margins are very high.

The best place to start is to get some threading training.  Threading courses cost as little as £95 can and be booked on this site with a credit card or even Paypal.  The price to train is very little compared to other similar industries. A hairdressing course would cost you £1000’s.  You can learn eyebrow threading in just one day with our One Day Professional Threading Course Workshop.  Combined with a practice and guidance, you ready to go… A Hairdresser trains for months if not years before they can offer their art for profit.

Once you’re trained getting business can be quite easy.  Start of by printing or writing some adverts with your details and phone number.  Stick these up in your local shops, post office or Supermarket.  Chip shops surprisingly do well as people stand in the queue and read everything! Most places charge a just couple of pounds a week.

You local newspaper classified can be a good place to put a small add.  Currently our local paper the Bolton News charges £25 for 6 lines of text.  You can also try your local supermarkets notice board, local salon, church, women’s group the list goes on.

Also place averts in online directories so people can find you when they search online.

The best way to advertise these days is to get a small website built.  Most people search on the internet for what they need and a nicely designed webpage can be a great source of clients.  Get in touch with us if you want a cheap website, we know a man who can!

Once you get a few clients, word of mouth of is by far the best advert for your services and if you do a good job word gets round quickly and you’ll soon be booked up with peoples mums, sister, aunts, uncles?? calling you.

So, put in basic terms, threading training is fast and cheap, materials are cheap and you can start your business in a short space of time with very little outlay.  Threading is a perfect business model.

 

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Why 2013 is a bumper year to become a Soft Skills Trainer

Posted on March 26, 2013 | 6 comments

So why is 2013 going to be a different type of bumper year for training organisations or consultant who can help the unemployed individuals upgrade into a new skill that will help them generate their own income?

article by Diane Shawe M.Ed

Well usher in the new breed of Virtual Teachers! If your not up to speck with the new direction and growth in the market then you could really find yourself on the old fashion self by 2016! Make no mistake, becoming a trainer is all about running a business. Being up to date with the latest techniques, developments, trends and needs is just as essential if you decided to set up a coffee shop.Institutions of higher learning increasingly embrace on-line education, with 65.5 percent of chief academic officers now calling on-line education ‘critical’ to their institutions! long-term strategy, an opinion that’s risen more than 15% over eight years.

Like any business you still have to source new customers, gain glowing appraisals and testimonials, get your pricing right, court the right type of publicity and sustain credibility. Oh! and let’s not forget making a profit.

AVPTGLOBAL almost 400 courses all globally accredited

AVPTGLOBAL almost 400 courses all globally accredited

We all know it takes a certain kind of self belief and courage to set up any type of business in today’s climate. You could even make a claim based on sheer desperation, the need to do something to generate an income.

But it even takes more courage to leave your destiny in the hands of many of the businesses today, no matter what their global or brand status might be. Most people are now being spurred into self employment due to the levels of redundancies, job insecurities and the need to meet ongoing expenses.

Participants are more interested in the qualifications and or skills they will gain in the subject at hand, and the experience you have in doing jobs similar to theirs and your track record in ‘doing’ rather than ‘talking about’ the topic.

What is really important is your ability to engage with participants around this experience and help them to translate that into action. That is where the true value often lies for them. Of course we know that there are academic trainers and teacher courses which award accredited or private certificates.

Choosing the entrepreneurial route can bring great benefits, but there are also challenges.

What are some of the considerations before you decide to set up, invest or replicate another successful business model? To find out more about the various considerations, visit http://www.academy-of-vocational-and-professional-training.com/index.php…

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The Academy Of Vocational And Professional Training look forward to the year ahead after a year of success and achievements

Posted on March 22, 2013 | 9 comments
Lord Ahmed congraulate students and AVPT on achievements

Lord Ahmed congratulates students and AVPT on achievements

The Academy of Vocational and Professional Training (AVPT) have had an exceptional year, with a huge list of positive achievements. A year in which AVPT launched globally was marked the first cohort of students being presented with their certificates by  Baroness Uddin followed by congratulations from Lord Ahmed, in the impressive setting of the House of Lords.

“This was a huge achievement for us,” explains Diane Shawe, the CEO, “Our 395 courses are all globally accredited by the International Accreditation Organisation, meaning that they are accepted anywhere around the world. We’ve achieved so much this year and we felt very excited for the future when watching the first generation of our students receive their beautiful and meaningful certificates.”

The globally accredited status given to AVPT by the International Accreditation Organisation in June 2012 means that the courses available hold a big draw to students that want to travel. Diane sees this as recognition of the significant rise in e-learning.  This has also meant that AVPT’s launch of its Scholarship Den initiative hasStudent pitching to judges at ASVPT Scholarship DenStudent pitching to judges for scholarship happened at just the right time; young people, with a desire to better themselves or start a business are awarded with £2,000 of AVPT training. This has led to the continued and dynamic success of the academy’s offering.

In October 2012, AVPT was the main sponsor of the education section of the Youth Enterprise Live Show 2012 at Earl’s Court in PA9C1793London and had the Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham as the guest of honour to officially open the AVPT stand where they attracted over 350 enquiries for the short courses.

To finish off an already exceptional year, AVPT won a contract with a Middle-Eastern Government to provide crisis management and leadership training to the government heads of departments.  After a highly successful training programme, AVPT was also added to the official procurement list for the UK’s Ministry of Justice and Department for Work and Pensions and so is able to provide training for these two large departments.

Rachel Fanshawe receives her certificate from Baroness Uddin

Rachel Fanshawe receives her certificate from Baroness Uddin at the House of Lords

This remarkable success story has continued into 2013 and the AVPT team are already setting their sights on the next target. The company has begun work towards striking up a partnership with The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills to carry on its successes with departments of the UK government.

Diane explains, “We have built solid relationships with all that we work with, and over the course of 2013 we want to be able to offer students from across the world a larger platform of study. We believe by building foundations with The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, we can do this efficiently.”

AVPT is dedicated to helping students in reaching their full potential and have launched the first UK voucher code website offering customers the chance to find special offers and deals on short courses. The website, expresscoursevouchers.com, allows the general public to take advantage of new education and training deals everyday.

Tim Dingle, the Chief Development Officer at AVPT says, “We’ve been extremely busy this year and have created a paradigm shift for online adult education.  Our Social Enterprise division, known as ACEE, will also begin to deliver training courses to the wider community, by awarding bursaries to people who are disadvantaged or cannot afford to up-skill. We are totally committed to life-long learning  and to helping students better themselves. We are passionate is this goal and believe we have a unique and powerful product that people are connecting with very quickly.”  The National Lottery has view our proposition in a positive light has it helps the wider community.

Next generation of mobile learning

Next generation of mobile learning

The Social Enterprise division of AVPT  ‘ACEE’ will launch a project in July 2013 called ‘Switch Momentum’.  ‘Switch Momentum’ is targeting the areas where knife crime and gang problems pose a real threat for teenagers who do not want to get involved but are locked into their homes in order to be safe.

Diane says, “Switch Momentum will provide teenagers with a way out of challenging and pressurised situations. We believe everybody can fulfill their potential given the right opportunities and we believe we can offer this positive environment.”

Diane Shawe finishes by saying, “This is targeting young people in the summer vacation who may not be going on holiday, a projects like ‘Switch Momentum’  can offer that inclusive learning experience in a calm environment to them”.

As a natural progression of their growth, AVPT is also looking to inspire and train  a new workforce of Virtual Tutor Facilitators (VTFs). AVPT  has already trained several individuals and have found that they help create a seamless bond between the student and their studies. By May 2013, AVPT will have created 300 jobs.

Tim Dingle explains, “The VTF is a revolutionary new idea. Teaching is changing, and we are creating dynamic change. We have created a jobs and helped people to work creatively and passionately in adult life-long learning. We’re extremely pleased with this.”

AVPTGLOBAL almost 400 courses all globally accredited

AVPTGLOBAL almost 400 courses all globally accredited

AVPT will be present at three major exhibitions throughout 2013.

The Scottish Beauty Show 2013, which takes place in the heart of Edinburgh  and the Wales Hair and Beauty Show 2013 which is in Cardiff. Finally in this busy year, AVPT will be presenting at the Business Start Up Show 2013, at the Excel centre, London.

Visit www.avptglobal.com to view our range of courses and services and see if we can help you upskill yourself or team.

 

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5 Things Great Leaders No Longer Do

Posted on March 14, 2013 | 1 comment
Fast Track leadership courses

Fast Track leadership courses

Here are five things great leaders no longer do:

1. Stick to annual performance reviews.

Annual and semi-annual appraisals waste everyone’s time.

Years ago, my review was late so I mentioned it to my boss. He said, “I’ll get to it… but you realize you won’t learn a thing. You’ve already heard everything I have to say say, good and bad. If anything on your review comes as a surprise to you I haven’t done my job.”

He was right. The best feedback isn’t scheduled; the best feedback happens on the spot when it makes the most impact, either as praise and encouragement or as suggestions for improvement and training.

Waiting for a scheduled review is the lazy way out. Your job is to coach and mentor and develop — every day.

2. Say, “Look, I’ve been meaning to apologize…”

Apologies should be made on the spot, every time. You should never need to apologize for not having apologized sooner. When you mess up, ‘fess up. Right away.

Don’t you want your employees to immediately let you know when they make a mistake? Model the same behavior.

3. Hold meetings to solicit ideas.

Leadership: Becoming management material

Leadership: Becoming management material

Many people hold brainstorming sessions to solicit ideas for improvement, especially when times get tough. Sounds great — after all, you’re “engaging employees” and “valuing their contributions,” right?

But you don’t need a meeting to get input. When employees know you listen, they’ll bring ideas to you.

Plus, the best way to ask for ideas is to talk to people individually and to be more specific. Say, “I wish we could find a way to get orders through our system faster. What would you change if you were me?”

Employees already have ideas. Trust me: They imagine themselves doing your job — and doing your job better than you do — all the time.

Be open, act on good ideas, explain why less than good ideas aren’t feasible and you’ll get all the input you can implement.

4. Create formal development plans.

Development plans are, like annual performance reviews, largely a corporate construct. (HR staffers love to monitor compliance and alert managers when supervisors are late turning in their employees’ development plans. Or maybe that’s just my experience.)

You should know what each of your employees hopes to achieve: skills and experience they want to gain, career paths they hope to take, etc. So talk about it — informally. Assign projects that fit. Provide training that fits. Create opportunities that fit. Then give feedback on the spot.

“Develop” is a verb that requires action; “development” is a noun that sits in a file cabinet.

5. Call in favors.

I know lots of bosses who play the guilt game, like saying, “John, I’ve been very flexible with your schedule the last few months while your wife was sick… now I really need you to come through for me and work this weekend.”

When you’re a boss, generosity should always be a one-way street. Be flexible when being flexible is the right thing to do. Be accommodating when accommodation is the right thing to do.

Never lend money to friends unless you don’t care if you are repaid, and never do “favors” for employees in anticipation of return. As a leader, only give — never take.

Source:  CEO.com

AVPTGLOBAL almost 400 courses all globally accredited

AVPTGLOBAL almost 400 courses all globally accredited

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Diane Shawe nominated at International Women’s Day Roll of Honour 2013 at the House of Lords

Posted on March 14, 2013 | Leave a comment

Lord Errol and Jill Pay

Una and Diane Shawe

At the House of Lords, Helene Martin Gee and Jill Pay presided over the announcement of the 2013 Roll of Honour to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Diane Shawe CEO of AVPT was amongst several other women who was nominated for the 2013 IWD Roll of Honour.

After the presentation, guests enjoyed a sparkling afternoon tea hosted by The Earl of Erroll and Baroness Morris.

This year’s theme is ‘Wonderful Women’ inspirational women who have touched our lives. These amazing women were nominated by Pink Shoe members and friends. All those nominated are included, there was no selection process, as all these wonderful women have inspired those who nominated them.

As Helene said in her introduction, the list comprises women from all backgrounds and areas of life, and all have achieved a great deal, working locally, nationally, internationally. Some are household names and others are well known within their communities.

What they each have in common is they are all making a tangible difference to the lives of others. These women are truly inspiring!

We were delighted to be joined by many of the women included in the Roll of Honour, and those who had nominated them, along with Pink Shoe members and friends, as well as students from Lambeth Academy and Cardinal Pole schools.

With huge thanks to Ling Tyler-Bennett; to all who nominated the Wonderful Women for the Roll of Honour, to Lucy Temple for researching and compiling the list, and to Sanna Shahzada who did a great job of managing the presentation on the day.

International Women’s Day Roll of Honour 2013

 Wonderful Women       


The 2013 IWD Roll of Honour, nominated by Pink Shoe Club members & friends is announced. Those nominating said about these inspiring women:

 

She demonstrates that women can be great, respected and liked leaders 
She inspires me with her vision, her application and her work ethic
She speaks sense and gives practical advice 
She cares and goes out of her way to make a real difference 
She demonstrates how consistency creates results  
She embodies the ethos of helping others reach their full potential 
She has made an outstanding contribution to the lives of others
 
……What she has achieved so far is only the beginning of a long and fruitful journey

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