PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT IS not just an opportunity if you work at Moulton College, it is a compulsory part of the career curriculum. All employees are contractually obliged to do a minimum of 30 hours' training each year. The Northamptonshire college specialises in subjects related to the land-based, construction and furniture industries. Its lecturers are encouraged to achieve the PGCE teaching qualification, although vocational and IT skills are valued too. The college offers a rural setting in rolling countryside for students and employees alike to enjoy. Personal development begins immediately, with individual training needs identified at induction. The college's proficiency at teaching teachers is paying off: Moulton received Ofsted's highest rating — "outstanding" — in its latest inspection. Staff know-how in areas relevant to their subjects is kept up to date and employees are schooled in soft skills such as conflict resolution as well. Not only teaching staff benefit from training. Business support employees are a significant tranche of the workforce and they study in-house for qualifications such as NVQ level 3 courses in customer service and business administration. Working at Moulton College is stimulating, staff report, with an 80% positive score, in third place among mid-sized organisations. Staff say their jobs are good for personal growth (78%) and there are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow (64%) — both top 10 results. Crucially, the college scores 81% for how secure its people feel in their jobs — only one mid-size organisation did better. www.moulton.ac.uk
