Testimonials/ Newspaper Press Releases

Jim Lawson, Station Commander RAF St Mawgan

Since the Forum was created in February 2006, I am delighted to report that no fewer than 529 learning awards have been achieved by my staff to date. This initiative has been a phenomenal success which has served to alleviate some of the stress experienced by personnel who are uncertain about their future employment prospects. Moreover, it has also been a wonderful opportunity for many to just add another string to their bow, which is great for morale. Today, I was proud to present a myriad of differing awards in areas such as Management, First Aid, Victualling, Counselling, IT and Literacy. My message to industry chiefs is that people at all levels possess the appetite to participate in their own personal development, and the desire to succeed, given just a little support and resource from the parent company. I wholeheartedly endorse the scheme.

Empower Client, Emma Clarke from Simplicity in a Bag.

"Over the past year I have become my own boss and with the support of Empower and Truro College Business Centre passed my NCFE level 3 in Business Certificate. My business Simplicity in a Bag uses simple, clear and effective designs to make gift bags, cards, gift tags and sets to sell in local shops, at village markets and London. I am now looking for new opportunities to supply and grow. In a year I have become a business woman and with the help of Empower and Truro College Business Centre a wiser business woman."

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership.

"The Truro College Business Centre's Empower Project is an excellent example of projects which have received Objective One investment to support women either into work or at the workplace. The South West has the highest rate of women entrepreneurs in the country and they play a vital role in the economy of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly."

Sarah Karkeek, Manager of Happy Days Nurseries

"I would like to thank Truro College for providing such excellent opportunities through the first rate courses which they offer; we are very fortunate to have such an outstanding facility in Cornwall and in particular the Business Centre, that listens to local employers and responds to their sector needs."

Julian Pearce, Vocational Training Co-ordinator for Council of Isles of Scilly “The success of Truro College and its nationally-acclaimed results are true recognition for the service they have provided the Community and businesses on the Isles of Scilly. Working in partnership with the Islands’ Lifelong Learning team at the Council of the Isles of Scilly it has been possible to deliver NVQ or equivalent training to 85 individuals from over 20 different organisations and businesses over the last 12 months. It is the flexibility and creative approach to their delivery of training that has enabled us to address the issues of providing effective vocational learning on the Islands. This has involved a whole range of problems, many of which are specific to our location.”

David Bone, Managing Director of Somar International Ltd “Somar International Ltd, a Truro based Queen’s Award winning company specialising in energy saving products, called Powerboss, have worked with Truro College for many years and see their partnership with Truro College as key to their continuing growth and success. David Bone MD said that he was very pleased, but not surprised, by this award as he has found their involvement with staff development invaluable and extremely professional.”

Rhona Hope, Train to Gain Skills Manager at Business Link “We are delighted that Truro College have been recognised as the first College in the UK to win the Outstanding Status grade from ALI / OfSTED. Also we are pleased to be successfully working with them on the new Train to Gain service, through which we help local businesses get the training they need to succeed, what a great boost for Cornwall!”

John Chudley, Area Director LSC Devon & Cornwall “Congratulations to Truro College on being the first college in the country to be awarded the "Designated Outstanding Status" by OfSTED. We look forward to supporting the College in their efforts for the future upskilling of learners in the local community.”

Sara Corcoran, Director of Personnel, University College Falmouth “The Business Centre team have provided us with some excellent management development programmes. Their very professional staff are good role models, and the service they provide has been responsive to our needs and cost effective. We look forward to continuing our productive relationship.”

Mark Wright, Director, Piran Technologies Ltd “The training solutions offered from Truro College are helping our business establish effective sales and marketing strategies. As a result we have attracted major business from out of the county and been able to employ four new members of staff in the past year. All of this growth for our business gives a healthy boost for the Cornish economy; long may it continue!”

John Felton, Managing Director, Gul International Ltd “Gul International is pleased to congratulate Truro College on becoming the first college in the UK to win Outstanding Status Grade, the Team at Truro College always rise to the challenge of identifying and meeting Gul’s training needs with enthusiasm and professionalism."

Paul Vicker, Managing Director, Drinkmaster “At Drinkmaster we really appreciate the spirit of enthusiasm and genuine interest in our business that we receive from Truro College. As one of the largest employers in the area our training needs are varied. Truro College people have taken time to learn about our business and provide us with tailored training solutions that really help us grow. It’s a pleasure to have such a well rated college locally.”

Philip Hygate, Chairman & Chief Executive, Council of the Isles of Scilly “Congratulations to Truro College in being the first college in the UK to win the much coveted Outstanding Status grade from ALI / OfSTED. It is well deserved. The Council of the Isles of Scilly found Truro College’s courses suited our needs admirably. Due to the flexibility of the College and its tutors, our staff were able to undertake their study at their own pace and to suit their working day. I am delighted with the results of the study undertaken by our staff.”

Ross Williams, Director, Cornwall Arts Centre Trust Ltd “We've been working with Truro College since 1999 on the delivery of customised training packages and qualifications for Cornwall's thriving creative industries sector. Our sector's workforce is very largely made up of self-employed practitioners, a notoriously difficult group to engage in continuing professional development since they often have to give up paid work to undertake development activities, but the College's Business Centre staff have worked very closely with us as sector representatives to devise courses and events that meet the needs of a wide range of individuals as well as employers. This flexibility of approach has been highly successful in ensuring a very high level of take-up and achievement - I'm delighted that this has been properly recognised by this national award.”

Sandie Martyn, Human Resource Manager, National Maritime Museum Cornwall “The Maritime Museum enjoys a great relationship with Truro College having accessed training for staff and volunteers from 18 to 80 years of age! We've trained our volunteers (who are mostly retired people) in Dealing with Difficult People, had a young colleague on the Apprenticeship scheme taking a NVQ level 2 in Customer Service, and trained many more members of staff in between on such courses as team leading, basic food hygiene, training the trainer, and effective public speaking. I've always found that college staff are really helpful, and flexible, in helping us meet our training needs. They really understand what we're looking for and it gives me great confidence knowing that I can pick up the phone and ask for someone who knows me and knows my organisation. What's more, they are great at helping us access subsidised training. Well done Truro College. You deserve it.”

Greg Henry, General Manager, The Falmouth Hotel “Truro College has reviewed our training needs for the hospitality industry and delivers 100% for all our employees to better the business as well as our individual team members. Congratulations!”

Suzy Lowe, Director, Truro Coffee House "Well done to Truro College Business Centre, thoroughly deserved recognition for all the hard work the team contribute to business in Cornwall. I have used their service since 2004 pursuing an opportunity to access managerial development for both myself and key staff within my business. The team provided consistent feedback/mentoring sessions which enabled me to focus on business progression plus providing an avenue to meet other people in my position. An exemplary service from a professional and highly motivated team of individuals, many thanks and well done to all."

Martin Saint, General Manager at Cornwall Glass & Glazing “As a growing local business, the support we have received from Truro College for our staff development has been invaluable. We have accessed funded training at all levels of the company and the College were even able to design a tailor-made package for our management development programme. This meant that the training was totally relevant to our company and therefore hit the mark first time. We should strongly recommend that businesses who are serious about staff development talk to Truro College about the assistance they can offer."

Dianne Eade, Head of Administration, Finance & Human Resources, Newquay Zoo "Congratulations! Newquay Zoo has benefited from the clear, concise training that Truro College has provided at all levels of employment within the organisational structure. The Zoo commits itself each year to a training plan for its employees that develops and empowers our staff and Truro College has played a major part in that objective. We are looking forward to continued involvement in 2007."

Simon Foxhall, Practice Manager, Hancock Caffin Solicitors “Both Hancock Caffin, and myself personally, have benefited from the courses offered by the college. It’s no surprise that Truro College have achieved these fantastic results as we have found their courses to be relevant, well delivered and exceptional value for money. As such, I would have no hesitation in recommending other employers, and individuals, make us of the excellent services offered”.