HIT embraces technology

For Lester Biddle, HIT’s South East Regional Operational and Training Manager, technology and e-learning are absolutely critical to the future development of the company, particularly in the present financial climate.

It was about a year ago that I first became interested in how technology could be used within HIT to aid assessment and learning.  My knowledge on the subject was fairly limited, so I undertook some CPD (Continuing Personal or Professional Development) on the subject to expand my understanding and also to gain experience for existing practitioners.  

My first intention was to gain sufficient information to design a one day workshop on the subject matter.  This was completed after about 2 months and the workshop was written and ready to roll out.  I offered the workshop predominantly to Trainer Assessors and Internal Verifier's across the country.  Starting in the South East, I took the workshop and delivered in 14 locations across the country.  To date 145 of HIT's staff have attended the workshop.

Harry's Great Wall Trek

Our Norfolk & Suffolk area manager, Harry Baird recently took part in Springboards Great Wall of China Trek raising funds for the hospitality charity Springboard UK. As part of a team of 24 trekkers from all walks of the industry Harry tells us of his experiences..

Part 2

There it was the great wall! It seemed endless!

We all limbered up and the first of the 12 pairs moved up the hill where we split into three groups to remain throughout the trek.

Having not kept up with the fast paced middle trekkers I walked on my own until I decided to leave the wall with a hard prickly bush taking my fall in places I wish not to discuss.

Once the summit had been reached we went to catch our bus and return for another late Chinese lunch (oh please, please release me from this) and another visit was planned on our way back.

Finally we arrived at our lodge tired and thirsty. We all got ourselves cleaned up, had another Chinese dinner (of the same foods as previous) and met in the room where cards, beer and firewater inevitably improved the morale.

10 miles completed

Day 3 - Monday 28 March 2011

The morning arrived. I knew then that the firewater had not been good for me! Breakfast would have been a step to far so instead I somehow got up, showered and shaved.

I met everyone out front and death was a good description of what I saw. We all drank lots of water and started our trek on foot, slowly I walked one step then another and somehow I continued with the encouragement from the group and knowing it was self-inflicted!

The trek went on for hours and slowly I recovered to take in some superb sights and thrilling scenery. Finally our lunch break included a sandwich which was enjoyed by all as a welcome change.

Onward and upwards we trekked until finally a descent was made into a village that did not fit in with the surroundings. Our last group arrived to Chinese karaoke of some sort where a beer was thrust into my hand (which took 60 minutes to consume). As we talked and reflected our trek the urge for karaoke took over some of the trekkers

20 miles completed

Oh forgot to mention dinner! A Chinese meal of similar type was provided and I opted for an early night.