WITH the aim of helping businesses weather the recession, South East Essex College is training employees from local companies in customer service.

B&Q Fossetts Farm employee Manar Akach, 34, from Southend has just completed his NVQ Level 3 in the subject. The bathroom supervisor, who has worked for B&Q for seven years, completed the course in just eight months, rather than the usual 12.

He said: “It has given me far more confidence and knowledge in dealing with people and potential problems in the best way possible, so I now approach my work from a fresh angle. It’s great I’ve been able to learn and get a nationally recognised qualification while doing my everyday job. The assessor from the college has been really supportive and we have worked face-to-face really well together.”

Steve Bond, co-ordinator in business and management for the college, said: “The course sharpens and focuses service skills, evaluates job roles and help people develop themselves. I think Manar has really done that.”