VeryCoolIdeas

What is SETA Accreditation

2012-03-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

What is SETA Accreditation?

AnyTraining Provider needs to be accredited by a relevant Education TrainingQuality Assurance Body (ETQA). This ‘stamp of approval’ indicates that theprovider gives transferable, outcomes-based and relevant training and assessment.By using the services of an ETQA accredited training provider, you can beassured that learners are indeed gaining valuable knowledge during a trainingintervention which they can competently apply in the workplace.

SETA organisationin an industry oversees the training quality and materials for that industryand make sure the course providers offer training according to requiredguidelines and standards for that industry. There is a SETA for each of themain economic sectors.

Why is it important to use an accredited training provider?

It enables the SETA toestablish that the training provider used is not a “FLY BY NIGHT” trainingprovider but instead it is a recognized training provider, with recognizedstandards.

Benefits ofaccreditation:

* Credibility – accreditation indicatesthat your training organisation offers high-quality training and has excellentmanagement principles and processes in place;

* Affordability for companies that useyour training programmes – they can capture your training on their mandatorygrant claim;

* Transferable knowledge within andoutside the industry through programmes aligned to Unit Standards (modules ofcompetency);

* Knowing the competence levels andstrengths of your learners before and after your training intervention througheffective assessment strategies;

* Formal recognition of trainingoffered to staff – this will assist in employees’ development and careerenhancement.

You can rest assured that all our our courses at Very Cool Ideas are SETA accredited. See the courses we offer here.

2012-03-05T08:14:00.001-08:00

What You Need to Know about First Aid Training in CPR

First aid training is a necessity. Why? It is for the fact that people always get subjected to freak accidents. They do happen in the most unexpected time and place. Being trained in administering first aid is indeed beneficial because there is a great chance for you to save lives at any given time. There are special techniques that you get to know and only a certified person has the authority to apply. So, why should you have second thoughts? You can be of great help in the direst circumstances especially when the emergency medical team has not arrived yet and when there is no nearby hospital.

Getting to Know CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or that which is otherwise known as CPR is a combination of all pertinent lifesaving strategies which are all geared towards resuming the regular functions of the body. CPR is typically administered when a person's heart has stopped beating. By constantly performing CPR, the heart restarts its beating procedure and the breathing pattern once again normalizes.

It is a must for each and everyone to know CPR and how it must be done. Every hospital in the community has the responsibility of making available this kind of training. The Red Cross as well as the community health centers should also open this training to everyone. In fact, there is no excuse in trying not to learn the proper way of doing it.

What Comprises CPR

Again, CPR is made up of the mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and if needed, that of the chest compression. By nature, the individual who administers the CPR is going to breathe for the victim as he manually pumps the latter's heart to resume its normal functioning. Apart from performing this, it is likewise necessary to call for the emergency medical team at once so that the right treatment can be facilitated.
The Training being Mandatory

Training in CPR is definitely a mandatory task especially for those who handle varying jobs. Those who work in the schools, offices, nursing homes, and the rest of the industries that run heavy duty occupations are obligated to be trained. Even an ordinary individual has to be knowledgeable on the basic CPR applications. By acquiring the training, you become a priceless individual who is confident and prepared at all times especially when there is an emergency.

Likewise, those who take care of children must certainly get the first aid CPR training courses. By this, you get to save your children's lives or those of whom you take care of.

The Training itself

The first aid CPR training course is typically completed in a day. The licensed instructors are the ones who will guide you in every step of the way. Dummies are employed for you to practice on. After the completion of the course, you are awarded with a CPR certification card that proves that you have successfully passed the standards and that you are already qualified to perform it during emergency cases. There are times when you have undertaken the course several years back then so it is also important that you update your skills. In this time and age there is no doubt that the modern and newer ways of administering CPR have evolved. Thus, it pays to continually get updated with the most recent top of the line medical information.

First aid training is as essential as learning your ABC. Therefore, don't exclude this as a part of your knowledge base. Contact Very Cool Ideas today to book your training

Choosing the right Course for You

2012-02-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

Top 10 tips to choosing the right course for you

“Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.” W.B. Yeats
This guide is all about passion. Your passion for your course, and for your future career. Because the secret to happiness is being able to love whatever it is you do in life.
And what does this all have to do with choosing the right course for you? It all starts here. Find the right course, at the right university or college, and you will be inspired to succeed.
So how do you make the right choice? Check our Top 10 tips on choosing your course for the lowdown on getting where you want to be – faster.

Top tip #1: What are you really interested in?

This is not necessarily what are you good at, but what do you love doing? You might be great at maths, but you spend your weekends fixing up bits of old computers. So don’t study maths, focus on IT or computer engineering instead. Specialise in your passion, and learn more about it from the world’s best teachers.

Top tip #2: Why?

It’s really important to think about why you are interested in this subject. Is it because you can see your exciting, glittering career ahead? Or is it because it’s what your parents want? By questioning yourself now, you can work out the exact path you want your choice to take you on.

Top tip #3: Where would you like to study?

There are really two parts to this. Where is the best country to specialise in this subject area? Maybe it’s a country with plenty of internship and graduate work opportunities in that industry, or a city that has access to specific resources. If you’re interested in marine biology, why not head straight to the world’s largest coral reef in Australia and learn right at the source?
It’s also a good idea to ask yourself: where in the world would you love to live for a few years? This is an opportunity to learn a new language or adopt a new culture, make amazing friends, and experience a very different way of life. And if you’re happy in your life, you’ll be happy in your study.

Top tip #4: Take a reality check

Now that you have found your dream, let’s just stop a minute and make sure it’s realistic. Can you afford the flights, tuition and cost of living? Do you need to have certain qualifications first – English language proficiency, GMAT scores? Don’t get discouraged – a pathway program may be all you need to cross those hurdles. And if this really is your passion, then prove it in your scholarship application and you may get some financial help.

Top tip #5: Do your homework

You need to narrow down all your options to about five real, practical choices. That takes a lot of research. A StudyLink course search is a good place to start, then go online and ask questions in student discussion groups or register for online chats. Read student blogs to see what it’s really like. Glossy prospectuses don’t always tell you the full story, so talk to people you know who have studied in that country or city about what it’s really like.

Top tip #6: What’s important to you?

While you are researching, you’ll come up with all kinds of different criteria to judge a university or course by. So make a shortlist of the top three features you’re looking for. These could be school ranking or prestige, research facilities, practical experience and internships, cost of tuition, student support services, safety, social life, chance to travel… there are so many variables, and what’s right for you may be completely wrong for someone else.

Top tip #7: How do you like to study?

Hopefully you have some idea by now of how you prefer to study. And hopefully the answer is not ‘by sleeping’ or ‘by crossing my fingers as I walk into the exam hall.’ Some people prefer final exams, others like regular assignments to keep them busy throughout the year. Some like theory, others like practical hands-on application. Some like to work in groups, others like to work individually. Some like to present their assignment verbally, others prefer to create written reports. Choose a course that suits your study style, and you will be more confident in your success. Or, if you want to challenge yourself, choose a course that will take you out of your comfort zone!

Top tip #8: Look at your career prospects

Studying overseas can be expensive, so think of it as an investment in your future. And that means your career and your salary. Find out where other international students at that university have worked after graduation, and if there’s an active alumni network, or the opportunity to meet industry leaders during your course.

Top tip #9: Focus on the detail

Every subject has so many different options, so it’s good to know the most specific interest you have. Engineering students could study anything from bio-medical engineering to civil engineering. So if you’d rather build bridges than human body parts, understand that before you sign up.

Top tip #10: You can always change your mind

Yes, this is an important decision. But if you get there and you realise you’ve made a terrible mistake, it’s not too late. Talk to the student counsellor on campus, and see if there are better options for you there. Don’t spend the next five years of your life staring at textbooks you have no interest in whatsoever. Remember, it’s all about your passion – keep the excitement alive, and you will succeed!
Do you want some free course advice, customised for your abilities and interests? Contact VeryCoolIdeas today

Performance Reviews

2012-02-03T07:54:00.000-08:00

Evaluating your own performance at work can be difficult: You don’t want to come off as arrogant (or as suffering from delusions of grandeur). At the same time, you want to avoid being overly critical of yourself.
The self-evaluation portion of a performance review, however, can be a great opportunity to set the tone for the face-to-face portion of the review and to shape your continuing role within an organization.
Here are some quick tips for tackling a self-evaluation at work.

1. Prepare
Before you ever write anything on your self-evaluation form, take some time to think about your performance over the past year. Make a list of areas in which you have shined, and consider areas in which your performance could have been better. Consider these things in the context of your job description and the goals set forth in your last performance review.
It’s helpful to keep a log of what you do at work on a daily basis. This doesn’t need to be too thorough – just jot down the tasks you have completed. Having a record of your day-to-day activities will help you track your accomplishments, and identify challenges, and it will be a handy resource when it comes time to fill out a self-evaluation.
2. Show, Don’t Tell
This is no time for modesty – be sure to give yourself credit where credit is due. But avoid sweeping statements – I kicked butt in every way! – and generalities. When talking about areas in which you exceeded expectations, use specific examples of just how you did so. Show, rather than just tell. A self-evaluation is your chance to make the boss aware of all the stuff you do that she might not be aware of. At the same time, don’t overstate your accomplishments.
3. Address Shortcomings
Were there some goals you fell short of reaching or other weak spots in your performance? Be honest about them on your self-evaluation. Taking responsibility, after all, is a respectable trait. But take it a step further by demonstrating, with specific examples, that you learned from your mistakes and took steps to avoid them in the future. Neutralize negatives by owning up to them and showing how you’ve addressed them.
4. Set Goals
The self-evaluation portion of a performance assessment is a great opportunity to have a hand in shaping your role at a company. Set realistic (and specific) goals for yourself and highlight skills that you’d like to develop, and present a practical plan for how you will achieve them. Your boss might have different ideas, but as least she’ll know that you’re thinking about your future with the company your training needs and how you can better serve it while moving your career forward.

Ready for your interview?

2012-01-16T07:12:00.000-08:00

Are you ready to interview? Once you have been selected for a job interview, it's important to prepare properly. That means practicing interview questions and answers, dressing in appropriate interview attire, and, after the interview, sending thank you letters to your interviewers.
The first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one. Here's how to dress professionally for a job interview.
You have just landed an interview for a seemingly wonderful job! Now what? Successful interviewing will be essential in order for you to lock in an offer. Here are some tips and strategies for effective interviewing from preparation through follow up.

Company Research
Research should always be your first step. Gathering background information on employers is a crucial element in successful interview preparation. You will need to be prepared to answer the questions "What do your know about our company"? and "Why do you want to work here?" Knowing as much as possible about the company's past performance and future plans can make your interview more interactive and could be just the leg up you need in a competitive job market. Before the interview review the company's web site and don't be afraid to contact your prospective employer to request details on the position you are interviewing for or to ask for company literature. Google the company to see what other information is available online.
Practice Makes Perfect
Practice makes perfect (or at least leads to improvement). Practice with a friend and record or videotape your responses so you can replay the interview and see how well you did. Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions. Doing so will help you analyze your background and qualifications for the position.
Behavioral Interviews
Behavior based interviewing is becoming more common. It is based on the premise that a candidate's past performance is the best predictor of future performance. Rather than the typical interview questions on your background and experience, you will you need to be prepared to provide detailed responses including specific examples of your work experiences.
The best way to prepare is to think of examples where you have successfully used the skills you've acquired. Take the time to compile a list of responses to both types of questions and to itemize your skills, values, and interests as well as your strengths and weaknesses. Emphasize what you can do to benefit the company rather than just what you are interested in. Also prepare a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer. Remember, you aren't simply trying to get the job - you are also interviewing the employer to assess whether this company and the position are a good fit for you.
Prepare For the Interview
It is very important to be on time for the interview. On time means ten to fifteen minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going. Know the interviewer's name and use it during the interview. If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. Remember to bring an extra copy of your resume and a list of references.
Stay Calm
During the interview try to remain as calm as possible. Ask for clarification if you're not sure what's been asked and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to frame your responses so you can be sure too fully answer the question.
End the interview with a thank you to the interviewer and reiterate your interest in the position. Then follow-up with a personal Thank You note restating your interest.

How to Improve your Learning Skills

2012-01-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

Learning defined

In the business world, the kind of learning that matters is thatwhich increases your capacity for effective action. This usuallyinvolves accumulating specialized knowledge, skills, and as muchself-confidence as it takes to believe in your effectiveness.One highly effective way to accumulate specialized knowledge isto find a problem and solve it. Technology is changing thingsso rapidly in business, that it is creating an amazing quantityof opportunities to solve new problems. Choose your problems wisely.Each time you solve a problem, it will increase your capacityfor effective action in that area. This new capacity will attractopportunities to apply it to new and larger problems of like kind.In this way, the problems you choose to solve can be destiny shaping.It is not the title of the position you hold, it is the natureof the problems you learn how to solve that will determine yoursuccess in this rapidly morphing business world.

Multi-pass approach

The multi-pass approach involves exposing your mind to the newmaterial as soon as possible, even if only for a few moments.The ideas may seem confusing at first, as this is often the firststage of learning. Getting this phase out of the way early putstime on your side because from that point on, your subconsciousmind will begin processing and assimilating that material. Youwill notice the effects of this subconscious processing (incubation)the next time you look at the material. There does not appearto be any limit to the amount of material the subconscious mindcan "incubate". Embracing this confusion process earlydoes not mean force feeding your mind. It should be done froma place of eager anticipation--from a place of curiosity.

Take short breaks

If you plan to study for an extended period, schedule a 10 minutebreak every two hours, and a 2-5 minute break every 40 minutes.Studies have shown that we remember more of the first and lastthings that we study. Taking these breaks increases the numberof firsts and lasts. It also gives your mind a breather, so thatwhen you return to studying, your mind will be sharper and thusyour efforts more productive. The scale of productivity when doingmental work can be exponential. Think of your peak studying modeas "Michael Jordan" mode. That's where you are reallycranking, understanding ideas and solving problems much quickerthan normal. You are much more likely to maximize "MichaelJordan" study time if you give your mind an occasional break.

Intelligence is distributed

Intelligence is distributed throughout the body. For example,if you have ever played a musical instrument, you may have noticedthat your hands seem to have a mind of their own. When studying,pay attention to signals your body may be giving you. If you arelearning new material and your mind/body seems to be resisting,your body may be telling you that you have other needs which mustbe tended to that are more important.

Parents at work

2011-12-22T00:35:00.000-08:00

Top 10 Tips for Getting Promoted

The frustrating reality for parents today: The standard work model required from roughly age 25 to 45 is Monday through Friday, eight to 10 hours per day. We need to invest sweat equity at work to keep our jobs and get promotions and raises and benefits. Unfortunately for the children involved, that time frame is when they need parents most.

Parenthood and work inevitably and repeatedly collide, demanding that we be in two separate places at once. But many people are still accomplishing the impossible, figuring out how to work diligently, stay late, schmooze the boss, build rapport with co-workers, volunteer for overtime, get promoted and still leave at five.

Here's how On Balance readers juggle getting ahead with being there for our kids.

1. Do your job and do it well when you are there.
2. Technology, technology, technology. Get a Blackberry and use it. Invest in a good laptop with a remote connection to your job's network. Be available, even if it is not from the office.
3. Reframe the terms. Instead of focusing on "I have to leave at five for day-care pickup" turn the attention (your own, your bosses', your co-workers') to "the 10 great things I do every day in a very time efficient manner" or "how much money I'm contributing to the company's bottom line" or "here's why I think my skills will translate well into the new position."

4. Leave earlier. Many offices have an important end-of-day errand that needs to be done. So volunteer to be the person who takes deposits to the bank or drops packages off at the post office or that inconvenient FedEx box that happens to be in front of your kids' school.

5. Figure out how to help your co-workers and don't ever expect others to pick up your slack. Everybody has needs. You need to leave at five to get to day care on time. A co-worker may need a non-standard lunch hour to take a class. Another co-worker may "need" a batch of homemade cookies every week. Figuring out what your boss wants is obvious -- but catering to your co-workers is even more important.

6. Invest in a good screen saver. If you're in a cubicle environment and don't want everybody who wanders by to know that you have left for the day, make your office look like you'll be right back. Leave a folder of non-sensitive papers open by your computer, leave a light on and get a screen saver with official-looking work.

7. Dress the part. It's easy to descend into wearing clothes that transition from work into the "second-shift" of child-care duties. Every week make sure to wear a few outfits that scream "I've got great skills and deserve this promotion."
8. After the kids are in bed and before they get up in the morning, do some work from home via telephone, computer or Blackberry. No one needs to know you are working from home -- they just need to know you are working.
9. Be accessible 24/7. Spread the word that you are always available via cellphone or e-mail. Ironically, people without kids may be less available in emergencies because they are white-water rafting in West Virginia or watching a marathon indie film festival or recovering from a hangover. Use your kid-required accessibility to your advantage.
10. Have a backup child-care or school pickup plan (spouse, friends, neighbors, relatives) because some days you just won't be able to leave at five.

8 Secrets of a knockout business presentation

2011-12-13T04:51:00.000-08:00

The presentation is starting. Dim the lights. Time for a nap. These are the thoughts of many audiences subject to yet another boring business presentation. How can you awaken the cognitive powers of your audience? Start by learning the 8 secrets of a knockout business presentation.

Dig Deep: Having an effective business presentation that will have the audience on their feet requires more than the usual factoid dropped into your PowerPoint. Find a relevant fact beyond your topic norm. Give them the unexpected. The one obscure and contradictory piece of information that will raise heads and stimulate discussion. Where do you find such information? Go past the typical quick search engine scan. Check out educational websites for new research, interview industry mavericks, or scour the business press.

Avoid Info Overload:

PowerPoint expert Cliff Atkinson, author of Beyond Bullet Points says, "When you overload your audience, you shut down the dialogue that's an important part of decision-making." He points to some important research by educational psychologists. "When you remove interesting but irrelevant words and pictures from a screen, you can increase the audience's ability to remember the information by 189% and the ability to apply the information by 109%," recommends Atkinson.

Practice Delivery:

A knockout business presentation is so captivating it makes you forget about the speaker and become absorbed in the talk. Practice your delivery over and over until you remove the distractions including nervous tics and uncomfortable pauses. Pay particular attention to your body language. Is it non-existent or overly excessive? Good presenters work the stage in a natural manner.

Forget Comedy:

Business presenters will flirt with the temptation to deliver the stand up humor of Chris Rock. Remember your audience didn't come to laugh; this is a business presentation. Leave your jokes at home. It's ok to throw in a few natural off the cuff laughs but don't overdo it.

Pick Powerful Props:

You don't need a box full of props like the watermelon-smashing comic, Gallagher. A few simple props to demonstrate a point can be memorable in the minds of your target audience. Management guru, Tom Peters, uses a cooking timer to show how quickly factory expansion is occurring in China.

Minimize You:

"Frankly, your audience doesn't care as much about your company history, as they do about whether you can help them solve the specific problems they face. Write a script for your presentation that makes the audience the protagonist, or the main character, who faces a problem that you will help them to solve," says Atkinson.

Speak the Language:

A knockout business presentation doesn't leave people wondering what you said. It might be tempting to throw in a few big words but are you alienating your audience? Always explain terms and acronyms. The number of smart executives who aren't up on the latest terminology would surprise you.

Simple Slides:

Beware of the PowerPoint presentation. Many corporate brains will turn off at the sight of yet another PowerPoint presentation. Over 400 million desktops currently have the PowerPoint application. If you want your business to stand out, don't be like everyone else. Use slides in your knockout presentation to highlight and emphasize key points. Don't rely on your slide projector to run the show.It all comes down to what your audience walks away with in the end. Did you deliver another boring business presentation? Or did you persuade or motivate everyone to action? Apply the 8 secrets to a knockout presentation and watch your ratings soar.

2011-12-06T00:57:00.001-08:00

1. What is ETQA?

Very Cool Ideas is proud to have its course's ETQA approved, but what does this mean?

Education andTraining Quality Assurance Body (ETQA) is a body accredited in terms of

the SAQA Act, responsible formonitoring and auditing achievements in terms of national

standards or qualifications, andto which specific functions relating to the monitoring and

auditing of national standards orqualifications have been assigned in terms of section the

SAQA Act.

FIETA ETQA Department‘s “primaryfocus” is in the four (4) for chambers namely:

1. Furniture

2. Wood Products

3. Forestry

4. Pulp & Paper

2. What are thefunctions of the ETQA?

The ETQA is primarily responsibleand accountable to SAQA in terms of the ETQA

regulation R1127. The ETQA isresponsible for

a. Accredit constituent providersfor specific standards or qualifications registered on the

National QualificationsFramework;

b. Promote quality amongstconstituent providers;

c. Monitor provision byconstituent providers;

d. Evaluate assessment andfacilitation of moderation among constituent providers;

e. Register constituent assessorsfor specified registered standards or qualifications in

terms of the criteria establishedfor this purpose;

f. Take responsibility for thecertification of constituent learners;

g. Co-operate with the relevantbody or bodies appointed to moderate across Education

and Training Quality AssuranceBodies including but not limited to, moderating the

quality assurance on specifiedstandards or qualifications for which one or more

Education and Training QualityAssurance Bodies are accredited;

h. Recommend new standards orqualifica tions to National Standards Bodies for

consideration, or modificationsto existing standards or qualifications to National

Standards Bodies forconsideration;

i. Maintain a data-baseacceptable to the Authority;

j. Submit reports to theAuthority in accordance with the requirements of the Authority,

and

k. Perform such other functionsas may from time-to-time be assigned to it by the

Authority.

3. ProviderAccreditation

What are FIETAprovider accreditation requirements?

Procedures for the Registration ofShort Courses

Version 1.0

Document No.: APRO004

Last Review Date: September 2006

Page 2 of 12

a. Is registered as a provider interms of the applicable legislation at the time of

application for accreditation;

b. Has a quality managementsystem which includes but is not limited toi.

Quality management policies whichdefine that which the provider wishes to achieve;

ii. Quality management procedureswhich enable the provider to practice its defined

quality management policies; or

iii. Review mechanisms whichensure that the quality management policies and

procedures defined are appliedand remain effective;

c. Is able to develop, deliverand evaluate le arning programmes which culminate in

specified registered standards orqualifications;

d. has thei.

Necessary financial,administrative and physical resources;

ii. Policies and practices forstaff selection, appraisal and development;

iii. Policies and practices for learnerentry, guidance and support systems;

iv. Policies and practices forthe management of off-site practical or work-site

components;

v. Policies and practices for themanagement of assessment;

vi. Necessary reportingprocedures; and

vii. The ability to achieve thedesired outcomes, using available resources and procedures

considered by the Education andTraining Quality Assurance Body to be needed to

develop, deliver and evaluatelearning programmes which culminate in specified

registered standards orqualifications. and

e. Has not already been grantedaccreditation by or applied for accreditation to another

Education and Training QualityAssurance Body contemplated in regulation 2.

HIV AIDS awareness Training

2011-11-15T05:15:00.001-08:00

HIV AIDS awareness Training

In the early years, there was little understanding of HIV and a misguided beliefexisted that an HIV infection was an automatic death sentence. This led tofear, stigma and discrimination. With time came a better understanding; onewhere it was clear how infection occurred. It became evident that HIV was muchmore than just a disease. Unlike any other disease, HIV not only touches thelives of those infected, but it also impacts the lives of virtually everyone onearth. Simply put, it is clearly one of the most important public healthissues, and creating awareness is the first step to a better future.

So what is HIV AIDS?

Aids (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome)is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is mainly transmittedthrough sexual intercourse, but can also be passed down from mother to child,acquired via blood transfusion with infected blood, or other methods. Sexualcontact is the most common way to spread HIV AIDS, but it can also betransmitted by sharing needles when injecting drugs, or during childbirth andbreastfeeding. Once a person is infected, the virus remains in the body forlife, it damages the body's immune system and the body becomes susceptible toillness and infection. There is no cure for Aids, but there are drugs that helpcontrol the virus, enabling people with HIV to live full and healthy lives.

Causes

There are 3 main causes of HIV/AIDSinfection:

-Sexual transmission – Through sexual contacteg. vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected sex partner. Besides throughdirect contact, there is also a chance to get infected by sharing sexualdevices.

-Transmission through blood – by sharingsyringes and needles or blood transfusion activities.

-Transmission through pregnancy – frommother to the foetus. Report has shown that over 500 thousands of infants wereinfected with HIV during pregnancy or breast feeding.

You will not get HIV through body touchingeg. hugging, shaking hands, sharing cups, sneezing etc. HIV doesn’t spreadthough air.

Symptoms

Many people do not develop symptoms after theyfirst get infected with HIV, therefore most people with HIV are not even awarethat they are infected. Others have a history of a flu-like illness withinseveral days to weeks after exposure to the virus. Early HIV symptoms alsoinclude fever, headache, tiredness, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.

Common AIDS symptoms that stem from theseinfections include:

Coughing and shortness of breath

Seizures and lack of coordination

Difficult or painful swallowing

Mental symptoms, such as confusion and forgetfulness

Severe and persistent diarrhoea

Fever

Vision loss

Nausea, abdominal (stomach) cramps, and vomiting

Weight loss and extreme fatigue

Severe headaches

Coma.

Prevention

Promoting widespread awareness of HIVthrough basic HIV and AIDS education is vital for preventing all forms of HIVtransmission.

HIV prevention needs to reach both peoplewho are at risk of HIV infection and those who are already infected:

-People who do not have HIV needinterventions that will enable them to protect themselves from becominginfected.

-People who are already living with HIVneed knowledge and support to protect their own health and to ensure that theydon’t transmit HIV to others - known as “positive prevention”.

HIV counseling and testing

The availability and accessibility of antiviral treatment is crucial; it enables people living with HIV to enjoylonger, healthier lives, and as such acts as an incentive for HIV testing.

Someone can eliminate or reduce their riskof becoming infected with HIV during sex by choosing to:

Abstain from sex or delay first sex

Befaithful to one partner or have fewer partners

Condomise, which means using male condoms orfemale condoms consistently and correctly

Statistics

More than 33 million people now live withHIV/AIDS.

2.5 million of them are under the age of 15.

In 2009, an estimated 2.6 million people were newly infected with HIV.

370,000 were under the age of 15.

Every day more than 7,000 people contract HIV—nearly 300 every hour.

In 2009, 1.8 million people died from AIDS.

260,000 of them were under the age of 15.

Since the beginning of the epidemic, more than 60 million people havecontracted HIV and nearly 30 million have died of HIV-related causes.

HIV AIDS is a global epidemic. Make sureyou know the ins and outs of

this disease and how it could impact youand your organisation.

VeryCoolIdeas offers HIV AIDS AwarenessTraining

This training course deals with everythingyou need to know about HIV AIDS and related diseases from what it is, tocauses, symptoms and

preventions, to alarming statistics andfacts.

How to move forward in your career

2011-11-07T05:15:00.000-08:00

If you are like most people we know, youlead a busy life. When do you have time to think about moving your careerforward?

Just when you feel like giving up - DON'T.Here are some tips to give tough people like you a career boost and get excitedabout work again.

1. Find Benefit In Challenges

Challenges play a very important role inmaking you better, wiser and in your search for your purpose in life.

When you learn from hard lessons, itpropels you to the next level regardless if you succeed or not.

If you succeed, learn what works and theconfidence it taught you. If you do not succeed, learn why it didn’t and howyou can improve on it the next time. There is benefit in challenges. Find itand embrace it. It will give you a career boost.

2. Burning Desire To Succeed

A lot of us know the ingredients forsuccess. We read, watch and observe. But somehow putting it into practice is adifferent story. It becomes difficult.

As long as you focus and remember there ishope and you can get there, you will succeed. Having the burning desire tosucceed will give you a career boost.

3. Keep Doing

Persistence and patience are two key valuesthat will help guide you on the road to success. There are no shortcuts inlife, a positive attitude will keep you sane when approaching problems andtackling challenges. Bruce Lee said, “Knowing is not enough, you must apply.Willing is not enough, you must do.”

If you want to get a career boost, you needto keep doing and not give up.

4. Think Good Of Everyone

When you think good of everyone, peoplethink good of you too. You start a positive cycle. People around you generallyfeel better.

5. Expand your knowledge. Many companies offer courses, find out from your line manager whats available.

Give your career a boost by putting theseinto practice. It will not be easy but when you do it often enough the benefitswill show. And you will get that career boost.

Rediscover Yourself, Move Forward and PlanFor Your Future

National Diploma: Occupationally Directed Education

2011-10-20T01:16:00.000-07:00

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:

This qualification is for those who want to build on a FETC, or for those learners who have completed the National Certificate: Occupationally Directed Education, Training and Development, Level 5, to enter the field of Occupationally Directed Education, Training and Development as a potential career, and have little or no previous exposure to Education, Training and Development (ETD). The qualification will also be valuable for those who may have been practising within the field, but without formal recognition. In particular, the Diploma will be useful for:

Needs analysts.

Learning facilitators.

Learning designers.

Assessors.

Learner and learning supporters.

Skills Development Facilitators.

Standards Writers and Qualification Designers.

Education, Training and Development (ETD) Managers

The qualification addresses general competences across eight key ETD roles, and provides an opportunity for learners to specialise in four key areas in line with possible career opportunities or areas of interest. Recipients will thus meet the general requirements of the following key roles, with the opportunity to specialise in four of the roles:

Design and develop learning programmes and processes;

Facilitate and evaluate learning;

Engage in and promote assessment practices;

Provide learning support to learners and organisations;

Conduct skills development facilitation;

Develop standards and qualifications;

Manage and administer education training and development;

Engage in general management activities.

Rationale:

Education, Training and Development (ETD) is a priority area within the South African context and is supported by legislation, national policies and strategies. In order to meet the ETD requirements of the workplace, within the context of a quality assured environment and processes, it is important to be able to identify and recognise competent ETD practitioners at various levels. In particular, all training fields require the services of those ETD practitioners who not only have a broad understanding and skills across all ETD roles, but with deeper skills in relation to a selection of several key ETD roles. Such practitioners will be able to provide leadership and management in relation to ETD practices, while providing specialist skills in key areas.

A survey of the needs of the field yielded overwhelming support for the opportunity for practitioners to be able to select their four specialisations from the full range, without prescribing any one particular role beyond the general component of each role. This means, for example, that not all facilitators need necessarily specialise in design and development and vice versa, but can concentrate on facilitation, assessment, learner support and skills development facilitation. In this way, learners can tailor their specialisations in combination that meet their needs and those of their organisation. Thus the key strength of this qualification is in the choices that learners can make. The Diploma is significantly different from the level 5 Certificate in that the diploma extends the Core component from five ETD roles to eight ETD roles, and requires specialisation in four key roles, whereas the certificate only requires one specialisation. This qualification thus directly meets the needs of the field by providing learners who are competent in the general aspects of eight ETD roles, and with specialist skills in at least four roles.

This qualification will contribute towards the promotion of well designed and implemented outcomes-based approaches to learning design, facilitation and assessment, within the context of a quality assured system.

What you can do with an Assessor Qualification?

2011-10-06T02:33:00.000-07:00

What Can I do with this skill?

As an Assessor, you can:

> Register to assess learners for Unit Standards and Qualifications in your area of expertise
> Play a key role in learnerships or ABET Training
> Work on your own, or for a company providing assessment services. There are many people in South Africa who need to be assessed, and many areas where there are very few, or no assessors.
> If you provide training, you will be able to assess your learners, and provide them a nationally recognised qualification.
> Benefit from the substantial grants available to companies who provide learnerships, by assessing learnership employees yourself.
> Qualify staff for skills and knowledge acquired, or provide Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
> Study further - and become a Moderator of assessments
> Earn credits towards a degree in Occupationally Directed Education Training and Development Practice, ABET or ECD Practice.
> Use this as a stepping stone towards becoming a moderator.

Firearms licencing:

> Firing ranges and, and other gun experts / ex-military, who are qualified to use firearms, may complete this training in order to assess others for certificates of competence to use firearms.

Thinking of becoming an Assessor?

2011-09-29T00:34:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in becoming an registered assessor ormoderator in your field? You will be involved in planning, preparingcandidates, conducting assessments according to established principles,collecting evidence, evaluating your findings and more.

What does assessmentin education and training mean?

Assessment in education and training is about collectingevidence of learners’ work so that judgements about learners’ achievements ornon-achievements can be made and decisions arrived at.

What does assessment“judgement” refer to?

Assessment is a data-gathering strategy for measuringknowledge, behavior/performance and values/attitudes. The data gained from assessment is used tomake judgements and to arrive at certain decisions, where these decisions mayhave to do with the learner, the learning programme and/or the learning systemitself

What does assessmentwithin the National Qualifications Framework mean?

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) viewsassessment as ‘a structured process for gathering evidence and making judgementsabout an individual’s performance in relation to registered national standardsand qualifications’.

When will assessmentbe done within the National Qualifications Framework

In the training system of the NQF, learning attainment isbased on achievement through appropriate assessment of learning outcomesspecified in registered unit standards and qualifications. Assessment can thus be defined as ameasurement of the attainment of the learning outcomes

What is the linkbetween the NQF and Assessment?

The NQF is an Outcomes-Based Education and Trainingframework for education and training standards and qualifications. The NQF is aframework for transformation of the education and training system of whichquality enhancements is an integral part.

Thus, iftransformation and quality is to be achieved, then

· all assessmentpractices and procedures for the NQF have to be aligned to that of anOutcomes-Based Education and Training system; and

· the underlyingprinciples and objectives of the NQF should underpin assessment policies,systems and procedures.

For the very best in assessor training courses, book your seat at the next VeryCoolIdeas training session

Redefining the Future With MDP’s

2011-08-12T03:36:00.000-07:00

The Management Development Program (MDP) aims to equip middle managers with the means to become
effective managers pursuing the goals of excellence within their own organisations. The programme is designed to facilitate an understanding of and the ability to integrate and apply the key competencies required for each of the functional areas of business.

MDP students are managers with at least three years’ managerial experience who have been earmarked by their companies for further development. Students acquire knowledge and skills in various key areas of
Business Management

A MDP course typically focuses on teaching:

Strategic Thinking - participants who are individual contributors to invest in actions that will pay off tomorrow and anticipate innovation today.

Coaching Skills - build confidence and give managers the tools to help subordinates feel engaged and motivated in the organization.

Leadership Development - participants learn the effects of different styles of leadership and foster a sense of good judgment and confidence in leadership situations.

Teamwork - provide an opportunity for your staff to develop stronger relationships of trust through candid interaction and team oriented learning activities.

Team Member Effectiveness - individuals can facilitate successful team functioning through interaction with a group.

What is Skills Developement?

2011-07-28T06:02:00.000-07:00

Skills development is the training and development that the employer provides to his employees in the workplace. It is often construed that only training that is provided by an outside training provider falls within the definition of skills development. The definition also includes on-the-job training provided by the employer.

In the late 80s, Government started researching a new training methodology - Outcomes-Based Education (OBE). This method of training was adopted from the then Commonwealth training method, which made provision for people qualifying not only by formal education, but also by informal on-the-job training based largely on their experience. The system made provision for what is now known as “recognition of prior learning” – or (RPL) - which basically entails testing a person's ability to do a specific job and awarding this person either a qualification or credits towards a qualification, based on his current knowledge and ability to perform the required task.

In layman's terms this means that if a person has been working as a plumber for the last 12 years this person may request a training institution to perform an RPL exam, to assess his capability and award him with a qualification based on his experience.

The Skills Development Act aims to develop the skills of the South African workforce and to improve the quality of life of workers and their prospects of work.To improve productivity in the workplace and the competitiveness of employers and to promote self-employment.

You Have No Option But To Negotiate

2011-06-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

"Either provide us with 80 percent of our money back for the practically unused piece of furniture we purchased, or give us a credit -- to be used in your store -- for the full amount. Keep in mind that we just bought a new house, and may very well purchase additional items at your store in the future."

"Interesting," he responded. "I'll give the owner a call and see what he thinks. Of course, as you know, we don't have any obligation to do anything. But we always try to take excellent care of our customers and want you to be fully satisfied."

Several days later, the store manager called to say the owner agreed to give us a full credit in his store, minus the delivery charge they had previously incurred.

I love presenting my negotiation counterparts with various options and ways we can mutually satisfy our interests. Why?

One, this empowers my counterparts and gives them a sense of ownership over the ultimate result. Parties will be more likely to be satisfied and fully comply with something they choose, as opposed to a result they feel has been imposed upon them.

In almost all cases, you want your counterpart to walk away satisfied. Presenting options helps ensure this feeling. Give your counterpart the power to choose. It will help you in the long-run.

Two, the act of presenting options to your counterpart often portrays you as a fair and reasonable person. It puts that "fair" hat on your head, an important consideration for your negotiation reputation.

It is effectively the opposite of giving an ultimatum, which tends to make others defensive and lessens the likelihood of any deal.

Finally, presenting various options increases the likelihood of reaching agreement, as it provides your counterparts with the ability to satisfy their most critical interests.

It also increases the likelihood of reaching a result that creates additional value for both parties, the one that truly "expands the pie."

How to take full advantage of the power of options:

Brainstorm with a colleague to generate options that may satisfy you and your counterparts' interests, and even consider brainstorming with your counterparts to develop types of options that may satisfy your mutual interests.
Prioritize those options that satisfy your most important interests and that potentially also satisfy your counterparts' interests.
Group the most promising options into those you value at equivalent levels, with at least two equivalent options you feel comfortable presenting to your counterparts.
Present or offer these equivalent options to your counterparts, paying special attention to your counterparts' reactions to the various options, thus seeking to uncover their most important interests.

- This is an extract of an article by Marty Latzwhich, “Negotiating Skills Give Both Players Part of the Win”, which appeared in The Negotiator Magazine.

Improve your negotiation skills with a course in Effective Business Communications from VeryCoolideas. Effective business writing as well compiling presentations are also covered in this course.

National Certificate: The Qualification that will Fast Track your Career

2011-06-14T01:39:00.000-07:00

The National Certificate in OD ETD (Occupational Directed Education, Training and Development) enables you to:

· Practice as a fully qualified education, training, development practitioner

· Obtain a qualification at NQF level 5, 122 credits, that will enable you to enroll for the National Diploma in OD ETD

· Be a qualified assessor and moderator

· Coach and mentor learners

· Design and develop training materials

· Design and develop learning interventions and processes

· Facilitate and evaluate learning

· Analyse the training needs of your organization

· Conduct a skills audit on the development needs of you organization

· Engage in and promote assessment and moderation practices

· Provide learning support to learners and organisations

· Evaluate learning interventions and conduct self evaluation

· Conduct Skills Development Facilitation

· Achieve your company’s education, training and development objectives

So if you are a…

…Learning Facilitator

…Material Researcher and Developer

…Assessor and Moderator

…Learner and Learning Supporter (Coaches and Mentors)

…Skills Development Facilitator

…Human Resource Practitioner

…Vocational Facilitator

...You should apply for the National Certificate kicking off 18 July!

VeryCoolIdeas offers a corporate discount for 10 or more students from the same company.
Please contact Claude Courtois for further information and bookings on:
Tel: 0861 266 543
Email: claude@verycoolideas.co.za

The National Diploma

2011-05-30T04:54:00.000-07:00

The National Diploma is an essential qualification for career driven Education, Training and Development Practitioners. The qualification will make you CV stand out when applying for a job as well as improving your chances to move into higher positions within your organisation. A framed certificate will also be a fine addition to the office art.

The National Diploma is ideal for:

• Skills Development Facilitators

• Training Needs Analysts

• Training Administrators

• Learning Designers and Developers

• Material Researchers and Developers

• Education, Training And Development Managers

• Human Resource Practitioners

• Learners and Learning Supporters

• Instructional Systems Designers

VeryCoolIdeas offers a corporate discount for 10 or more students from the same company.
Please contact Claude Courtois for further information and bookings on:

Tel: 0861 266 543

Email: claude@verycoolideas.co.za

First Aid: More than a Little White Tablet

2011-04-18T03:44:00.000-07:00

An Aspirin helps for pretty much everything. Everything expect cuts, bruises, shock, asthma attacks, electrical shock, insect bites and stings, animal bites.... so maybe a “first aid kit” thats consists of a half a pack a aspirins is not the best idea.

By law a business must have a well stocked first aid kit on the premises. In addition to this there should also be someone who knows what to do with the contents of said first aid kit, a first aid officer.

It is also useful to have a trained first aider on staff for the company events such as a company picnic, team building activities, sporting events and paper cut related dramas.

Any business employing more than ten people need to appoint a first aid officer. Naturally the appointed officer needs to be readily available during regular office hours. In shops and offices there needs to be a first aid officer for every fifty employees. In other work places there only needs to be a first aid officer for every hundred employees.

Here is an extract from the Occupational Health and Safety Act (1993), General Safety Regulations:

First aid, emergency equipment and procedures:

1. An employer shall take all reasonable steps that are necessary under the circumstances, to ensure that persons at work receive prompt first aid treatment in case of injury or emergency.

2. Where more than five employees are employed at a workplace, the employer of such employees shall provide a first aid box or boxes at or near the workplace which shall be available and accessible for the treatment of injured persons at that workplace.

3. a. Taking into account the type of injuries that are likely to occur at a workplace, the nature of the activities performed and the number of employees employed at such workplace, the employer shall make sure that the first aid box or boxes contemplated in sub-regulation (2) contain suitable first aid equipment which include at least the equipment listed in the Annexure hereto.

b. Such an employer shall make sure that only articles and equipment contemplated in sub regulation (a) or other similar equipment or medicine is kept in the first aid box or boxes.

4. Where more than 10 employees are employed at a workplace, the employer of such employees shall take steps to ensure that for every group of up to 50 employees at that workplace, or in the case of a shop or an office as contemplated in the Basic Conditions of employment Act, 1983 (Act No. 3 of 1983), for every group of up to 100 employees, at least one person is readily available during normal working hours, who is in possession of a valid certificate of competency in first aid.

Source: www.acts.co.za

The VeryCoolIdeas First Aid course will equip you and your employees in any emergencies that might happen around the office.