NVQ success for Ricoh staff

Twenty-five staff at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry are celebrating completing national qualifications in a vast range of subjects.

National Vocational Qualifications from level two customer service to level four management have been passed by staff in the hospitality, catering, reception and housekeeping departments.

A celebration lunch was held for the team with their managers at the Singers Bar and Bistro at the multi-purpose venue.

Jo Chamberlain, head of human resources at the Ricoh Arena, said staff had been working towards the qualifications for between six and 12 months.

“It is a fantastic result for the team,” she said. “Many of the staff are now eager to start working towards NVQs level three and we are happy to continue to support them.

“It has been particularly useful for staff who haven’t gone down the traditional educational route to pass GCSEs or go to college.

“This has given them a chance to gain a nationally recognised qualification while they work and since it is continuous assessment, there are no exams which can sometimes put people off.

“Assessor Vicki Atkins from training provider Inspire to Independence has been coming to the Ricoh Arena to help each member of staff and to assess candidates carrying out their duties to make sure they reach the required national standards to earn the certificates.

“This is the first time we have organised for staff to take NVQs and we will definitely be continuing it in the future.”

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am delighted to see such a well-established Coventry organisation leading the way when it comes to helping staff achieve qualifications.

“We are advising all businesses, where they can, to help their employees improve their skill levels to the benefit of both the individual, the company and the wider economy.”

PICTURE CAPTION: Ricoh Arena staff celebrate their success in their National Vocational Qualifications with their managers at the venue