Construction Training Specialists

I was first introduced to CTS and Gavin Springall at their premises in Great Yarmouth at a time when they were planning a move to Norwich. Having discussed in depth the aspirations that Gavin and Dennis have for CTS, I was very interested in supporting them in the development of the new facilities in Norwich and for the courses they offer students.

Over the past 6 months I have introduced a number of key suppliers to CTS that are delighted to offer materials that will be used by the students. In return for this gesture company logos and branding are placed prominently within the training facility as well as on course literature and the website. It's very important for Ridgeons and our suppliers to raise awareness amongst people starting careers in construction based industries and those that are updating their skills.

To support CTS amongst the Ridgeon data base of customers we will be including an article within our monthly customer magazine the "Ridgeon Recorder". This magazine covers many aspects of our business that impact the customer. The article will explain the CTS philosophy and hopefully raise awareness and potential business.

Training and development of people is very important to the Ridgeon Group as well trained and knowledgeable staff ensures we offer the level of service our customers expect. To ensure we maintain the service CTS will be training our sales staff in various methods of construction to improve our understanding of products to include the applications in which they are used.

Yours Sincerely, 

Ben Giddings
Ridgeons

The Norfolk Learning Partnership has only recently worked in partnership with CTS Ltd to provide progression opportunities for our vulnerable learners coming off the Introduction to Painting and Decorating Courses funded through LEGI as well as NEET young people from Move On East. However we cannot praise CTS enough for the speed in which they dealt with our original proposal earlier this year and the flexibility they showed in arranging programmes to suit the needs of our learners and at a time that suited them. This has resulted in us now using CTS Ltd as our preferred provider for short construction courses and having three programmes in place for 2009/10 with the potential of more to follow.

The success if the partnership has already become evident with two of the original group having now set up in business themselves as Painters and Decorators. All the learners we have sent to CTS have not only completed the courses but have achieved either a full City and Guilds award or units of the award. In many cases this is the first achievement for many of the learners.

CTS’ success in supporting learners through CSCS test means that many can look forward to real employment opportunities in the future, having almost given up hope in the past and for that we are eternally grateful.

I am happy to provide further information if required.

Sincerely,

Andy Hodgson
Manager
Norfolk Learning Partnership

Over the years CTS have expanded their glazing related qualifications side of the business and have successfully worked with the Glass and Glazing Federation and its members to bring training and qualifications back on the agenda. Qualifying our sector has been the one area the Federation has struggled with over the years however, with the expertise of CTS and perseverance from key personnel including Gavin Springall, our members have fully embraced the benefits of a qualified workforce.

Historically we have attempted unsuccessfully to forge similar relationships with other providers. Our relationship with CTS on the other has grown from strength to strength through effective communication and immense integrity. The success of CTS is further demonstrated via their recent expansion, providing commitment and investment in providing ever better and more accessible training service.

Yours sincerely

Ian Chisholm
Deputy Chief Executive
Glass and Glazing Federation
020 7207 5867

ConstructionSkills have worked with CTS since they opened in 2005.

The provision has grown considerably since then, resulting in their move to larger premises earlier this year.

We have been impressed by the level of support given to our apprentices and the learning environment. The teaching staff have encouraged full development of skills, knowledge and understanding, often far above the level required for the qualification.

Dennis has a wealth of knowledge of both the industry and education that he is always eager to share with all learners and his staff follow his lead with enthusiasm.

Dennis and his team have undergone new experiences such as the requirement for timely framework completion which adds considerable pressures for those learners who would normally take a little longer to achieve, the staff have all responded very positively to ensure that the extra support is provided throughout the programme so that all achievements are timely.

Their overall performance continues to be in the top few providers within the Easton Region.

We look forward to continuing our working relationship with CTS and wish them every success in their new premises.

Yours sincerely
Georgina Bill
ConstructionSkills

Connexions Norfolk is part of Norfolk County Council and provides information, advice and guidance to all 13-19 year olds across the county (up to 25 for clients with Learning Difficulties or Disabilities). Our focus is on young people who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and many of our clients have issues around anti-social behaviour and low aspiration and self esteem.

CTS are a pro active training provider for us and have made a positive impact on reducing NEET. The programme is engaging, inspirational and produces long term and multiple positive outcomes for participants who are at risk of disengaging or becoming long term NEET. The team work aspects raise the level of social skills and enables young people to experience a work related environment.

CTS contributed to delivery against a LAA NEET target in the last year and produced excellent outcomes:
17 Students Attended.
14 Passed Health and Safety (CSCS) Tests and now have CSCS Cards. 3 re-sits are booked.
1 is on work experience with an employer
5 are looking to apply for apprenticeships
1 has an interview for a job

CTS raised the employability skills of these young people by giving them and awareness of the Construction Industry by completing assessment activities in 3 separate trade disciplines – Brickwork, Carpentry and Joinery and Painting and Decorating and an opportunity to gain a Construction Site Operatives CSCS card.

The type of initiative is vital to reducing the number of disengaged young people in Norfolk and is a leading example of the type of community delivery we work in partnership to establish.

I wish CTS every success.

Yours sincerely

Jacqui Starling
Partnership Development Manager
Connexions Norfolk

Norfolk Guidance Service (NGS) and CTS have worked in partnership on the Great Yarmouth ‘Build’ project for the last two years, by offering unemployed clients the opportunity to take the CSCS Test and gain their CSCS card through a series of practical and health and safety workshops  Over 45 clients have benefited from attending the programme, not only in getting their CSCS cards, but by increasing their confidence and team working skills. One client, who attended the programme, was later employed by CTS for general duties with the workshops. The experience it gave him has now lead to his being employed as a carpenter on the London Olympic build.

Despite moving to Norwich, CTS is keen that Great Yarmouth clients should still enjoy access to their services and as such organised a free minibus to transport NGS clients between the town and Hall Road site.

The service that CTS provides is friendly, professional and learner centred and I hope that both our organisations will continue the close working relationship we have enjoyed over the past couple of years.

Yours sincerely

Mike Hitchins
Local Area Adviser

We found CTS’ overall course and training was second to none, also the aftercare you provided cannot be matched for the help and advice you gave to us. Your course was tailored to our needs and to fit into our everyday lives. We all gained knowledge in many areas, from your experience instructors.

Glenn, Darren, Mark and Les would like to thank Dennis, Gavin, Kay, Jemma, Adam and all the staff of CTS for helping us start up our business and the help and advice they have given us since the business started.

Yours sincerely,

Glenn Carthew & Darren Green
Carthey Decorating Services