Overseas Qualification Development Services (OQDS)
Overseas Qualification Development Services (OQDS) was set up with initial support from Leicester City Council, Leicester College and a range of voluntary sector training providers which included Highfields Community Associations and the Racial Equality Centre.
It was set up to establish support for people with diverse/overseas educational qualifications and backgrounds in order for them to gain Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), and have access to further employment and training opportunities.
OQDS run their programmes through a small team of staff and volunteers who deliver a range of IAG, (Information, Advice and Guidance), professional vocational training and regeneration based contracts which cover:
- Access to Employment Training
- Skills for Life
- Professional Development for Disadvantaged Overseas clients
- ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) for Employment.
OQDS have aspirations to grow their business and extend their IAG and training activities. Current and past clients and partners include:
- Leicester College
- Trade Unions
- JobcentrePlus
- Leicester City Council
- Derby Race Equality Council
- National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE).
The challenge
To assist in continuing the excellent reputation they have built up, OQDS would like to put further staff and volunteers through a PTLLS, (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector), type programme which will enable them to ensure they are delivering a first class service to customers.
The solution
The PTTLS programme that can be delivered as a part-time programme over 30 hours was put into place covering the following topic areas:
- Teaching and Learning Theories
- Assessment Theories
- Practical Teaching
- Professional Development
This was delivered by experienced practitioners in the field of vocational training and professional development.
The outcome
Priya Thamotheram, Head of Highfields Community Association said:
"The PTLLS course has proven to be an excellent introduction to us working in partnership with the University of Derby Corporate. From the early stages of identifying the learning needs of some of our staff and local users through to the excellent retention and achievement rates on the PTLLS course, it has been a pleasure to work with colleagues from University of Derby Corporate who have demonstrated a welcoming and empathetic practice in all of their contact with us and the learners and we look forward to further joint work programmes."
