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iSpring Suite 11 – Boost Learning Experiences with a Brand-New Authoring Toolkit

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UK Education News Publisher
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Alexandria, VA — September 1, 2022 — iSpring Solutions Inc., a world-renowned vendor of eLearning software and services, announced the release of its brand-new iSpring Suite 11. It will let content creators design even more impactful eLearning with new customization features, hand-drawn characters and locations, player speed options, and an industry-leading user interface.

iSpring Suite is an all-in-one authoring toolkit that lets users design pro-looking eLearning content — interactive courses, quizzes, video tutorials, role-plays, SCORM-compliant e-books, and interactions, fast with no tech skills or IT background required. It also comes with an extensive library of assets and templates and an online space where users can store content, work on it with their team, and share it with stakeholders for review and approval.

boost-learning-experienceThis tool is fully compatible with iSpring Learn LMS, an online training platform that goes beyond standard training delivery and helps companies transform their business. Content created with iSpring Suite can also be easily exported to over 150 of the most popular LMSs, where it will display perfectly and provide training statistics.

The new iSpring Suite 11 has a modern, extremely intuitive interface and additional features that let users create more personalized learning experiences and allow learners to study at their own pace:

New customization features. Instructional designers can create courses in keeping with the brand identity, set the colors and gradients of the player, round off buttons, and use downloaded fonts. They can now use one of the five new course player templates and create their own presets once and then simply select this preset instead of building new courses from scratch.

The new look of interactive role-plays. iSpring Suite 11’s role-plays have a new look and animations. Learners’ replies don’t disappear as before but move up the screen. This allows learners to track the progression of their training scenario better – how the answer options they’ve selected affect the dialogue.

Hand-drawn characters. Unlike previous versions, iSpring Suite 11 lets educators create role-plays with hand-drawn characters and locations designed by iSpring professionals. There are 5 ready-made characters with multiple images of their emotions, and more are on the way.

Player speed options. iSpring Suite 11 introduces a new feature based on user requests that let learners select the course playback speed. There are now 5 playback speed options, from 0.75 to 2x. Course developers are able to decide whether to enable this option for their learners.

Michael Keller, eLearning Officer at iSpring, says:

“iSpring Suite 11 focuses on the most essential aspect of online learning – the learning experience. With this new version, course creators have endless options to customize how their content looks and is displayed. Freelance instructional designers can create unique presets for each of their clients. L&D specialists can design training programs in keeping with their brand identity. Teachers can incorporate hand-drawn characters to engage their students and explain new topics in a more exciting way. Everyone will be able to create even more impactful eLearning with Suite 11!”

Pricing and Availability

iSpring Suite 11 is available in 9 languages, and the course player window comes in 13 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese. It can be downloaded at the iSpring Solutions website and used with a fully functional trial for 14 days. The current price of the eLearning tool is $770/year for a basic plan and $970/year for an advanced plan.

This release also introduces a new unique pricing plan for freelancers, in addition to special prices for academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Detailed pricing can be found at: www.ispring.com/pricing.

About iSpring Solutions

iSpring is a global leader in creating award-winning software for eLearning. It released iSpring Presenter, its first eLearning tool, back in 2001 and has designed multiply advanced, yet easy-to-use, solutions for eLearning professionals ever since.

For over 20 years, iSpring has developed more than 10 stand-alone eLearning tools, such as iSpring QuizMaker, iSpring Converter Pro, and iSpring Cam Pro. These tools are highly popular among eLearning professionals both separately and together – in iSpring Suite, an all-in-one authoring tool. The release of iSpring Learn, a cloud-based LMS, in 2014 enabled companies to power their online learning with iSpring’s solutions alone. The vendor constantly updates its products to stay one step ahead of the game and introduces new features based on user requests.

iSpring is recognized for its beautifully engineered products and exceptional customer service. More than 59,000 customers in over 170 countries choose iSpring for its high performance and reliability. The customer list includes thousands of freelance instructional designers and teachers, almost 200 of the Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and educational institutions worldwide, some clients being Microsoft, SAP, Boeing, Dell, Adidas, Procter & Gamble, University of California at Berkeley, Harvard University, and Stanford University. For more information, visit the official website: https://ispri.ng/lBL1l.

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MEIF Investment Promotes Exponential Growth for Education Recruitment Service The Supply Register

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UK Education News Publisher
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meif-investment-to-support-improvements-to-employment-in-education

Investment has resulted in office expansion across the UK, doubling employee numbers and achieving a 500% growth in annual client value.

Through the MEIF investment, The Supply Register (TSR) has experienced exponential growth, by:

  • Expanding its team at its Stoke head office and sites across the UK
  • Doubling employee numbers
  • Growing their annual value of clients by 500%
  • Tripling the number of days filled in the last two years

Baljinder Kuller, Founder & Managing Director of The Supply Register Ltd. commented:

“Midven has been supportive throughout the investment process and is always available. Our partnership adds a great deal of value to realising the businesses’ growth strategy. I have the independence to run the business, but Midven invests time, effort, and resources to achieve the business goals and objectives, to ensure I maintain the growth trajectory. The professional and supportive expertise given is invaluable as well as the numerous introductions to useful contacts and connections. There are also follow-on investment opportunities if expectations are met which offers us an opportunity to continue our growth.”

Investment and Midven’s involvement

TSR has received two rounds of investment through Midven. The investments have improved talent acquisition by enabling the company to employ higher-skilled individuals and affording the development of existing hires. In addition, the company has updated and implemented new branding which has increased brand awareness by improving visibility and positioning in the industry. This helped TSR to expand its customer base and enabled them to boost efforts in supporting schools post-pandemic.

Midven’s Giovanni Finocchio acts as a sounding board on business development and strategy. He also ensures that TSR follows its investment trajectory, providing structure to business objectives and offering accountability throughout the process. Through the investment partnership with Midven, TSR has also been introduced to useful connections and access to vital associations that positively impact the business and better enable them to achieve their growth strategy.

Converting TSR from prospect to investment

After having submitted an unsuccessful application, Kuller attended Midven’s Investment Readiness Workshop. Applying his learnings, he presented a winning business plan that clearly defined the objectives and motivated the investment.

Pairing Baljinder Kuller’s 13 years of industry experience, his drive, and a credible business plan made a new application a success. His knowledge and understanding of the education sector, as well as identifying opportunities for growth, built confidence with Midven. This positioned TSR as a business that would develop in a sector that is stable and has investment potential.

Who is The Supply Register?

TSR was established in 2016 by Baljinder Kuller to provide educational recruitment services. TSR recognised the shift in provision from local authority staff banks to supply cover being met by traditional private sector recruitment agencies. TSR, therefore, entered the market with a disruptive, online end-to-end platform.

In real-time, the platform directly connects schools looking for supply provision with educational professionals and agencies offering the most cost-effective cover. TSR enables schools to build their own staff talent banks, paying successful candidates a higher market rate, while reducing the recruitment cost by up to 25%.

You can find out more at https://midven.co.uk/company/the-supply-register/.

How to Make Your Business Stand Out During Freshers’ Week

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UK Education News Publisher
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The next academic year is fast approaching, and if you’re hoping to get some positive exposure for your business, the influx of new students and organised events during freshers’ week can be an excellent opportunity.

So, whether you own a café, bar, clothing brand, or anything in between, bespoke print wear providers Custom Planet share their top tips on getting your business to stand out from the crowd this September.

Attend student events

During freshers’ week, most students have just arrived in a completely new city, or even a new country if they are on an international study programme. They are therefore open to exploring what their bustling, exciting local area has to offer and will be looking for places to eat, socialise, and meet new people. Especially if your business is based in a major university city, this is therefore a brilliant time to engage and attract a whole new demographic of customers and gain some positive exposure.

Universities organise freshers’ fairs and welcome days to greet their new arrivals, so securing a stall at one of these events is an important step to ensuring you engage with students. Often, organisers tend to look for local vendors to celebrate the area, a range of different career stalls, and when it comes to food and drink, a diverse range of world cuisines.

If you’re interested in exhibiting, be sure to research what the university’s requirements are, how many spots are available, and which businesses they tend to admit. This way, when you pitch your company, you can make a strong case as to why you would be a perfect fit for their freshers’ week events.

Create a professional, attractive stall

Once you’ve secured your place at a student event, your next priority should be creating an eye-catching, vibrant stall that still looks professional. Since your aim is to gain better exposure for your business, it’s important to use clear, cohesive branding across your signage, clothing, flyers, and any other merchandise you hand out. As well as making sure your name and logo are displayed clearly, keeping a coherent colour scheme and design will help to make your brand more memorable and recognisable.

Firstly, one of the most important things is having large, colourful signs that instantly convey who you are and what you do. Freshers’ fairs are busy and packed with different vendors and employers, so using things like banners or free-standing feather flags that add some height can help you stand out from the crowd — quite literally! Secondly, it’s wise to kit out the staff running your freshers’ fair stall with branded clothing that clearly conveys your company insignia and name, complete with your brand colours. These details are a worthwhile investment as they help you look like a well-organised, professional team that’s passionate about the brand they’re representing.

Having a quick interactive activity at your stall can also be a great way to attract passing students and get them engaged without a complicated task or pitch. Having plenty of high-quality merchandise like pens, tote bags, travel mugs, and t-shirts to hand means you can also give out free, useful products across campus that will get your name and logo out there and help students remember you.

Offer free samples and discounts

Students are always on a budget, yet still want to explore the culture, food, and social life of the city they’ll be living and studying in. One of the best ways to attract people to your stall and get your brand recognised is therefore the tried and tested method: offering free samples!

If you own a food or drinks business, then letting curious customers get a taste of what you have to offer will introduce them to your delicious menu. Not only this, but when people are at your stall enjoying the food, you have a great opportunity to network with them and create a positive, friendly experience they’re more likely to remember. This means it’s also wise to send your most outgoing, customer-facing reps to run your company stall so that they can help to get as much engagement as possible with students.

Capitalise on good exposure

Most importantly, don’t let the exposure and engagement stop at the freshers’ fair: once you’ve piqued the interest of potential customers, be sure to keep the momentum going and really make the most of it. Hand out flyers to advertise any student nights or discounts you have planned, whether that be during freshers’ week or throughout the whole academic year.

While being active on social media and updating your website are important ways to gain exposure and brand recognition, it’s equally crucial to follow these things through with in-person events that create a welcoming, exciting buzz around your business. Arranging several events closely following freshers’ week can also help you get the word out about your business and capitalise on any interest you gained at student events.

Andrew Dark, Director, and Co-owner of Custom Planet comments:

“Especially if your business is based in a popular university city, freshers’ week can be an excellent opportunity to gain exposure and recognition for your brand. By making the most of student welcome days, freshers’ fairs, and other events, you can open your business up to a whole new demographic it may have been missing. Clear, modern, and coherent branding is crucial when competing for attention at events, as well as setting up an attractive, welcoming stall for your café, restaurant, bar, or whatever your business may be.

“Tried and tested methods like giving out free samples or branded merchandise are always effective, and it’s even better if you can get creative with what you offer at student events. Opting for merchandise and a networking approach that aligns with or emphasises your brand ethos — such as championing sustainability or planning fun, inclusive social events — can really help to set your business apart from the rest.”

About the brand

Custom Planet are one of the UK’s leading print wear providers. Founded by Andrew Dark and John Armstrong, they’ve been providing the highest quality custom clothing and promotional products for brands since 2008. They offer a wide variety of custom products, including sweatshirts, hoodies, jackets, stationery, and backpacks, to name just a few. The team take pride in their outstanding customer service and has worked with high-profile UK brands and institutions, including Proctor and Gamble, Marriott Hotels, and Newcastle University.

For more information, visit https://www.customplanet.co.uk/

Not-so-fresh air: almost three in four UK classrooms have ‘below standard’ air quality

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UK Education News Publisher
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three-in-four-uk-classrooms-have-below-standard-air-quality

90% of teachers agree that poor air quality impacts lung and mental health – and over half said it affects grades and academic performance.

Almost three in four (72%) classrooms suffer from air quality that is ‘below standard’, according to a new survey asking teachers across the UK about their school’s working conditions. Nearly three in five teachers (59%) deemed a classroom with poor air quality to be ‘not fit for purpose’ – for either teachers or pupils.

Three-quarters (77%) of teachers noticed that substandard air quality caused concentration problems in students, while 53% said performance or grades suffered.

The Air Quality in UK Classrooms Report – conducted by experts in air movement and ventilation solutions Airflow – asked teachers at 133 schools across the UK for their insights into working and learning conditions at UK schools.

The report found that conditions impacted student health, with three in five (61%) teachers believing classroom air quality is aggravating asthma and other lung conditions in pupils. Ill-effects on health were 55% more likely in cities, where both industrial and road pollution are more prevalent.

This comes in a summer where the UK saw record high temperatures, exacerbating pollution and its effects. Reports from scientists at the EU Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service have warned of spikes in unhealthy levels of pollution around Europe*, which are likely to become more common each year. Increased pollution can irritate and inflame the lungs.

Read the full survey findings here:

https://www.airflow.com/about-us/blog/article?article_id=32&article_desc=The-Air-Quality-in-UK-Classrooms-Report

How are teachers being affected?

Almost two-thirds (63%) of all teachers surveyed said poor air quality is affecting teachers’ physical and mental health. While 31% of those at schools with ‘below standard’ air quality reported that despite requesting improvements, no action has been taken.

However, more than a quarter (27%) said their school is trying to improve air quality, but cannot due to a lack of funding or government support.

What improvements do teachers want to see?

Faced with sub-standard air quality, teachers identified the changes they want schools to make:

  • Replace old heating appliances (which can contribute to indoor air pollution) – 72%
  • Install air filtration or purification systems – 71%
  • Ban cars on streets with schools during school run times – 38%
  • Relocate playgrounds and classroom windows away from roads – 32%

With pupils currently on their summer holidays, now is the time for schools to make changes such as these.

Alan Siggins Managing Director of Airflow Developments Ltd said:

“We commissioned this survey to raise awareness of the problems poor air quality creates and how it impacts the classroom. Improving air quality is our area of expertise and we know the solutions available to overcome these problems.

“However, what we didn’t know and what this survey has highlighted is how bad the situation is and how it affects teachers and students. It’s clear that funding solutions need to be found quickly and there must be support from the upper reaches of government for that to happen. Investment in modern ventilation systems is a must for the health of the future generation: we’ve seen first-hand the stark difference good air quality can have.

“To gain this investment, grassroots pressure is required to focus the government and local councils on the issue. Schools, teachers, and even parents can raise the issue at PTA meetings or with local councilors to start turning the screw.

“The recent resurgence in Covid cases makes action on air quality even more pressing. Nobody wants a situation where children and teachers are returning to classrooms that facilitates the transmission of the virus. If measures are put into place, the health of both students and teachers can only benefit.”

Mrs. X, who works at a London primary school but did not want to be named for job security reasons, says:

“Returning to school after the pandemic, all schools were advised to keep windows open to improve air quality. However, in winter, the classrooms would obviously get very cold. Children would be distracted and this impacted learning.

“Even with windows open, pollution around the school area means that air quality is not drastically improved. We know that poor air quality and ventilation lead to higher levels of CO2 in the classroom, which affects cognitive performance (reduces memory, impairs concentration, lowers decision-making abilities) and inhibits learning.

“In addition, children who struggle with self-regulation find it particularly hard to be in poorly-ventilated environments and may demonstrate disruptive behaviour, leading to them being sent out of the classroom, meaning they are not learning from their teacher.

Nicola D’Urso, School Speech, and Language Therapist says:

“Some schools I work in have indoor areas which are poorly ventilated without any windows. I’ve seen examples of children fainting and disengaging due to dehydration in excessively hot and stuffy classrooms. It’s not uncommon for children to become drowsy and even the brightest students can stop interacting in lessons. I notice caring and responsible teachers often have to prioritize children’s health and wellbeing during lessons instead of teaching them the educational content.

“The main obstacle is that senior leadership teams in schools are at the mercy of their local council’s policy on clean air and limiting air pollution. The roadblock for schools is that it’s a bit out of their hands given that it’s up to the council and the government to get a grasp of air pollution and put adequate policies in place.”

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Recruiter Donation Aims To ‘Develop’ The STEM Careers Of Local School Children

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UK Education News Publisher
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recruiter-develop-donates-to-local-canon-barnett-primary-school

London-based recruitment firm donates £5,500 to local primary schools, as the first installment of a year-long partnership.

Investment in STEM-focused learning platforms aims to plug the talent shortage in tech.

LONDON, August 2022: A leading contributor to the software engineering sector has donated more than £5,000 to a London primary school in a bid to support the STEM education of local children.

Recruiter develop, which helps some of Europe’s most innovative businesses, such as McLaren, Foxtons, and Capita, scale their software engineering teams, partnered with Canon Barnett Primary School in April in light of evidence that only 17 percent of primary school children aspire to a career in science. A pledge of £25 for every placement made in develop’s 2022/23 financial year has already prompted a donation of £5,500, following a highly successful Q1 for the business.

Aiming to bridge the socioeconomic and gender gaps faced by the children of Tower Hamlets, develop will offer its expertise in the sector to advise the school on the best way of investing the money in STEM-focused learning platforms, equipment, and toys that will directly impact the prospects of the pupils. Coding robots, pocket-sized coding computers, programmable accessories, and activity sets will give these young children an early insight into the beginnings of coding, the more complex realms of AI, and more.

develop’s Consultants will also be visiting the students at Canon Barnett to talk about what makes software engineering so exciting, and what opportunities will be available to them in the future. The aim is to help fuel future talent pipelines and lessen the talent shortages that are hindering the growth of the UK’s STEM industries.

Sarah Bellerby, Head Teacher at Canon Barnett, said:

“The importance of this partnership cannot be underestimated as a means of promoting a more modern curriculum and encouraging our students to explore subjects that might have previously seemed inaccessible. These children hold the key to the successes of innovative industries, and it is extremely progressive to develop to start them out on the journey of understanding that careers in technology are within their reach.”

Kevin Hammond, CEO of develop, commented:

“We’re excited about the positive impact that our donation to Canon Barnett will have to the teachers, pupils, and their families. Working with tech companies every day, we see the lack of diverse representation in the sector, even though STEM jobs are projected to grow by ten percent in the next five to ten years and those in software development at an even more astonishing rate. Giving children early access to educational tools like coding robots and educating young people on the opportunities available is key to averting a crisis in years to come.”

Joey Tait, Managing Director of develop, added:

“When we met the Canon Barnett students at the beginning of the partnership, we were amazed by their enthusiasm to learn more about computers, software, and other technologies. With the help of our partners, we will continue to present and educate these young people on the breadth of careers available in software engineering and what these roles involve. If we can inspire them to consider careers previously unknown to them, the partnership will have been a success.”

How to be Best Prepared for The British Citizenship Test?

By
Shirley Owen
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People always look for the best way to pass the British citizenship test, such as doing an online British Citizenship test preparation course, looking for the previous year’s answers, etc.

But anyone who is looking to become a naturalized British citizen must meet several criteria. The first and foremost requirement is the applicant must have held an ILR for at least 12 months.

If the person has successfully fulfilled this requirement, then they must take further mandatory steps as explained below.

To become a British citizen, it is compulsory to take the British Citizenship Test, also known as the Life In The UK test.

This exam tests applicants on their knowledge of British law, culture, history, and values. In this context, we will discuss how to be best prepared for the British citizenship test to pass it and boost the chances of a successful British citizenship application.

What is the Life in the UK Test?

how-to-prepare-for-the-uk-citizenship-test

The UK government has created a test known as the Life in the UK Test, which is required to be completed by those who wish to obtain the British citizenship.

The test consists of 24 questions and must be completed within 45 minutes. To pass the test, applicants must score at least 75 percent. The test is an integral part of the process of obtaining the British citizenship.

The exam is based on the general knowledge of the United Kingdom and its history, society, economy, laws, and politics. All the questions are based on information that the UK government thinks everyone who has lived in the UK for a minimum of 12 months should know.

There is some debate over this procedure because sometimes natives also find the questions very hard. But still, an applicant must pass this test with an excellent mark to qualify for the citizenship application in the UK.

There are a lot of test centres authorized by the Home Office and you can book the test online. They cannot use the help of any other materials or supplements during the test. All the questions are presented in the multiple-choice format. So, there can be more than one correct answer. The examinee must answer their questions very carefully to secure at least 75 percent marks to pass the test. It’s therefore vital to be fully prepared before taking the test to avoid failure.

What is the Cost for the Life in the UK Test?

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The cost for the Life in the UK Test is £50. There are 30 authorized test centres around the United Kingdom from where a person can participate in the test. An applicant can choose their preferred test location for their booking. The test centre will allocate a place to the applicant based on their preferred test centre choices. To pay the application fee and reserve a spot for the test, applicants must go to the official website and book it.

To register for the Life in the UK Test, you will need to provide proof of your identity. It is vital that you correctly identify yourself when registering for the test. If you give the wrong information on your application, your application will be rejected, and you will not receive a refund.

4 Top Tips for Preparing for the British Citizenship Test

The British citizenship test is not something to be taken lightly. Even though you can take the test as many times as you need, you should wait 7 days before taking the test again so you can prepare to retake it. Also, bear in mind that you need to book and pay again each time.

There are several resources and tips that can help you prepare for the test and ensure that you pass with ease without having to retake it.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for the British citizenship test:

1. Improve English Language Skill

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Make sure you have a strong foundation of basic English vocabulary before the test. If you are not confident in your knowledge of common English words and phrases, start by studying with a basic English dictionary or language learning apps. Work on improving your communication skills.

Even if your vocabulary is excellent, if you cannot communicate effectively in spoken or written English, you will not be able to pass the citizenship test. Practice writing English essays and speaking with native speakers to improve your English language skills.

2. Review the Official Study Guide

The United Kingdom government provides official study materials to help potential citizens complete the test and become familiar with the questions. It is important to review the official handbook for the test before taking the test, as it will help ensure a better understanding of the questions you may have to answer. In addition, practicing with the included practice tests will help build confidence and familiarity with the format of the test.

3. Prepare for your Unique Questions

be-prepared-of-unique-questions-for-the-test-of-british-citizenship

The British Citizenship Test is not like other tests. Each person taking the test will have a unique set of questions. There are 24 questions in total, and they are randomly selected from a database of thousands of questions. This means that you could get any question that might not match up with what others got.

Therefore, it is crucial to prepare for your unique questions by familiarizing yourself with the topics that could be covered. That way, you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way on test day.

4. Take your Time to Answer

The British Citizenship Test is not a race. You will get 45 minutes to answer 24 questions, so you have enough time to select your answers carefully. Do not rush through the test just to finish quickly. If you take your time and answer each question carefully, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and pass the test.

Conclusion

These are the best tips for preparing for the British Citizenship Test also known as the Life in the UK test. Many resources are available to help you study and prepare for this test. By following these steps and with proper preparation time, you can feel confident and well-prepared on test day to pass the test and get one step closer to becoming a British citizen. Best of luck!

London School Leavers Benefit From Free Hospitality Training With An Industry-Leading Summer School Programme

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UK Education News Publisher
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London-School-Leavers-Benefit-From-Free-Hospitality-Training-With-An-Industry-Leading-Summer-School-Programme

A group of school leavers from London have been able to kickstart their careers in hospitality with free, sponsored training from the UK hospitality charity Springboard.

Aimed at school and college leavers aged 16-18, Springboard’s Summer School programme is a free two-week course. Made possible through sponsorship from the Worshipful Company of Innholders, the programme comprises four days of training and five days of work experience, with prestigious businesses including the Hilton Waldorf and The Royal Lancaster providing placements for participants.

The London Summer School programme saw eleven local students participate in various workshops and develop their CVs and interview techniques, with additional elements focused on developing valuable Health and Safety, Food Hygiene, and Customer Service skills and enabling them to gain three industry-related qualifications in these areas. Students also visited Park Plaza Waterloo, where they received a hotel tour and took part in a mocktail-making class – and one candidate even secured a place at the Raymond Blanc Apprenticeship Academy at the end of training.

Discussing her participation in the programme, Vera K (age 17) said,

“I am passionate about a future in the food industry, and I am very tenacious and open to new adventures. Springboard’s Summer School has allowed me to further my knowledge, whilst also progressing my work experience.”

Participant Neha S (age 16) said:

“Springboard’s Summer School has been a fantastic way to learn new skills while opening up opportunities to work in the hospitality industry”.

Chris Gamm, CEO of Springboard, said:

“With the hospitality sector taking a big hit over the last couple of years, the Summer Schools is an important programme to introduce new young talent to the world of hospitality. It’s more important than ever to keep the idea of a career in hospitality at the forefront of students, teachers, and parents’ minds. We hope the students taking part will be able to take a pivotal role in the recovery of the sector, through the injection of talented and motivated individuals to the workforce and the promotion of the industry.”

Sue Davison, Head of Apprenticeships and Early Career for Sodexo, said:

“Sodexo believes that it is essential to be involved in programmes such as Summer School to be able to showcase the vibrancy and diverse opportunities that are available within the hospitality industry. By supporting with work placements, we can nurture a young person’s talent and introduce them to the opportunities that a career with Sodexo can bring, and ultimately be able to offer them employment and apprentice opportunities. We must support future talent into roles within the industry and turn their talent into worthwhile careers that can span the world.”

During the summer holidays, Springboard will host three more summer school-style programmes in Manchester, East Anglia, and Northern Ireland.

Upon completing the course, participants will have access to employers, with the potential to gain full or part-time employment.

For more information on Springboard, visit https://springboard.uk.net/.

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About The Springboard Charity and Springboard UK

Springboard was established in 1990 to support the hospitality, leisure, and tourism industry and those seeking employment within it, with three key aims:

  • To advance the life and education of those under the age of 25, through the provision of advice, training, and skills courses.
  • To relieve poverty and unemployment by assisting people to secure jobs in the hospitality sector.
  • Tackle ongoing problems the hospitality, leisure, and tourism industries face, including staff and skills shortages and misrepresentation about what a fulfilling career they offer.

What we do

Working nationally across the UK and Ireland, our work is built around three key areas:

Employability training programmes – helping disadvantaged people gain soft and hard skills, industry insight, and work placement opportunities- leading to overall improved wellbeing, enhanced employability, and transition to positive destinations including employment/further education/an apprenticeship/etc.

Education programmes – working with schools, colleges and universities to enhance curriculum teaching delivered to students – helping them gain key industry insight and skills development required for the transition from education to employment

Careers resources and advice – providing specialist careers activities online, face-to-face and at careers events.

5 Innovative Ways to Motivate your Staff to Learn New Skills

By
Manuela Willbold
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Keep-Your-Employees-Motivated

When it comes to the success and growth of any business, a large part of it falls on the employees.

However many people you employ in your company they are the ones who represent your brand and keep the wheels turning. To get new clients, draw in new customers, and boost profits, your team needs to have a plethora of skills to do their jobs effectively.

There is always something new to learn in any business, so it’s wise to invest in your employees and give them opportunities to brush up on their skills and learn new ones such as digital skills.

Here are five methods you can try out today to achieve just that.

1. Define Clear Goals

define-clear-goals-to-motivate-your-staff-to-learn-new-skills

If there is one thing in business you must do, it’s to define clear goals for your employees. This applies not just to company goals, but personal goals for each member of staff. When you communicate and define your overall goals, it’s far easier to help staff establish personal goals that correlate with their overall mission. You can support and help them to build the skills necessary to achieve their personal goals.

2. Reward Employee’s Enthusiasm

do-reward-employees-enthusiasm-for-your-staff-to-learn-new-skills

One of the most challenging tasks for staff and managers is to keep employees motivated. When a new member starts at your business, they’ll be full of enthusiasm. However, they may begin losing motivation over time. Therefore, it’s crucial to nurture positive relationships with employees.

You can do this by implementing a reward system. To show your team you care, there are all kinds of incentives you can provide while they learn and master new skills. This may be in the form of a bonus, an extra day’s holiday, or discounts and vouchers they can use.

3. Promote E-Learning

promote-elearning-for-your-staff-to-learn-new-skills

To motivate your employees to learn and develop new skills, you need to prove that the process won’t take forever. There are eLearning platforms that allow staff to schedule their time around studying.

Providers like iHASCO have eLearning courses that your employees can benefit from. Their programs are designed specifically for employees across the board and can teach your staff new skills and gain qualifications that can boost their work performance.

4. Create a Positive Work Environment

create-a-positive-work-environment-for-your-staff

Employees can spend up to 1/3 of their lives in the office, so being happy at work is a vital element of overall wellbeing. To encourage your team to learn new skills, they need to be in a work environment they feel comfortable. There are lots of things you can do to create a positive work culture. This includes conducting regular check-ins, holding team meetings, and prioritizing onboarding and training.

5. Provide Mentoring Programs

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Regardless of what kind of business you run, you’ll want the best people behind you running the A-Z of the operation. When you invest in your employees’ careers and development, they can master an array of transferable career skills that will help boost productivity, and confidence, and push your business in the right direction.

How To Become A Data Scientist After Completing Your Engineering Graduation In 2022

By
Shirley Owen
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0
become-a-data-scientist-after-graduation

The power of Big Data fuels every technology sector, and data science is the field that deals with the study, analysis, collection, clean-up, and extraction of this data.

As the volume of information generated is growing, the demand for skilled data science professionals is also increasing.

What is a Data Scientist?

how-to-become-data-scientist-after-engineering

A data scientist uses skills such as statistical modelling, mathematics, data wrangling, and various other subsets to deliver business insights from information and help them make key business decisions.

Employers expect candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or finish a master’s program in an IT-related field to apply for data science job roles. Every student’s journey toward becoming a data scientist is different, and nobody takes the same career path.

In this article, we will be discussing how to become a data scientist after finishing a bachelor’s degree in engineering in 2022.

How to Become a Data Scientist for Engineers

how-to-become-a-data-scientist-for-engineers-after-engineering

Data scientists in companies manage massive processive volumes of unstructured information and make sure that the data is usable, presentable, and used across a wide variety of business applications. A data engineer doesn’t just collect data but analyses interpret and optimizes it in ways that improve business performance.

Most engineers become data scientists by studying software development and taking a data science & engineering course to supplement their learning. The best way to get started is by developing coding skills, understanding how to work with ETL (extract, transform, and load) systems, exchanging information on the cloud, and writing automation scripts.

A portfolio is a key component of getting hired by employers, and engineers should add data science projects independently or as part of their coursework. For those who are new to the field, applying for entry-level positions such as database administrator or business intelligence analyst is a good way to acquire experience and work your way up.

It is not necessary to have a bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering to become a scientist but employers view candidates having a degree to be more credible than those who don’t. There are many data scientists who are dropouts and self-taught who made their way into the industry.

Build job-ready skills, a high-quality portfolio, showcase projects with passion, and give employers what they’re looking for in the market – you’ll get hired in no time.

Technical Skills Required

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Some of the most important technical skills required to become a data scientist in 2022 are:

Coding skills – Coding skills are required to become a data scientist since data modelling involves analysing, writing, and reading code. Proficiency with tools such as R, SAS, and Python is important, and there are many open-source programming languages as well. It is important to master these three first and have a working knowledge of the Python libraries, which are NumPy and SciPy.

Creative and problem-solving skills – Data scientists must be creative thinkers and strong problem-solvers. Having the ability to think outside the box and brainstorm business solutions using Big Data is important. Businesses go through tough times, and data scientists must work hard to meet deadlines. It’s not like regular 9 to 5 jobs since every project has a challenge.

Big Data Foundations – Having solid foundations in data structures and algorithms is critical. Students should familiarize themselves with Big Data tools such as Apache Spark, Hadoop, and Tableau. Strong mathematical skills and knowledge of statistical concepts are a must. Being able to analyse and present empirical data to non-technical board members in the company and create compelling data visualizations – that, as well.

Be able to work with unstructured data – As a data scientist, you should be comfortable with the idea of analysing and extracting insights from unstructured data. This data can come from multiple channels or sources.

Niche-specific skills – If you’re a data scientist working for a social media marketing firm, your employers may require you to understand social media marketing and how their company works. Similarly, data scientists working in the healthcare segment should be well versed with telemedicine technology and understand how computer-assisted diagnostics work. You must know the product and services companies provide to clients before you can design business solutions effectively using Big Data.

Strong communication skills – Being able to work in teams, collaborate on projects across multiple departments, and communicate effectively with stakeholders – all this comes under communication skills. As a professional data scientist, you must show strong business acumen and be able to explain your findings to non-technical members of your team. Having good data intuition is also important, but this comes with work experience. Business acumen is important, and data scientists should know how to market products/services using the power of big data.

Do I Need to Do a Data Science Degree After My Engineering Degree?

do-i-need-to-do-a-data-science-degree-after-engineering

No, you don’t have to do a bachelor’s degree again after finishing your engineering degree. A good way to advance your career would be to apply directly to master’s programs instead. If you are planning on upskilling, signing up for a data science engineering program online can be a great way to get ahead of your peers. Good data science programs run 12 months long and feature capstone projects which you can showcase in your portfolio.

Companies care more about what you can do for them instead of your qualifications and credentials. That’s a very important point to note. There are many options available for learning online such as MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) and paid data science boot camps. These data science programs online go beyond traditional textbooks and make students work on practical projects more to gain technical and digital skills.

Conclusion

Data scientists must wear multiple hats in organizations and be a jack of many trades. Leveraging big data to get insights, improve customer experiences, and refine product development lie at the heart of their responsibilities. Companies are paying big money to hire these professionals, and there is a shortage of skilled talent in the industry. If you’ve ever wanted to become a data scientist or switch careers after engineering, there is no better time than now.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in a College Dorm

By
Manuela Willbold
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0
student life on campus

Many college students have experienced living in a dorm. There is a school of thought that all college students need to live in the dorm for the first year. It is a valuable experience, but there are reasonable concerns that would cause stress for some students.

Living in a dorm means you are at the center of the social scene on campus, friends live down the hall, and walking to class takes little time. Some students feel it represents the rules that are strictly enforced, distractions from schoolwork, and roommate drama. From lack of privacy to convenient living, staying in a college dorm has both pros and cons.

Advantages of Living in the Dorm

  • Living in the dorm makes the transition from home more comfortable. Busy students simplify their lives because they do not have to worry about their daily commute, grocery lists, or utility bills. There are fewer responsibilities than living in an apartment off-campus.
  • Aside from keeping your corner of the room tidy, there is no cleaning. Campus personnel is in charge of bathroom upkeep, trash, and maintenance. There are no hassles of traffic or finding a parking spot.
  • Food is provided in the university dining hall. Living in the dorm is paid for in advance for the entire semester. There are no worries about grocery money or monthly rent. Being near campus buildings means students can sleep in a little later because classes are a short distance from the dorm.
  • Dorm life provides campus social opportunities. Meeting new people is an excellent way for first-year students to stave off being homesick. Most dorms offer social programs, mixers, and activities that allow students to get to know their neighbors.
  • Parents have less say in your everyday life. Most students see that as a big plus. Having friends living a few doors down the hall make loved ones at home seem less distant. Dorms provide opportunities to get involved in campus activities through word of mouth and community bulletin boards that inform students about the events taking place.

Disadvantages of Living in the Dorm

  • Living in a dorm is not all convenience and fun. The lack of privacy is an issue some students find to be a struggle. They don’t like to share a small space with someone else. Being surrounded by people may cause conflicts between significant others, friends, or roommates.
  • Students share a shower room, living room, bathroom, and often a bedroom. Two roommates with different lifestyles end up in an environment that is not psychologically healthy. Dorms offer limited customized living opportunities. The rooms are more or less box spaces with beds, desks, shelves, and closet space.
  • Other than hanging posters, students can’t decorate to make the room seem like home. Adjustments to decor and fixtures and painting are usually prohibited. The furniture can be rearranged as long as it is not anchored to the wall or floor.
  • Social opportunities can be a distraction from the time needed to study. Students may need to develop some balance between time with friends, campus activities, and schoolwork.
  • Students who like to study in peaceful tranquility may clash with the dorm’s noisy atmosphere. Living in a dorm can also be isolating. Being in the same place every day to both live and study means a student needs to experience the local culture by exploring the city.
  • Movies like ‘Animal House,’ depict college life as a constant party that includes bad behavior and lots of beer. If you live on campus, there are rules by which you are required to abide.
  • Most schools have specific policies about alcohol, drugs, quiet hours, overnight guests, and opposite gender visitation. Noncompliance can result in disciplinary action or expulsion — the freedom of being on your own needs to be respectful of these policies and other residents.
  • At first, not having to cook any meals and having everything handed to you seems great when you live in a dorm. You are eating cafeteria food three times each day. After a while, it becomes tedious to have the same food.
  • Dorms have mandatory breaks that require students to live elsewhere during those breaks. Staying someplace else can be problematic for students who live in another state. Students who need a year-round living space and a kitchen may benefit from an off-campus home or a rental like these apartments for rent in Macon for example.

Decide what is most important for your student life

Living in a dorm has been a traditional college experience for a long time for students who have recently graduated from high school. There are advantages and disadvantages. Drawbacks vary based on a student’s objectives and personality.

Because there are both advantages and disadvantages, all students should not be required to live in a dorm. The best advice for those who do is to take advantage of outside facilities also. Keeping a balance between non-private and private will make dorm life more enjoyable.

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