'If You want 1 year
of prosperity grow grain

If You want 10 years
of prosperity grow trees

If You want 100 years of prosperity grow people'

News

August News

3rd annual family day

Thursday the 26th august saw the business holding it's third annual
communications and fun day at Morley Hayes hotel near Derby. With over 150
people present for the day, the directors announced to all staff the launch
of it's 'foundation' for young people which will be officially launched on a
national basis later in the year.

During the afternoon, staff and their families together with invited clients
took part in a range of activities including go karting, golf, outdoor
pursuits including training with birds of prey and a fabulous BBQ and disco.

A resounding success as a thank you to all of our dedicated staff, Di McEvoy
Robinson commented 'whilst 2010 has been challenging for everyone, and all
of our staff have had to work that little bit harder, we felt it appropriate
to continue our annual family day. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day and
the activities, particularly those who took part in the go karting and the
outdoor KDM events. Many thanks to the staff at Morley Hayes and to Tom
within the business for organizing the event (even though he didn't win the
go karting!)

 

Our apprentice completes his AAT foundation and moves forward

We are delighted to announce our first apprentice, Tom has successfully completed his first stage of his accounting technician qualification with results announced nationally this morning. This follows the completion of his level iii apprenticeship in Business Administration last year. Tom was the first apprentice appointed by the business last year and we are delighted with the progress he is making both academically and at work.

Tom commented ‘ I am delighted with my results albeit I am sure the planned AAT academies to be launched by 3AAA will be better !’. I would like to thank all of my work colleagues who have helped me so far. I have particularly enjoyed gaining a wide range of work experience whilst at the same time studying’.

 

Bloom and 3AAA combine for brighter horizons

Bloom and 3AAA are pleased to announce that we have jointly combined ourforces with 3AAA taking an equity stake in the Bloom business. The strategy will be to develop Bloom into the leading provider of estate agency apprenticeships in the UK over the next few years.

Peter Marples commented "we are excited by this combination and believe it will enhance our existing apprenticeship developments" Greg Morall of Bloom commented "combining our expertise with that of the 3AAA team will give us the ideal opportunity to develop our business quickly and effectively. We are really excited to be working with the 3AAA team" Both parties were advised by Lee Clifford of Freeth Cartwright of Birmingham.

 

July News

Regional Manager (Beds/Herts) Circa £40k, plus bonus and car allowance

Due to expansion of our National IT Apprenticeship Academy we require an experienced individual to manage a minimum of 3 National Apprenticeship Centres in the Eastern Region.  Reporting to the Director and Via the 3 Centre Managers, you will monitor the day to day running of Apprenticeship activity, drive the centres forward via achieving excellence and measure success against Key Performance Indicators.

You will have proven experience within the National Apprenticeship framework, to include funding/Quality and Compliance/Monitoring and Delivery. You will have the ability to lead and motivate a team; a positive mental, can do, attitude; be driven , with integrity and honesty; willing to take responsibility and accountability; excellent organisation and administrative skills and an excellent level of numeracy and literacy; a problem solver, with attention to detail and the ability to relate to young people. Knowledge of the FE sector and funded programs would be a distinct advantage

This position requires an Enhanced CRB disclosure and the successful candidate must be able to provide evidence of the right to work in the UK. To apply please forward your C.V and a covering letter to garyredmonds@3aaa.co.uk or for an informal discussion please ring Gary on 07949565085.

No Agencies Please.

 

 

3As appoint Chief Auditor

3As are delighted to announce the appointment of Lynn Drinkald as Chief Auditor to the business. She will be joining us from UFI where she has held the role of audit and risk manager. Peter Marples commented "given the continued need to ensure full compliance with data management processes, we felt it important to strengthen further our central management resource. We are delighted that Lynn will be joining us and she will be working with our staff internally and with our College partners to ensure we are fully compliant and exercising best practice in everything we do. I have worked with Lynn in the past and she will be an excellent addition to the business."

Yorkshire Here we come.

Following a recent rigorous process for the appointment of new contractors to support Leeds College, we are delighted to announce we are one of only 5 businesses nationally to have been appointed to work with Leeds College from 1st August 2010 on their train to gain tender. Leeds received over 100 expressions of interest to their advertisement for partners resulting inover 40 formal applications. Di McEvoy Robinson who lead our proposal process commented "this is animportant success for the business and will support our business activity inthe Yorkshire area"

Construction ­ Scaling new heights

After discussions which have taken over 12 months to reach fruition, we are delighted to announce we have been appointed by North Midland Construction Group to support their training development plans. It further illustrates our business model is transferable to a range of sectors. We have commenced immediately, supporting them with the training and development strategies and working on some specific key projects for the business.

Accountancy Leader ­ Vacancy

3A are looking to appoint someone who can lead the development of our new Accountancy (AAT) Academy in conjunction with our partner colleges. We are looking to make an early appointment so that our first academy can be opened before the end of 2010. With ambitious plans to grow our academy model  to support an new and innovative way of delivering AAT qualifications, are you the right person to make an impact? An attractive salary package including share options is available for the right individual. Peter Marples commented "we are excited about this innovative development and we are prepared to invest in the right individual and team to make it happen. We aim to become the leading provider of AAT training in the country over the next few years" Interested? ­ Call Peter Marples on 07979 857438 for more information.

June News

Announcement

The directors of 3AAA Limited announce that Wayne Brownhill, a senior member of the team has left the business with immediate effect to pursue other business interests. Peter Marples said �we value the contribution Wayne has brought to the business over the past two years in developing our strategy with agencies.However, the changing economic and political climate has resulted in us all re evaluating our strategies for the future and we have agreed that it is inall our interests to work separately from now on. We wish Wayne and his family all the very best for the future.

May News

New Government - new opportunities?

The past seven days has witnessed history in the making in terms of the developments in the Uk political climate. 3A’s welcomes the resolution of the uncertainty that has been in place and irrespective of political persuasion, is delighted that the country can now move forward with some form of stability.

We recognise that the next few years will present a challenging time for those organisations involved in delivering publicly funded services but we remain confident albeit with some caution that our business will be able to weather the storm and come forward strongly. We have invested heavily in the development of our business, through our people and we would want to see this continue. However the next six months presents an uncertain future and we urge the newly formed Government to take decisive action, whatever the consequences in terms of policy development and implementation.

April News

3A's Go North

NCP the consultancy arm of 3A's is delighted to announce it has been appointed by a large FE College in Edinburgh to undertake a strategic review on its behalf.  Di McEvoy Robinson commented we are delighted with this appointment. Peter Marples and I will be working closely together to deliver a first class level of support to the College as it looks to shape its future employer engagement strategies. We will be working intensely during April to complete this work. It further consolidates our emerging position as one of the leading consultancies advising Colleges on workforce development and employer engagement issues

3A wins LSIS Consultancy and Research Project

3A¹s Group is delighted to announce we have been successful in winning a significant research and consultancy project on behalf of LSIS. Working in conjunction with Bedford College the business will be researching and developing a new model for pre employment training for agency workers. Agencies will play a significant role in the economic prosperity and recovery of the nation and it is important that effective schemes of training and support are developed.

Peter Marples commented "this is a strategically important piece of work for the business which will continue throughout 2010. We are delighted to be working on this project with Bedford College."

Steve Broomhead is our Chairman

Following our announcement in May last year that Steve Broomhead ­ CEO ofthe North West Development Agency  was supporting the business as strategic advisor,  we are delighted that Steve has now formally accepted the appointment as Chairman of the Board.

Staffing Numbers Hit 80

Despite the training market undergoing turbulent times with many providers having significant financial difficulties and some unfortunately going bust,3A continues to move forward with careful planning and strong execution.Staffing numbers this month went past 80 which is a significant achievement in just over two years of trading.

Di McEvoy Robinson commented "Whilst our business itself has had to manage itself very carefully over the past 12 months, we have been able with careful management of our finances to steadily build our business. We have a number of opportunities in front of us which will be important in positioning the business for the next five years. Whilst our business continues to be reliant upon public funding to support our clients training needs, and this will tighten in the next few months and years, we are delighted to be able to further recruit able people to our team. We will look to continue to grow our business our a professional manner over the next few months and years to support our strategic aims as a business to become the partner of choice for our clients¹

March News

NITP Goes From Strength to Strength

In February we announced the launch of our first IT academy in conjunction with Walsall College. We are pleased to report a further 25 learners will commence at Walsall on the 12th March making our centre operating at full capacity in less than 4 weeks. Further growth is planned with the launch of new academies across the UK over the forthcoming months.

Further Workforce Development Consultancy for NCP

Yet a further College has commissioned NCP this month to undertake consultancy in shaping their workforce development strategies.

Peter Marples commented with the sector about to face significant tightening of resources, it is important that workforce development makes a positive financial and strategic contribution to College overall activity.

We are working with a range of Colleges to deliver these necessary changes in a rapid and focussed manner. One College Principal recently said thank you for your work. It has been extremely constructive¹.

With over 100 Colleges who will be shortly announced by the SFA as having financial difficulties and no long term strategic future as independent institutions it is important that all College review these activities urgently and take decisive action

Logistics Academy

Following discussions with one of its long term logistics client, NLP is delighted to announce that we will be shortly opening our first logistics academy for apprentices based in the East Midlands. A focussed, dedicated academy delivering real change to our client, we will be training the leaders of the future.

3A seeks assessors and trainers

As 3A continues to expand its horizons, it is seeking applicants for the following key roles:

 IT trainers to support the roll out of our IT Academy model ­ to be based across the UK. Trainers must have strong interpersonal skills and bequalified to deliver Apprenticeship Programmes at level iii· 

Assessors in Mail Services, BIT and Warehouse and Storage - Internal Verifier who can support the business with Driving Goods Vehicles and Carry and Deliver Goods ­ to be based in the Midlands.

Peter Marples commented, we are looking for enthusiastic people to join our team. We are prepared to be flexible in terms of remuneration and in terms of working arrangements. As the business develops and changes, we are always keen to discuss opportunities with people. The next 9 months will be interesting as we face an election and forever changing funding. If individuals wish to work on a part time basis or simply on an associate basis, we would be keen to hear from them.

Contact Peter Marples on07979857438 or email at petermarples@3aaa.co.uk

February News
 
3A’s Launch our first IT Apprenticeship Academy
 
On the 22nd February, the doors will open to our first IT Apprenticeship Academy – branded NiTP – the National IT Partnership in conjunction with Walsall College, 25 students will commence on an advanced apprenticeship programme in IT which will include a number of Microsoft vendor qualifications. NiTP will be roll out across the country with plans to open a further 10 Academies in the next 12 months. Working in partnership with our partner Colleges, the Academies are located in modern facilities delivering a fantastic learner experience. Our first Academy, located at the newly opened Walsall College will be the template for the expansion of our Academy network across the country.

Gary Redmonds, Director responsible for the NiTP project said ‘ from concept to launch in less than three months, this has been an exciting journey. We have recruited high quality staff and 25 students who will undertake a full time apprenticeship programme with us. All apprentices will be employed and paid and we will be working to open new centres over the forthcoming months. NiTP will become the pre eminent brand in the UK for IT training. Our strategy to work strategically with College partners in this initiative is key and we could not have opened without the extensive support of Walsall College. We look forward to further exciting developments in the roll out of apprenticeship academies in other sectors soon’

TNT and the DWP
 
Thursday the 11th February was an important moment that summarised the development of the business over a relatively short period of time. At the London Marriott hotel, the Permanent Secretary for the DWP, Sir Leigh Lewis presented 20 students from TNT and Balfour Beatty Workplace with their NVQ certificates following a successful programme delivered by 3A’s – as part of the TNT / Balfour Beatty contract to deliver mail services to the DWP. Our pilot programme for 150 learners has now been evaluated and approval has been given to roll this out to a further 2000 learners. 3A’s are delighted to have designed and delivered the programme in conjunction with both TNT and Balfour Beatty and we look forward to our continued work on this project.

College commissions NCP to review workforce development
 
We are pleased to report that the growing reputation of NCP is resulting in our being commissioned for more work. Most recently a further College has asked us to review their strategy for workforce development and its future focus. The results of this work will enable the College to position itself strategically for the challenges and opportunities that exist in the changing market place. Di McEvoy commented ‘ experience is showing this work is delivering real practical tbenefit for the Colleges which we work with and we would recommend that all Colleges that see workforce development as a critical part of their core mission going forward should look at this area in some detail. There are significant cost efficiencies to be delivered combined with improved client service to their customers’

More for Less – Delivering Quality more cost effectively
 
We all recognise that in a world where public funding for training, whilst still a key priority of all political parties, will become increasingly tight, it is critical that all providers – be them Colleges, the third sector or private providers must do more to review delivery models and effectiveness of delivery to achieve ‘more for less’. 3A’s is undertaking significant work in this area, through the development of our Apprenticeship Academies in a range of sectors through to proposals to enable the key funders to engage and contract  with employers on a more cost effective level.

However much more needs to be done. Peter Marples, Director at 3A’s commented ‘ we are making our contribution to this important issue but frankly we are one of a minority of providers who want to deliver more for less. Whilst we would not expect ‘Turkey’s to vote for Christmas’, everyone has to play their part in designing and delivering courses that are relevant to the needs of employers and learners, are cost effective and of high quality. We are all aware of the debate about the duration of University degree programmes and whether indeed they are appropriate. This same issue impacts in vocational training and we urge more providers, the Government and the newly formed Skills Funding Agency to drive this forward. There is a real opportunity for the public purse to get more for less and the Skills Funding Agency – being a newly formed organisation with no past baggage has a first class opportunity to drive this forward – 3A’s certainly will aim to play its part in delivering value for money and increasing the number of people that can access courses and programmes of training for the same quantum of funding’.

January News

3A’s Wins Further Clients

3A’s is delighted to announce that it has been successful in securing long term contracts with two further logistics clients, Arla Foods and HDNL. We are delighted with the progress the business is making in the logistics sector.

The Business is now the largest provider of logistics training in the UK with a client base second to none. Peter Marples commented ‘this demonstrates our business model is working. Our search to win HDNL has taken over two years of persistent contact with the client. We are delighted to have been appointed to these two national clients’

3A’s Recruits further apprentices

Following the success of the appointment of our first apprentice to the business, 3As has committed to further support the development of young people into the world of work.  Two new apprentices will be joining the business, one to support the growing activity at TNT and the second to support our work with one of our partner Colleges. Di McEvoy Robinson, Director of 3A’s commented ‘ our first recruit, Thomas has been a huge success and we want to grow our own leaders of the future. This commitment is a further demonstration that the business is ‘doing what it encourages our clients to do’. We welcome our new apprentices to the business and wish them well, both in their career and future studies with us.

December 2009

3A's appoint new Operations Director

3A’s are delighted to announce the appointment of our new Group Operations Director, Katrina Hall. This follows the promotion of Victoria Hurdley to the post of Group Managing Director.

Katrina joins us from Lifetime Health and Fitness where she occupied a number of senior roles in the business and was responsible Quality Assurance, the creation of the National Skills Academy for Health and Fitness and the creation of a new Awarding Body.

Katrina joins to strengthen the overall management team of the business together with Victoria Hurdley and Katy London who was appointed Finance Director in August 2008.

Peter Marples – executive director commented ‘ we are delighted by this appointment which further strengthens our management capability. This further investment, made in economically challenging times demonstrates our commitment and oprtimism for the business as we move forward with developing the business. We wish Katrina every success in the future and also to Victoria and Katy in their new roles. They are already forming a formidable management unit.

Employee of the Year

The business recently held its most recent employee development day on the 21st December 2009. On a snowy morning, the partners delivered on their promise previously made in April 2009 to make an award of employee of the year.

Short listed candidates were the 12 nominees for employee of the month our employee of the year was selected as the individual that had demonstrated the values of the business most compellingly. The winner of our award for 2009 was announced as Les Haywood and assessor on our TNT project and he received a new (albeit snowy) Peugeot 308 car.

To sum up Les, TNT provided us with a quotation as detailed below:

‘Over the past 3 years we have worked with several different partners to supply NVQ courses for our staff. Unfortunately we have always struggled with ourselves as well as the suppliers to gain a real understanding of what is required from each party and this has led to dissatisfaction and mistrust. When we started with your team we, i must admit, expected a similar scenario. We had however not met Les!
From day 1 he has kept in constant contact explaining what is happening, what is going to happen and making sure that whatever he said would happen, happened at the right time and with the right people. He has reported accurately every week and appears at my door every Friday to give an update.

I am sure that without Les, we would probably have suffered similar results as before. He really does make a difference.

Please pass on my thanks from TNT and myself personally for making my life easier, the NVQ's successful and my people happy’

November 2009

3A’s Grows and Supports Recruitment

3A’s continues to grow despite the difficult economic environment which is undoubtedly impacting on Government funded training. We are still seeking new staff, particularly at project manager level who can support our business growth.

In less than two years, staff numbers now exceed 50 and we are delighted to have supported most recently the employment of two new assessors who were previously unemployed. Whilst 3A’s will receive £1000 for each appointment from the Government’s initiative to support unemployed people back into work, we will be making the conscious decision to reinvest this money back into the development of our people.

Peter Marples, partner within 3A’s commented ‘ our business is growing strongly and sustainably. Only this week, we have secured a further three national logistics clients to our portfolio and we are working very closely with our college partners on some exciting developments which will be announced very shortly. We are delighted to be continuing to be able to recruit  and most importantly give people an opportunity, who would otherwise remain on the unemployment register.

There aren’t many businesses that have been able to develop as we have in the past two years – a sustainable business, wholly self funded by the partners and now employing in excess of 50 people. We are playing our part in supporting the economy with a profitable business. However, our experience does show that the Government can and should do more to help new business start up . There are a whole host of quangos who are supposed to support business growth, but we for one have never seen or heard from any of them!’

3A host private dinner at AOC conference

3A last night – 16th November hosted a private dinner with a number of our strategic partners in the FE sector which was hosted by Steve Broomhead, strategic advisor to the board of 3A’s. Specially, the dinner discussed how new partnership arrangements could be created as a result of the new skills strategy and important role that FE will continue to make in the future. The dinner also welcomed Andy McDonald from TNT who provided an insight into the reasons and background for engaging with 3A’s and the FE sector.

Peter Marples commented ‘ this was a very successful evening resulting in a number of significant and exciting opportunities and developments. For a business which has been trading for less than 2 years is testimony to the impact we are making in our chosen sectors. Whilst public funding is likely to tighten in the future, we remain excited about the prospects for the business, working with our partners, both in the FE community and the private sector’

3A’s Apprentice Achieves!

In July 2009, we reported that 3A’s had appointed its first apprentice and that he was embarking upon a level iii apprenticeship in Business Administration. We are delighted to report that Thomas has successfully completed this apprenticeship in record time with the support of the 3A’s team and his training provider – Pro Start Training. He has now commenced on an Accounting Technician qualification – further honing his accountancy and business skills for a successful career in the business.

3A’s fully supports the develop of our people and encourages everyone to exceed expectations through a monthly employee of the month award. We are delighted that Thomas was nominated by a number of the 3A’s team for the November award, not only for completing his apprenticeship but for his commitment and maturity he has shown in working with senior colleagues. It appears he has already spent the award on a new IPOD Touch !

Peter Marples commented ‘ we are delighted with the progress that Thomas is making. He says he wants to be a businessman and he certainly is getting the exposure to a wide range of clients and activities within the business. I am sure he will be chasing us the stand aside in a few years time !’

Thomas said ‘ I am really enjoying the work and my colleagues. They have supported me in achieving my level iii apprenticeship – 2 A levels – and my mates have only just started 6th form ! and I am now working hard on my accountancy training. Winning the employee of the month award was icing on the cake and the IPOD is great even if my work colleagues don’t understand my taste in music’

Recruitment of the new head of training for the Institute of Swimming

The partnership is pleased to announce that we have successfully completed the recruitment of the new head of training for the Institute of Swimming, the delivery arm of the Amateur Swimming Association. This was an important assignment which was completed from start to finish in less than four weeks. This continues our strategic support for the ASA where we are working with them in a range of different projects.

Di McEvoy Robinson commented – Peter Marples and I worked on this project and are pleased with the outcome. Lee Croucher has been appointed  to this exciting new leadership role and we wish him well for the future. It further cements our relationship with the ASA.

October 2009

Aspire Achieve Advance LLP worked in partnership with Bombardier to develop and deliver a tailored training solution.

September 2009

3A’s Further Partnership with TNT.

3A’s are delighted to announce that we have further extended our partnership with TNT. 3A’s have been appointed to assist in TNT's Driver Excellence programme which includes the implementation of Driver CPC into their business.

Peter Marples commented: ‘we are delighted by this appointment. It further extends our range of services offered to TNT and it goes to show our business model is operating effectively to deliver a responsive and high quality service to our clients’.

Dave Copping from TNT quoted: 'I am pleased that‘3A’s responded quickly and effectively to meet our Driver Training needs and we are delighted to be working with them on this important project. We look forward to working together to enhance this project over the next few months and years ahead’

July 2009

3a’s Summer Family Day - click here to see gallery of images.

3A’s held its 2nd annual family day on the 3rd July at Morley Hayes, near Derby. It was a rousing success with over 130 people attending and enjoying the event. Guests and clients took part in Golf, Go Karting or a selection of outdoor events, including sheep dog trials while the younger ones were looked after by Celebration Nannies. In the evening all staff came together to enjoy an impressive barbeque and evening entertainment of a Disco and Live performance by Roy D’Wired.

There were some impressive and less impressive performances in all activities and some questionable tactics in the organised events by some members of staff. The tactic of ‘its not the taking part its the winning that counts’ was taken a little too literally by some!. 

Peter Marples commented: ‘the event was a great success, bringing together our staff and clients. It goes to show what a great business and morale we have developed throughout the business and the partners were keen to enjoy a day of relaxation with everyone. Here to a bigger and better event next year’.

NCP appointed to work with British Swimming and the ASA.

NCP are delighted to announce that we have been appointed to undertake a strategic review on behalf of British Swimming and the ASA focussed on the development of their success in winning the national skills academy for Aquatics.

Peter Marples commented: ‘we are delighted to be working on this prestigious appointed. The ASA has an exciting future and this review will be important in recommendation the optimal solution in terms of structure and delivery models. We hope to conclude this review in the next few weeks to enable the management team to consider our recommendation and go forward with implementation’.

3A’s LLP appoints first apprentice.

Aspire, Achieve Advance LLP is pleased to announced that it has appointed internally its first apprentice. Thomas joins us straight from school and expected to achieve 13 A* GCSE grades in August.

He will be initially studying for an apprenticeship in Business Administration and then will embark on a course for the Accounting Technician Qualification.

Vicky Hurdley operations director for 3A said: ‘this is a clear sign of our commitment to train our own staff and help them develop their career aspirations. Thomas is a bright lad who has made a definite choice to study whilst gaining significant work experience in the business. We have developed a personalised training plan for him and will in conjunction with his training provider be closely monitoring his progress. We will him well for the future. I am sure he will be keen to impress both internally and with our clients’

Tom said: ‘i am really excited about joining 3a’S. Everyone has made me feel really welcome so far and I have just enrolled on my apprenticeship programme. I found School too slow for my liking and University was not of interest to me. I want to develop my academic skills still further whilst gaining real world experience in an exciting growing business’

 

June 2009

DHL/Jaguar put trust in Aspire, Achieve, Advance to provide a timely, yet quality driven NVQ programme.

When DHL were to improve efficiency and productivity of their permanent and temporary workforce, they turned to Aspire, Achieve, Advance to deliver the NVQ programme they required.

Ian Pinfold, DHL Operations Manager, was tasked with implementing the NVQ pilot programme of 50 permanent and temporary staff, and if successful, the remaining workforce, Ian has nothing but good things to say about the quality and service provided by Aspire, Achieve, Advance.

Mr Pinfold explains: 'We have had a number of different NVQ training providers on site over the past few years, none of which provided my workforce with the skills and underpinning Knowledge that need in this fast moving environment, Aspire, Achieve, Advance have delivered this, I feel confident that DHL/Jaguar, and the DHL workforce will benefit from this NVQ programme'.

Graham Elwell, Warehouse Supervisor commented: 'I was pleasantly surprised when the NVQ programme started, I was expecting the Assessors to take my staff away from their jobs to do the NVQ, this didn't happen, the whole of the NVQ was done on the job. Over 100 DHL employees have achieved an NVQ level 2 in Warehousing and Storage in the Jaguar plant.

Aspire, Achieve, Advance LLP
It's our business to develop yours

May 2009

The Partners and staff of Aspire Achieve Advance LLP are delighted to announce the appointment of Steven Broomhead as a strategic advisor to the Board with immediate effect.

We are delighted that our continued growth in serving the needs of our customers has enabled us to make this appointment at this time and we welcome Steve to the board.

Stephen is CEO of the North West Development Agency and has held Chief Executive positions in both local government and the Further Education / Higher Education and Skills Sector. He leads for all Development Agencies on skills issues and nationally recognised in advising on policy issues in the context of economic development, regeneration and supporting employers with their skills needs.

Di McEvoy Robinson – Partner at Aspire, Achieve, Advance LLP commented:

"We are delighted to make this appointment. I have known Steve for many years and indeed worked closely with him on work based learning for Youth Training Schemes. Over the years Steve has provided a mentor role and his national profile and experience has always enabled his advice and guidance to be pragmatic and honest. He has also been known to the partners in the business for some time and we believe his appointment will add significant value to our development and future direction. His knowledge and expertise not only within the sector but also across the wider policy landscape for learning, skills and economic regeneration will all contribute to Aspire Achieve Advance LLP continuing to respond to the needs of employers during the economic downturn and through its’ recovery.”

“The business continues to show strong growth with staff numbers now in excess of 50 and new recruits joining each month, all within a challenging economic environment. This growth is a consequence on our focus of providing our customers with solutions that meet their business needs through the development of their staff. We very much look forward to working with Steve to further shape our response to policy changes by Government and to ensure our customers, both individuals and companies, receive the highest quality of service”

Steve Broomhead commented: "I am delighted to be able to contribute to the wider strategic development of Aspire Achieve Advance LLP. I have observed their focus on employers’ needs as well as their strategy and growth over the past 18 months and I believe that they are striving hard to develop both qualification routes and also excellent relationships with many employers to meet national and local skills challenges. This augers well for helping individuals and employers to ride the waves of an economic downturn. The company is enthusiastic about moving forward in a modern and forward thinking manner and I hope to offer challenges and support as they progress. They are wholly focused on listening actively to their clients and working with some excellent colleges to deliver a high quality service to their customers and learners. I am hoping to support their continued growth going forward and believe the business will play an important role in supporting the recovery of businesses as the economy begins to improve – this will require significant investment in developing people within companies. I am delighted to be playing a part in this challenge as strategic advisor".

April 2009

Employee of the Month Award - Nick Tottie

DHL put trust in Aspire, Achieve, Advance to deliver a quality Advance to provide a timely, yet quality driven NVQ programme.

When DHL were looking to improve efficiency and productivity of their permanent and temporary workforce, they turned to Aspire, Achieve, Advance to deliver the NVQ programme they required. Ian Pinfold, DHL Warehouse Manager, was tasked with implementing the NVQ pilot programme of 50 permanent and temporary staff, and if successful, the remaining workforce, Ian has nothing but good things to say about the quality and service provided by Aspire, Achieve, Advance.

Mr Pinfold explains: “We have had a number of different NVQ training providers on site over the past few years, none of which provided my workforce with the skills and underpinning Knowledge that they need in this fast moving environment, Aspire, Achieve, Advance have delivered this, I feel confident that DHL/Jaguar, and the DHL workforce will benefit from this NVQ programme”.

Tom Clark, Warehouse Supervisor commented: “I was pleasantly surprised when the NVQ programme started, I was expecting the Assessors to take my staff away from their jobs to do the NVQ, this didn’t happen, the whole of the NVQ was done on the job".

Over 100 DHL employees have achieved an NVQ level 2 in Warehousing and Storage in the Jaguar plant.

Aspire, Achieve, Advance LLP
It’s our business to develop yours

Click here to see gallery of images from 'Staff Communications Day'

March 2009

Employee of the Month Award - Bob Mills

Bombardier Awards Ceremony with 3As and South Staffordshire College

Successful employees at the Bombardier site in Crewe were delighted to be presented with their qualifications by Operations Director Tony Webb. Over 400 people have successfully achieved their Level 2 Business Improvement Techniques qualification. The programme was delivered entirely in the work environment by Aspire Achieve Advance and supported by South Staffordshire College. Representatives from all organisations attended the event and congratulated the employees on their achievements. The programme has been running for the past year and has been carefully mapped to the business needs of Bombardier with specific projects directly relevant to each individual. The Trade Unions have been actively involved in developing and supporting the programme and it has been a huge success within Bombardier.

Helen Clark – HR Director at Bombardier said:

“The B.I.T programme has been a great opportunity for many employees to get back into learning and has provided a recognised qualification and the skills and techniques to help take the business forward.”

Amanda Sawford – Vice principal at South Staffordshire College added:

“This programme has been a resounding success for everyone involved and reflects how working in partnership can reap great rewards for all concerned”

Di McEvoy-Robinson – Partner Aspire Achieve Advance commented:

“It has been an absolute delight to see so many people achieve such a high standard and gain national recognition for their learning in the work environment. Bombardier are delighted with the contribution made by the 3As team in helping them to achieve their business objectives. We look forward to continuing our work with Bombardier and South Staffordshire College.”

February 2009

3As is delighted to announce that we have appointed new partner to the business.

Vicky Hurdley joined us on the 3rd February and brings with her a wealth of national experience, working with large employers and leading successful teams in the training arena. She has worked at a senior level for NTP, In Training and has a background in the private sector. Vicky will join as Operations Director and will continue to develop successful relationships with our blue chip clients whilst ensuring that our learners gain qualifications relevant to their roles. She has a strong emphasis on quality.

Vicky has an outstanding background working in the public and private sectors with a key focus on quality. She is delighted to have joined the team and has already made a great start with colleagues.

We welcome Vicky to 3As and wish her well.

January 2009

More new partners for the successful 3As Company.

We are delighted to announce that we have appointed one more partner to Aspire Achieve Advance.

Rob Brook was an assessor for 3As less than a year ago and he has been promoted several times internally reflecting our dynamic working environment and the opportunities this presents for staff joining our team. Rob has taken a lead role with some of our major clients and also leads a team of experienced assessors.j His role has grown with the company’s increasing number of clients and he is delighted to have been offered a partnership in the company. Rob will continue to grow business with our logistics clients and develop his teams across the country.

We wish Rob all the very best and welcome him to our rapidly growing business.

Growth and new jobs – 3As recruiting nationwide.

Amongst all of the news stories about redundancies – 3As is pleased to announce a new recruitment drive across the country. Our clients are thrilled with the work we are doing and want more! This provides a wonderful opportunity to recruit experienced professional assessors, project managers and administrators. If you think an exciting new role with a dynamic growing company is for you, then lease send your CV to jeanchalland@3aaa.co.uk

December 2008

3As work with College to recruit Director for Employer Engagement.

One of our partners has been working with the Principal and senior team of a large successful Midlands College to appoint a key role for Employer Engagement. Our links across both the public and private sector has brought significant networks and knowledge of key players in this arena. The College are delighted with the appointment and they now intend to take this arm of their college from strength to strength. The recruitment service is part of our offer working with FE Colleges to drive forward the

Employer Responsive agenda and complements our interim leadership service in this field.

3As appoints new staff as business grows

A number of new appointments have been made in December 2008 as our business continues to grow. Our Clients have been delighted with the training and development of their staff and the professional manner in which we work. We intend a significant recruitment drive in the New Year to meet increased demand for our services. If you are interested in a role with 3As please contact jeanchalland@3aaa.co.uk

November 2008

3As appointment by LSIS to research impact on WBL leadership under self regulation.

3A’s are delighted to announce that we have been appointed by LSIS the new quality improvement agency to undertake a research project in relation to leadership in work based learning providers under the self regulation initiative. This project, which will run until March 2009 will provide an interesting and significant piece of work to influence the future of self regulation of the work based learning sector. For further information contact Di McEVoy Robinson at Dimcevoy-robinson@3aaa.co.uk

Corporate Social Responsibility – 3As sponsors our very own Lewis Hamilton who is raising cash for a children’s hospice.

Gary Redmonds – Partner with 3As has recently achieved his own version of a Formula One win to rival the exciting win by Lewis Hamilton. Gary gave up sleep for three days and nights to cover the length and breadth of the UK in an exciting rally. Not only did he raise lots of money for the Acorns Children’s Hospice in Worcester www.acorns.org.uk he also won the rally and came home tired and weary but with a lovely big trophy to adorn his mantelpiece! Congratulations and well done from everyone at 3As.

October 2008

3As appoint new partners.

Following significant growth in our operations, 3A’s are delighted to announce the appointment of two new partners to the business, Emma Hainsworth and Vicky Moran. Both Emma and Vicky join the business at an exciting time of our development and will immediately be assigned responsibility for a number of our growing client base. Peter Marples commented ‘this is a significant development for the business as we continue to grow. We have a business model and delivery methodology which is unique in this sector and it is important we expand our senior leadership team. Emma and Vicky are wished a very warm welcome to the partnership and wish them every success with us over the next few years’

3As complete further strategic employer engagement reviews in the sector

3As LLP have completed a number of significant strategic reviews of employer engagement strategies for colleges. A large Midlands College saw its’ review completed over a condensed three week period, the outcome of this review is already influencing the College future strategy and strategic direction and 3As continues to support them in searching for a leadership team and developing new models of working.

Di McEvoy-Robinson commented – “We are delighted to have completed this review and in particular are pleased about the positive response from the college. We continue to work with colleges on setting out a new strategy, recruiting key senior staff working in partnership to generate new clients and establish high quality delivery models for Work Based Learning”

Aspire Achieve Advance LLP (3As) supports entrepreneurialism in the public sector.

3As are delighted to have recently supported both Freeth Cartright (lawyers) and Bentley Jennison (auditors and financial advisors) in the presentation of a seminar to senior representatives of the FE sector on entrepreneurialism held at the North West Development Agency in Warrington. The seminar was introduced by Steven Broomhead – Chief Executive of the NWDA and both Di McEvoy Robinson and Peter Marples of 3As LLP played a leading role in discussing with Colleges the importance of workforce development to their future growth aspirations and importantly how they could drive forward performance in this crucial area. The seminar was very well received and will be followed by a further seminar in October to be held in Birmingham.

Di McEvoy Robinson said: ‘this seminar underlines the importance of workforce development to colleges in the future. We are delighted to have played a leading role in the development and delivery of the seminar and that it was so well received. 3A’s LLP are supporting Colleges in developing their strategies in the area of workforce development and will continue to promote the important role of Colleges to employers both large and small’

September 2008

3A’s Partner – appointed to work with new principals by LSIS

Di McEvoy-Robinson – Partner with 3As has been appointed by LSIS as an assessor for the Principal’s Qualifying Programme. As an experienced ex principal, Di welcomes this fabulous opportunity to work with new and existing principals in the sector. The PQP is an executive leadership development programme for principals and chief executives in Further Education. The emphasis on the programme is on exploring “lived” leadership practice, and participants are encouraged to be curious about, and to enquire into, their leadership style and the impact of their leadership on others, their institutions and as part of the leadership of FE as a “whole system”. The programme has been commissioned by the Government as part of it’s’ intention to professionalize the RFE sector and enhance the standing of the role of principal. From September 2007, all newly appointed principals will be requiring to hold, or be working towards achieving the PQP.