Sir Mike Tomlinson visits Camden Jobtrain

Sir Mike Tomlinson visited Camden Jobtrain on 30th September as part of his work in charge of Camden's Education Commission. This was set up to consider the best way forward for Education in Camden and for the UK as a whole. Sir Mike visited all three sites and each workshop and attended a meeting of current as well as former learners. He was greatly impressed by what he saw.

Ex-learner joins the Functional Skills team

Shuheb Rahman, our award-winning ex-learner, started working for the Functional Skills / PSD team. Shubs' (as he is affectionately known in the office) has been a welcome addition to the team, proving to be a reliable and hard-working administrator.

From photocopying to mastering the central database, Shuheb provides invaluable support to the team. We have watched him mature into a polite and pleasant young man during his time with us although we've still not weaned him off the McDonalds milkshakes (!!). We do, however, know where the source of all his power lies... Shubs, you know what we're talking about!

Camden Jobtrain - Investor in People

On 6th October 2011 Camden Jobtrain received a very special award. This was for being an Investor in People for more than 10 years. Jobtrain was one of the first training organisations in Britain to commit to the IIP standard which recognises commitment to involving and developing staff. By repeatedly passing its tough standards test we joined an elite group of companies who can proudly say that they really believe in supporting the staff they employ and getting the best from them.

Mechanics learner spends a week with a F1 team

Motor Vehicles learner James Delappe spent a week on work experience with the Mercedes Petronas GP Formula 1 race team, and thoroughly enjoyed his time there, and gained valuable experience. Here's what James had to say about it...

My Grand Prix (GP) experience started when I arrived at Mercedes Petronas GP Formula 1 Race Team. Ironically, I knew nothing about Formula 1 and had never seen a race so had no idea what to expect. The race was shown on an enormous screen and was one of the most exciting things I have ever experienced. After the race came the opportunity to meet Michael Schumacher and Nico Roseburg, the drivers for Mercedes GP.After the race I headed to my hotel for the first time. That's when it hit me - I was actually alone. Normally staying away wouldn't phase me, however this time home wasn't round the corner and my family would not be there when I got back from work.

I started work at 8.30 am on Monday morning and met Alfie, who was also on work experience. We were given a health and safety presentation and then taken to the workshop to start. Almost instantly I was working with parts that just raced the day before, touching parts of cars would exceed £3 million in value when complete. Being trusted with such ridiculously priced car parts was amazing! I originally arrived with the attitude that people would not like me and would test me to see how far they could push the "new kid". However I was completely mistaken, the whole team made me feel welcome - they instantly made me feel part of their family unit and took time to explain, teach and learn with me. One mechanic in particular, Matt was my mentor - not officially, but that's how I portrayed him. He always made sure we were ok even though we pestered him every 5 minutes! All the chaps gave us advice and on a few occasions used me as an example to the mechanics already working there. This was a huge confidence boost.

As the week progressed, the feeling of working for such a prestigious company became more and more surreal. Tours of the multimillion pound complex, seeing the dynamo-testing facilities, the engine and gearbox testing labs was just unreal! If I was Lord Sugar or Richard Branson, all my money would not be able to buy the experience I had. On my final day I met Mr. Ross Brawn! He helped me to realise that I was no longer fascinated by motorsports; I was in love with them. I have become addicted. He helped me understand that even though I was scared and missed my family, I had matured as a person and had developed a craving for independence. After this I soon realised that my experience was coming to an end, even though it felt like it had only just began. This was really emotional. I cannot express my gratitude for everyone who contributed to my experience. You have helped me in many ways and I now believe in myself and realise where my passion in life is. So simply, thank you.

NTV News

The new term at NTV has kicked off to a flying start! A warm welcome to all of our new students and staff. So far, year 11s seem determined to achieve their qualifications and year 9s and 10s have made an excellent start with their vocational options. Already, we have had our first group outing to Worldskills London 2011, which provided a valuable and exciting insight into a range of career options. It's been a really positive and enjoyable first few weeks... keep up the hard work everyone!

Lesley Pink - NTV Project Manager