Sometimes it can be hard to determine the exact training needs of your staff or tenants over a long period and these training needs may change over time.

Have you thought about purchasing vouchers from the Housing e-Academy to spend on e-learning?

Housing e-Academy vouchers are a risk free way to invest in training now, without having to determine what you would like to spend them on until the training need arises.

Housing e-Academy vouchers can be spent on a variety of online courses and memberships. Plus, for every £1 you spend on vouchers, we will increase it to £1.25! A generous 55% bulk purchase discount also applies when buying Housing e-Academy courses using vouchers.

We think our vouchers are a brilliant way to spread the cost of training whilst also receiving more for your money. Plus, with no expiry date, can you really afford not to invest for future training needs now?!

Orangutans at a Milwaukee zoo could soon be video-calling their primate friends via tablet computers, according to a news story by the BBC.

The orangutans have been playing with iPads since they were first introduced to them in May. Simple apps, such as the drawing game, Doodle Buddy, have been used to provide a ‘bit of fun’ for the animals. Mr Zimmerman, from the US-based charity Orangutan Outreach, said that they are going to make sure all of their facilities have wi-fi capabilities so that the orangutans can have access to unlimited information (with the keepers guiding them!).

So, if orangutans are becoming adept with technology, what excuse do we have?!

For those who haven’t been brought up with digital technology, it can be daunting the first time you access the internet. Therefore, the thought of completing training online may seem impossible. Right? Wrong!

Our e-learning courses can actually help you to get to grips with the internet. They are easy to use and simple to navigate, even if you are new to the web. Plus, with CPD accredited courses ranging from ‘customer care’ to ‘healthy living’ to ‘climbing the career ladder’, we really do have something for everyone!

So, if you or someone you know would like to see how simple the internet can be, visit our website to see our full e-learning course list.

To read the full story on the BBC website, click here.

This renewable energy foundation course will provide you with a broad understanding of environmental technologies, including the relative advantages and disadvantages of each, enabling you to make an informed decision about the use of renewable energy in your home.

This course covers 10 environmental technologies including solar thermal, ground source heat pumps, biomass and solar PV. It is recommended for anyone looking for a strong grounding in renewable energy technologies including home and business owners.

Click here to visit the course page.

It would be extremely unusual to come across a business without digital technologies at the hub. Therefore, those who are not familiar with digital are at a huge disadvantage when it comes to the job market.

E-learning is a fantastic way to introduce people to the internet. Feedback from recent customers highlighted that even those with the most basic IT skills found our online courses easy to use. Not only are they simple to use, they are also interactive making them more engaging.

Our courses come with CPD accreditation, enhancing the learners CV and making them more attractive to potential employers.

If you would like more information on our Tenant Training packages, visit our website or call Naomi Hepworth on 01943 885085.

Training can be accessed via any internet enabled computer. Courses can vary in subject, content depth and length to meet the needs of the learner and the guidelines of the organisation.

We offer 3 levels of Tenant Plus membership allowing you to choose the most suitable package for your organisation. Please click on each image for more information:

1. Access Tenant Plus – this package is an ideal starting point for organisations that are looking to offer tenant training through e-learning.

2. My Tenant Plus – once your tenants are reacting positively to e-learning and you have a number of committed tenants who would like to try more courses and continue their development though e-learning, then My Tenant Plus is the package for you.

3. Complete Tenant Plus – this package is the ultimate tenant training platform.

For further information on our range of Tenant Plus memberships, please call Naomi Hepworth on 01943 885085 or email info@housingea.co.uk.

The event had a fantastic turnout, with employees ranging from the Health Sector to the Social Housing Sector. It was aimed at all service providers who need to reach the Gypsy and Irish Traveller community in their work.

The day began with a speech from Barry Mussenden, Department of Health, who outlined the health issues and barriers faced by the Gypsies and Travellers. Helen Jones of Leeds GATE then gave an overview of their work and successes over the years.

After the introductions, the delegates broke in to smaller groups for a number of workshops. These included topics such as  maternal health, the homelessness cycle, young Gypsies and Travellers and mental health. The day ended with a visioning session.

We were really pleased with the interest we received for our new e-learning course, ‘Understanding Gypsy & Irish Traveller Identity in Society‘. It was clear to see that people are really starting to understand how important it is to know about Gypsy and Traveller culture and history before working with this community.

Our 2 hour online course is an excellent introduction to the Gypsy and Irish  Traveller community  covering topics such as their history, legislation and laws,  stereotypes and accommodation, as well as a  number of interesting case studies. We would recommend  this course to anyone who is interested in  finding out more about the Gypsy and Irish Travellers,  particularly those who work with this  community.

Over the next few months, a number of new videos will be uploaded to the site.

Our first addition to the channel features Naomi, our Account Manager. Naomi gives an overview of what e-learning is and the benefits it can provide to your organisation.

To watch this video, please click here.

But, did we ever stop and think about how these stereotypes may affect those involved? Probably not. And it’s stereotypes such as these which can lead to a cycle of oppression. If people are told over and over again that they are this or that, they start to act in a way that represents that.

This is just one of many facts that stood out for me when I took our course, ‘Understanding Gypsy and Irish Traveller Identity in Society’. I don’t think we mean to stereotype, we just don’t really think about the consequences on those involved.

So how much do you know about Gypsies and Irish Travellers? Take our short quiz to find out.

If you want to find out more, our online course, ‘Understanding Gypsy and Irish Traveller Identity in Society’ is now available. Buy before 31st October and receive a 10% discount. Simply enter the code GTOCT at the checkout.