We know from our experience of the sector that the skills and experience required to perform the complex data management functions that we specialise in are in very short supply. In order to increase Avoca’s capacity, an internal training academy was established that has enabled Avoca to recruit quality people and to take them through intensive training in Health Informatics / NHS data management and analysis. The academy enables Avoca to provide appropriate and customisable knowledge transfer to our clients at NHS Trusts and partners in the private sector.

Who can access our Training Academy?
Our Training Academy is accessible to all Avoca employees where it relates to their specialist job roles. If you are not an Avoca employee you can still benefit from our Training courses, click here for details.

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Click here to see accolades for our training academy

What happens in our Training Academy?
Induction
At the beginning of your programme you will have an induction session which will welcome you to Avoca, introduce you to the training content and learning outcomes and help you to feel comfortable with the training environment and the tutors.

Support
You will have an opportunity to meet with your line manager/tutor on a one to one basis during the programme at regular intervals to discuss your progress in developing your personal portfolio, to receive feedback and assist you with starting your personal development action plan.
Your line manager/tutor is there to support your development needs and assist you in fulfilling your full potential from the programme.

Who are the tutors?
Our tutors and assessors are subject matter experts and in-house specialists. Our Programme Leader and Internal Verifier have extensive experience in the delivery of coaching and training and have recent practical experience in delivering high profile Health Informatics projects for NHS clients and have direct access to the latest developments in healthcare technologies and solutions.

Appraisals
During the appraisal, your line manager/tutor will discuss with you, your skills, knowledge and understanding to assess whether you have reached the relevant standard for the module. You will be given immediate feedback during the appraisal advising whether you have demonstrated competence against the standard expected for that module. If you have not yet achieved all the requirements for that module your line manager/tutor will tell you which areas need further work.

This feedback is essential to your own personal development and this “personal touch” to our training makes each trainee feel valued and ensures their development is tailored to meet their individual needs. Candidates tell us that a great deal of satisfaction is gained through this feedback process from being able to measure their own progress. Through the review process, trainees take a full and active part, making suggestions for their own development based on the feedback received.

Advanced Diploma in Health Informatics
Units 1 – 10 of our training programme constitute our award winning Advanced Diploma in Health Informatics. The units are completed over the four modules offered by our training academy. Each module takes approximately 3 – 4 months to complete. As this training programme offers the flexibility to tailor learning and development to individual delegates, timings for completion may vary from person to person and we encourage delegates to complete the programme at a pace which is right for them.

External delegates who are interested in completing individual units of the Advanced Diploma in Health Informatics should contact us for advice and a tailored quote.

Full list of training provided for the Advanced Diploma in Health Informatics

Module 1
Delegates will form a broad and well balanced understanding of the multiple areas of Health Informatics. The course provides clearly defined topics of learning. It also provides a solid understanding of the use and importance of data in the NHS. This is placed squarely within the context of wider learning about the NHS; both as a service and as an organisation.

Module 2
Delegates will continue classroom sessions but less frequently. Delegates start to develop their interpersonal skills and learn how to receive & use feedback for personal development. Practical implementation of theoretical knowledge gained in Module 1 begins with close monitoring and coaching by line manager/tutor.

Module 3
Delegates will consolidate learning from classroom sessions / interactive workshops with exams in both NHS Knowledge and SQL Programming & Database Administration. Practical implementation of theoretical knowledge continues and opportunity is given for individuals to have more freedom to control their own workload and time management, while still gaining mentoring and feedback on areas for improvement. Delegates start to learn how to give constructive feedback to others.

Module 4
Delegates will enter into supervised practical implementation of theoretical knowledge and real work opportunities through the Module 4 tasks. This allows delegates to demonstrate the lessons they have learned from their work experiences. Delegates are able to contribute to the continued development of themselves, other team members and business processes through effective communication, sensitivity and a wider understanding of the inner workings of an organisation.

Accolades for our Training Academy
Awards
Our training academy has achieved external recognition through the Derbyshire Business Awards where we were awarded with the much coveted Business Skills & Staff Development Award in 2009. Subsequently we achieved a regional award at the prestigious National Training Awards in recognition of the training academy as an exemplary training programme. The Judges deemed our programme to be “outstanding” in the region.

Accreditation
Delegates can be assured of our credentials as a training provider and subject matter expert. Avoca have been formally approved as a centre for learning by awarding body NCFE and were awarded recognised training provider status under the Health Informatics Quality Scheme operated by Connecting for Health.

Customer Feedback
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Testimonials
Click here to see our recent academy graduate testimonials