During this unprecedented time, our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the Covid-19 virus. But, as we are sure everyone will agree, all we want is things to go back to normal.
Here at Options Skills, the safety and comfort of our students and staff is our top priority. So, following government advice, we closed each of our four centres at the end of March to help reduce the risk of the spread of Covid-19.
Now, again following government advice, we have reopened our training centres.
We are excited to welcome all our students back. However, there are now some new guidelines that all staff and students will need to follow going forward.
Options Skills have taken several precautions, and we want to ensure everyone can return to our training centre feeling confident and comfortable. This includes but is not limited to:
Resuming Training
Any student due to begin or complete training during the months the centres were closed has been contacted. We completely understand that for some, coming back to the centres is just not an option yet.
We are more than happy for students to defer their training until a later date. Our student liaison and admin teams have worked hard to ensure every one of our students is looked after.
Getting Here
Ideally, we would ask people to arrive at our training centre via private transport. However, we understand that that is not possible for all our staff and students.
For those returning to the centres via public transport, we ask them to follow government guidelines where possible.
Training Times
Previously, we would have several groups of students training at each of our centres, beginning and ending their day at a similar time. We have since changed this. Start and end times are being staggered for both staff and students.
By doing so, we are looking to reduce the number of people in our centres at one time.
PPE
Options Skills will ensure a supply of disposable gloves, hand sanitiser, and wipes are available across our centres.
We also encourage those who feel more comfortable wearing masks while in our centres to do so.
Social Distancing
Where possible, Options Skills staff and students will adhere to the government’s guidance of keeping a two-meter distance from one another.
To help make this possible, we have reduced our class sizes to ensure students and staff are comfortably distanced in workshops and classrooms.
Cleaning
Hand washing is required for staff and students upon arrival at training facilities. Hand sanitiser and handwashing facilities are also available in each unit for use throughout the day.
We are also using antibacterial cleaning products daily throughout our training centres while tools are cleaned after use by the user. In addition, our exam suite is also cleaned after each use with an aerosol cleaner.
Temperature Checks
As we all handwashing, temperature checks are also carried out on staff arriving at the centre. Students’ temperatures are checked before going into their first class of the day.
Contact Us
Like everyone, we want things to get back to normal. But, for that to happen, we must all follow government guidelines and do what we can to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19.
If you are an existing student who would like more information about these guidelines or training, please call our central support team on 0121 638 0966.
If you do not currently train with us but would like to know more about the courses we deliver, please call us on 0800 802 1306.
