Think Smart

The Project

Somerset businesses can increase the relevance of staff training, increase staff achievement and increase business profits with support from the Think Smart coaches. Think Smart supports Train to Gain by training employees to become in-house ‘coaches’ who help colleagues to complete vocational training courses.

Recent research from Learning South West indicates that learners who receive coaching support are more likely to achieve qualifications in a shorter timescale. The coaches follow a programme called SMART Business Coaching which links the needs of the business with employees’ personal and professional needs.

The project focuses on the key relationship between employees’ well-being, how this affects their ability to learn and achieve qualifications, and the impact this has on the productivity of the business. The Think Smart project is being delivered in partnership with Sector Skills Councis, Train to Gain, local colleges and the voluntary and community sector. It is funded by The European Social Fund and The Skills Funding Agency.

Neil Young, from Hudson and Hughes, who produced the SMART Business Coaching materials, said: “Effective training, that benefits the individual and the business, is at the heart of the Think Smart project. The innovative approach ensures that both the needs of the employees and employers are met, so everyone’s a winner.”

Please click here to see the Think Smart Information leaflet and power point presentation.

Smart Business Coaching Course

During November the Co-ordination Unit ran three Smart Business Coaching Induction sessions, which introduced the course to the tutors who will be delivering to learners.

Please click here for additional support material for the course.

 The first SMART Business Coaching Induction
session held with trainer Wendy Stevens from
Hudson & Hughes, the company that helped
develop the training materials.

Smart Business Coaching Support Service

As part of the project the Think Smart Co-ordination Unit will be providing a support service for Smart Business Coaches and tutors.

Please click here for further details.

Evidence Requirements

Please Click here to access the forms required for this project.

Useful websites

Please click here to access the useful links page.

Case Studies

If you would like to see more information about the learners this project has been able to support then please visit our case study page for further details or please Click Here.

If you would like further information on the project please contact the Project Co-ordinator,
Jakki MacPhail, on 01823 335491 or email jakki_macphail@learning-southwest.org.uk.