As part of its long-term strategy, PLASA (the Professional Lighting and Sound Association) has appointed a full-time training and development manager. Nicky Greet, who joined the PLASA head office staff at the end of April, will collate current training information, identify and address areas in which specific training schemes are required, and help to implement them in conjunction with relevant bodies.
Greet's first task will be to formulate a Training and Development Plan, which will outline the best way forward in meeting members' training requirements. Among other objectives, the project will involve the creation of a searchable online database, accessible to PLASA members, with detailed information on existing training courses. The Plan will also examine the possibility of establishing courses in conjunction with training and educational bodies. The main focus of the plan will be on technical training and continued professional development, but will also cover other areas such as management training and IT.
Greet began her career studying microbiology at Beecham (now GlaxoSmithKline) where she took on responsibility for training issues. From there, she was employed as a trainer at Laura Ashley, focusing on sales techniques and design. For the past five years, Greet was course leader in interior design and three-dimensional design at a further education college, during which time she has taught on Btec National Diplomas, Higher National Diplomas, and City & Guilds courses. She has also run training courses for local Enterprise Centres aimed at helping small retailers.
Commenting on her new position, she says: "This will be a broad-based role which will require feedback and active involvement from PLASA members. I ask all members to contact me with their views on training issues. They don't have to wait for a formal research document to arrive, I'll be happy to hear from them at any time." Nicky Greet can be contacted by phone at 44-1323-410335, or e-mail [email protected].