…further to our chat the other day regarding ECDL provision;

Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service management are preparing to spend up to £200 per person for staff who request it (and need it as an integral part of their work) to be trained up to ECDL. I’ve suggested (because I am certain I heard it does not cost this much!) that I’d contact you to see if your contacts know of anyone who can supply it much more cheaply. As I understand it previous courses have been run where the only payment necessary is for an “assessment” & a “logbook”??
They are mainly based in Ipswich if this helps.
This will free up money for the future provision of courses for all staff.
Would you therefore be so kind as to forward this around your arena and see if any good people out there can help me?

- Steve Brinkley (20.July06)

I would suggest that Steve contacts his local Learndirect centre where will be able to offer ECDL. His nearest centre can be found on the learndirect web site www.learndirect.co.uk.

- Ann Cook (20. July06)

… has Steve thought about ITQ almost the same as ECDL and is aimed at those using IT as part of their job. This is a NVQ level 2, but has to be done in work time. There is very little cost to the employer apart from the accreditation fees etc. I know College of West Anglia and other colleges have delivered this. Hope this helps

- Steve Walker GMB (20.July06)

Have you tried the “Colin” intranet system which links to staff development bit of SCC.  He has recently paid £200 to train one of his staff.  (this is probably what you are doing already)
Or try Suffolk TAP (see IAG directory) Dee Crowe’s Team.  01473 694810.  They will be able to check lots of providers.
Martin happy to meet up for half an hour or so to talk about his services – I think this would be useful.

- Martin Peel IAG (21.July06)

Sorry, we do it in Essex but would have to pay £450 to register a centre and for one course that would not be sensible, so I hope you have a more positive reply from someone else.

- Margaret Todd (20. July06) WEA Regional Workplace Programme Manager