"We have received a very good service from Access IT. I would very much recommend Access IT."
Transcript: Key Training Services
Graham Burford, Virtual Learning Project Manager, Key Training Services,
talks to Jane Chakravorty, Access IT Ltd
Jane: "Can you tell us a little about the background of Key Training Services and what you do here?"
Graham: "Key Training Services is part of Kent County Council, a training arm of the Education and Libraries Department. Key Training Services is established throughout Kent, including Gillingham, Gravesend, Canterbury, Folkestone, Margate and Maidstone. Part of the programmes which Key Training is involved with include The European Social Fund, New deal, Work Based learning and Profit From Learning. A number of courses are run from these different centres, these are Motivation, Confidence Building, E to E, NVQ, Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships."
Jane: "Key Training Services wanted to develop remote learning using wireless computers and therefore sent out a tender to companies across Kent. How did you assess the response from that tender?"
Graham: "First of all Jane, the assessment was very close, the competition was intense. What we had to do was look at a number of issues, we had to look at cost, we had to look at the suppliers location, because we felt that that was important for building a rapport with our supplier. We also had to consider the equipment, it had to be reliable, it had to be a known quality brand and of course finally and most importantly, support [for the equipment]."
Jane: "Why did you select Access IT?"
Graham: "Access IT was chosen because of the support. Within the tender, Access IT stated they would offer on-site training. Not one of the other applications had this facility. We saw this as a positive, as a training organization we saw this as a plus. The cost was of course important and the cost was comparable with other suppliers."
Jane: "You are heading a pilot scheme and are in fact the first organization in the country using this equipment. In what ways did you expect the new technology would improve the experience?"
Graham: "The technology we are using is really in-line with Government strategy. We want to offer on-line testing 24/7 any time, any place. What we set out to do was build five systems - one for each of our centres - so we can take the learning [and] testing to the locations where the learners work or wherever they reside, whether it’s a youth club or whatever. In doing this we can enhance their learning because they will feel more comfortable, they will hopefully get better grades."
Jane: "Could you describe the equipment that Access IT supplied?"
Graham: "Yes, the equipment that Access IT supplied comprised of tablet computers and laptop computers. There were 40 of these tablet computers brought into the UK in January this year; you supplied us with 5 of those 40. This was cutting edge technology, used in conjunction with the laptops we believe we can offer a mobile solution for offering learning and testing 24/7 any time, any place."
Jane: "Is it meeting your expectations?"
Graham: "Very much so - tests conducted so far have shown that our pass rate has increased to over 90%".
Jane: "Your trialling new equipment do you find you receive enough help and support?"
Graham: "Very much so, since receiving the equipment I have been contacted on numerous occasions by members of the Access IT team. I found that very useful for future requirements, in fact recently there was a slight problem with one of the pieces of equipment. Access IT were there, supplied us with the right information, the problem was resolved and the equipment is now fully operational and that was within 10 days."
Jane: "Would you recommend Access IT to others?"
Graham: "We have received a very good service from Access IT. I would very much recommend Access IT."
Jane: "Graham, thank you very much."
Graham: "Thank you."
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