Don Presant’s Post

It was great to have the opportunity to present at 2024 TMA Education Day. In Sydney, the theme was Operational Aspects of a Turnaround and it was good to present alongside Kosta Pappas and Anna Ryan on the Working Capital levers which are available to companies. The most obvious levers when a company is entering the 'twilight zone' are (i) Proactively negotiating with your creditors and suppliers for extended terms, (ii) getting debtors in rapidly by leveraging relationships, relying on discounts or getting an invoice financing facility, and (iii) offloading obsolete stock and rationalising holdings. There are directors duties considerations that sit across these. However, more importantly, there should be a BAU focus on ensuring management information systems, SKU profile and policies & procedures for customers and suppliers are all fit-for-purpose. Not only will this free up cash which can be better deployed in the 'good times', but it will shorten the cash conversion cycle and better position you to operate through the challenged times.

Encouraging insights from Haley Glover and the team at UpSkill America. The report shares insights about employer upskilling programs, their goals, and how they are designed. But for the CBE enthusiast, the most interesting insight is that while a minority of companies use CBE programs today in their tuition assistance programs, the SUCCESSFUL programs were more likely to partner with CBE providers. When we use competencies as the currency or foundation for measuring and communicating learning, we can offer flexible and personalized learning experiences and ensure all learning can count - even when it's done on-the-job. https://lnkd.in/eEmfXyFD Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN)

Education is one of the key pillars of TMA Australia as we build an even more successful turnaround industry. Thank you to Corrs Chambers Westgarth for hosting the Sydney session and for Taline Chater and Joan Uy for illuminating our session on negotiations. For those who weren't there: 1. Just do it. Negotiating isn't as bad as you think, and you won't do any worse than the current offer 2. Plan your negotiating strategy and review and amend after each negotiation 3. Use every advantage you have, no matter how small 4. Build relationships 5. Document agreements quickly Alvarez & Marsal

The Right2Learn campaign recently released their future priorities for lifelong learning, skills development and tertiary education.    Based on our work across the skills pipeline, we’ve seen firsthand the need for investment in post-16 to unlock skills and productivity, in line with the campaign's objectives. There are also important recommendations about coordinating investment in skills, to ensure apprenticeships are available for all ages, levels and sectors to extend upskilling opportunities more widely.   Crucial policy changes like this can build on existing great practice in skills development that we’re seeing across the country, particularly in vital areas like green skills, unleashing innovation to build the skilled workforce of the future.   Read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/eydxMJ4T  

3SC’s next Level 2 accredited ‘Understanding Neurodiversity’ course is taking place on 18th and 20th of February 2025. We have at least 9 more spaces available. This 10 hour award is a must for anyone who wants to be able to demonstrate experience with Neurodiversity and knowledge on their CV, as well as employers who are serious about providing Neurodiversity friendly workplaces and services. The term Neurodiversity is being heard more in society and in the workplace, but are you and your workforce confident that you fully understand what the term means, and how you can work with neurodivergent people? As part of the Equality Act, it is becoming more important to understand the term and how being Neurodivergent affects people, so that we can all take part in a fully functioning society and make the most of all the diversity we have at our disposal. Once complete, participants will fully understand: The term neurodiversity, in the context of your organisation. How it affects individuals. Be able to reflect on working environments and how they affect neurodivergent people. How to support neurodivergent staff and customers The Level 2 unit will be available for organisations to book for their own organisations or individuals can attend our open courses. Open Course Pricing: Open course sessions are priced at £300 per person + £50 verification/accreditation fee (+VAT) – Please contact [email protected] for dates Any organisations/individual that are or will sign up as full 3SC members will receive 50% discount. Anyone interested in qualification or membership (or both) please email [email protected] #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #neurodiverse #3SC #diversity

THE WFS PROGRAM WAS AN INCREDIBLY VALUABLE EXPERIENCE THAT HELPED ME BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION IN ESSENTIAL SOFT AND DIGITAL SKILLS. To FBT-a WFS SKILLSTAR- the Workplace Foundational Skills (WFS) Program is a game changer with many invaluable lessons. It’s one with live projects and real-world scenarios that has prepared him for the professional environment. The program has laid the foundation of essential digital and soft skills such as efficiently working with team members, how to effectively communicate and manage one’s time etc. which are needed to thrive in today’s workspace. For him, one of his highlights during the course of the program was the emphasis on digital proficiency. By the end of the program, he has mastered how to use a variety of tools and software to manage projects and collaborate remotely. His testament is all the proof you need to know that being employable in this digital age goes beyond what you were taught in school. It has not just prepared him for the global workplace, but has also given him all the confidence he needs to tackle challenges in a professional environment. Are you seeking to sharpen your skills? Do you want to increase your career readiness? As recommended by FBT, enroll for the WFS program where you learn where you gain employability skills needed to thrive in 2024. At I-Train Africa Workplace Foundational Skills Program—a 3-year tested curriculum and learning process that embodies employability skills regardless of your field of interest—you will be equipped with the knowledge you need to become set-apart in 2024.

Untapped potential awaits! Did you know GED graduates outperform the general population in abstract reasoning by 21%? Their problem-solving skills, resilience, and unique perspectives make them an invaluable addition to any team. Don’t miss the chance to tap into this talent pool—schedule time with our team today to explore how GED credentialers can elevate your workforce! Schedule a meeting with me today to learn more! #humanresourses #employeebenefits #socialresponsibility

Congratulations to everyone collecting A Level results today! 🎓   Whether you're heading to one of London’s world-leading universities, embarking on an apprenticeship, or moving straight into the world of work, it's important to carry on upskilling long after you've left the classroom.   That's why we've worked with employers, educators and policymakers to develop the London Local Skills Improvement Plan, which sets out an ambitious roadmap to ensure training meets the needs of our capital’s rapidly evolving jobs market.   https://lnkd.in/eFVAWCmK

🎉 Exciting News for SMEs: Fully Funded Staff Training for 16-21 Year Olds!🎓 🚀 Thrilled to share the latest update on funding rules that are set to revolutionise staff training for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)! Starting now, 16-21 year olds will be fully funded for employers who do not contribute to a levy pot. 🌟 👏 This is a game-changer for SMEs, opening doors to unparalleled opportunities for investing in their workforce without the financial burden. Here’s why it’s so positively impactful: ✅ Accessible Training: By fully funding staff training for this age group, businesses, regardless of their size, can now tap into a pool of talented young individuals and provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the workplace. ✅ Empowering Youth: This initiative not only benefits employers but also empowers young people by offering them valuable learning experiences and career development opportunities early on in their professional journey. ✅ Boosting Competitiveness: SMEs are the backbone of our economy, and investing in staff training is essential for their growth and competitiveness. With this new funding rule, SMEs can enhance their capabilities, innovate, and stay ahead in today’s dynamic business landscape. ✅ Strengthening Communities: Supporting SMEs in providing fully funded training fosters economic growth at a local level, strengthens communities, and contributes to building a skilled workforce for the future. At Paragon Skills, we are committed to leveraging these new funding rules to invest in the potential of young talent and fuel the success of our business. We encourage fellow SMEs to seize this opportunity and unlock the full potential of their workforce. Together, let’s embrace this positive change and drive innovation, growth, and prosperity for all! If you would like to explore the number of apprenticeship opportunities we have at Paragon please reach out to me on [email protected] #SMEs #StaffTraining #YouthDevelopment #SkillsForSuccess #InvestInTalent 🚀🌟

Blueprint for lifelong learning and employment opportunity: Stephen Evans reveals Learning and Work Institute’s blueprint for change: five actions to improve growth and opportunity by widening access to lifelong learning and good… Blueprint for lifelong learning and employment opportunity was published on FE News by Learning and Work Institute Read more here: