Site Navigation

• Courses
• About Us
• School Leavers
• Adult & Community
• Higher Education
• Business & Employers
• International

U Drive

COLLEGE HELPS U-DRIVE ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

South coast based car, van and commercial vehicle hire company U-Drive are hoping to impress their existing customers and gain new business by providing first class customer care.

Richard Sutton, General Manager of U Drive has committed to encouraging his entire staff team to undertake customer service training. Taking advantage of the Government’s Train to Gain initiative, most employees have already started their NVQ qualifications in Customer Service delivered by trainers from The Bournemouth and Poole College.

Richard said, “Our company policy is to invest in our staff development. We identified that the team were keen to undertake training through one of our staff surveys and were very pleased when The Bournemouth and Poole College Business Enterprise team took the time to discuss our requirements and gain an understanding of how we operate. We have a diverse workforce located across numerous sites in the south, but The College was able to offer excellent solutions and advise us on any grants available to help towards the cost.”

As well as customer service training Richard has helped his employees access essential skills training to help them brush up on their English skills, is putting some of his senior staff through management training, and is looking at the Business Improvement Techniques course.

Train to Gain offers subsidised or free training to business and industry across most sectors and was implemented to help companies survive through the recession, and to boost the skills of the British workforce.

The Bournemouth and Poole College is a leading provider of Train to Gain and other work-based training and is currently supporting many Dorset based companies from SME’s to large public and private sector organisations.

Gillian Donald, from The College’s Business Enterprise team said “We pride ourselves on ensuring that all training is relevant, tailored to suit the specific business objectives and delivered in a way that is flexible and suitable to work around the organisational needs of our customers. With U Drive we had some logistical issues to overcome but those who have participated in the training have embraced it and been very positive about the experience.”

Summing up Richard commented, “During the credit crunch it is vital that any business stays ahead of the game. At U Drive we know we offer value for money, and now I am confident that we will wow our customers with even greater customer service as well. An efficient business and a happy workforce will help us ride out the economic storm.”

The Bournemouth and Poole College’s new adult course guide ‘Opportunities’ has just been published, and applications are currently being taken for courses commencing this September. Ranging from professional qualifications, vocational accreditation, basic skills refreshers up to degree level study, there is something to suit most people’s needs.

College Marketing Director, Julie-Anne Houldey said, “Traditionally in times of recession we find that people do start to consider their skills and qualifications and often reflect on what they need to do to keep themselves employable and attractive in a competitive job market. We do offer a very comprehensive choice covering most career fields, and are happy to offer advice and guidance to any mature student who needs some hints and tips on which course to go for.”

Similarly, throughout the credit crunch The College has been working hard to support local business and industry. The Business Enterprise team has a team of dedicated skills brokers who offer their services free of charge to any employer who is thinking about skills development or reinforcement of staff qualifications. Certain grants and subsidies may be available, including promoting coaching skills in the workplace. The Business Enterprise team can visit you to discuss your training needs, provide information and advice about suitable qualifications and grants, or signpost you to other business support services.

To find out if your business is eligible for Train to Gain funding or to book an appointment with a Skills Broker call The Business Enterprise team on 01202 205500.