Penryn staff learning in the workplace
8:00am Sunday 29th July 2012 in News
By Greg Fountain, Reporter/Photographer
Penryn council staff have been hitting the books recently, with a fresh programme of training introduced by the new town clerk.
Since her appointment last October town clerk Michelle Davey has overseen a number of changes in staffing at the council offices in Higher Market Street.
Finance officer Helen Perry is part way through an accounting apprenticeship and is also studying for the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) – the current industry standard for IT qualifications.
Customer support officer Amie Prynn successfully completed an advanced level customer service apprenticeship before giving birth to her new baby daughter Skye Amylea on July 3.
Skye weighed in at a healthy seven pounds 12 ounces and Amie continues to study for her ECDL while she is away on maternity leave.
Currently providing maternity cover, Hesta Gilham - who was previously based at Cornwall Council’s One Stop Shop in Helston - will continue to fulfil Amie’s role until her return next spring.
Caretaker Shirley Richards has also taken up the challenge of learning new skills and passed her first aid and health and safety courses with flying colours.
Miss Davey said: “The introduction of an up-to-date programme of training relevant to local councils will help to maintain a motivated and well-trained workforce that is able to respond to the changing face of local government.
“This is a requirement that is becoming more important with the additional services being taken on that will no longer be provided by Cornwall Council.
“There is currently a lot of funding available out there for personal development in the workforce and it would be neglectful not to take advantage of while it is on offer.”
The town clerk herself has attended a number of seminars and training courses, all of which were either funded by Cornwall Council or provided by the Cornwall Association of Local Councils.
She also hopes to begin studying in the spring for the Certificate of Local Council Administration, the nationally recognised qualification for town and parish clerks.
