Testimonials
Here what others have to say about Firebird Training Limited...
Recruitment Courses
"Alison is a highly professional and infectiously enthusiastic Trainer who obviously loves her job. Her training style engages delegates and her material is well-researched, detailed and comprehensive. I could not recommend Alison highly enough."
Paul Devlin, Director - The Recruit Business Ltd
“I would definitely recommend Alison Mannell at Firebird Training. I've learnt so much more from my one-on-one coaching with her in one day with a follow up phone call than my previous training company taught in 3 days for more money. The lesson was well planned and tailored to my individual needs as she allowed me to submit questions prior to doing the course and incorporated these into the lesson. You can tell with Alison that it's not all about money with her. She actually enjoys helping her students and wants to see them succeed. We're extemely fortunate to have Alison on our side. She's a rare treasure and someone I'm extremely proud of knowing. I hope to have her work with us again in the near future. Job well done! Thank you Alison”
Faheemah Luqman, Director – PinPoint Resources Ltd
"Alison has provided invaluable support and consultancy to the business on an on-going basis. She provides strategic advice as well as superb training which has really enabled the company to move forward. I would highly recommend Firebird Training."
Karen Windley, Director – Windley Jones Associates
"Having appointed Alison to train Abi in recruitment, in 2007 I asked her to come and train Teresa when she joined us last year. During her time training Teresa, Alison also gave Abi some refresher training. I would highly recommend Alison for her professionalism, drive, enthusiasm and above all her in-depth knowledge of the recruitment industry. Her commitment to ensure that all areas were covered and put into practice, were carried out in a professional yet friendly manner. I wouldn't hesitate to use Alison’s skills again when the need arises.”
Dolina Hendry, Director – Lioness Consultants
"I became aware of Alison through an employee who had worked with her previously, when she was a recruitment consultant. Over the intervening period Alison had setup her own company offering structured training for IT Recruitment Consultants. I asked Alison to write a 3 day training program covering recruitment practices that aligned to our business needs. She took time to understand our business, our clients and our staff and produced a training program that suited our needs.
Alison's varied personal experiences of recruitment across Europe and Australia enable her to see recruitment from many different perspectives which enables her to build training program's to meet the individual need. The training was in-depth but fun, delivered in a way which kept the interest of those involved. On a commercial front I found the cost of the training "value for money", especially going forward now that the program has been written and the costs will be purely day rates for training."
Mick Weaver, Director– Jump IT Recruitment Solutions Ltd
Alison was great, really excelled herself. All our staff did learn from it and taken on board Alison's idea's. We have taken lots of Alison's idea's and will be trying it out next week.
Anne McLaughlin, Sales Manager - Genepool Personnel Ltd
Firebird Training has delivered several highly professional training courses to our organisation in the last two years. These have ranged from 2-day introduction to Recruitment courses for new employees to refresher training on sales techniques and job advertising. On every occasion the information covered has been comprehensive and the delivery style infectiously enthusiastic. The feedback from trainees has been excellent and has enhanced our own reputation as a quality employer.
Paul Devlin, Director- The Recruit Business
“Alison is a highly professional and motivated person who has the perfect mix of academic and hands on skills to give the very best advice and assistance. Whilst working with Alison I had great respect for her and her work and would recommend her to any company requiring training.”
Kate Garbett, Branch Manager - Office Angels
“When I started in the tough world of Recruitment, I trained with Alison as I knew nothing and needed to learn a lot. The course was brilliant, I learnt all the skills that I utilise daily, I got to take all my training books with me and she added lots of creativity to the course. Alison is professional, yet personable and I would highly recommend any of her services. She is great to have a giggle with too!”
Abi Hendry, Recruitment Specialist - Lioness Consultants
"The Firebird Training has made me more aware and was brilliant and desperately needed. It covered everything I could imagine and couldn't imagine. It was very comprehensive and good. Alison has great enthusiasm and it comes across in the course."
Martin, Recruitment Consultant - The Recruit Business
Hi Alison, Thanks for Friday. I have had another look through your course folder from Friday and it looks great. The guys seem to have picked up loads. It may take a couple of weeks, to fully integrate forms and procedures, however I really like everything you have done thus far. Thanks.
Giles Sherman, MD - GSR Recruitment
"Being trained by you was a privilege as I learnt so much in such a short space of time."
Tom, Recruitment Consultant
“Alison taught me the basics I need to build on as a recruitment consultant. Concise, well delivered and well structured training that is understandable by all in this industry”
Tom King, Recruitment Consultant – Junp IT Recruitment Solutions
"The course was well organised and structured. All time was utilised well and we never had a moment to be bored quite the opposite in fact, I was impressed as to how much fun was injected into the day. We all found ourselves inspired by an energetic course leader who truly knows her stuff. This has left me in a very comfortable position in my new career I have the packs from the course to reference and I have met people in the same position as me who I can share experiences with. I feel that I can also contribute knowledge on working practices with my colleagues, something I wouldn't have had the confidence to do before attending the course. The only thing I have to do know is seal a deal or die trying".
Marina Pasquill, Recruitment Consultant - The Recruit Business
"I found the course extremely helpful and I believe the reason that it is such a success is because you are a brilliant trainer. You are helpful, you really go into the nitty gritty and you are fun and friendly which makes you want to learn and pay attention. You have covered everything I need to know about being a successful recruitment consultant, so thank you very much for all your help".
Abi Hendry, Recruitment Consultant - Lioness Consulting
"I enjoyed the three days of the course thoroughly and really got on well with the others on the course. I thought the way in which the course was presented and delivered was up to excellent standards. Also, the workbooks given to us, one for each day, make it very easy to follow the discussions and make note of any valued or extra points brought up during discussion. These workbooks will also be very useful for each of us to refer to at a later date when working in recruitment. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. Thanks once again for your time and effort Alison"
Sam Nurse - Delegate wanting to work in recruitment
"I thought the course was very well presented and organised including standards of the building that the training took place in. I think the course is beneficial to attend as it covers everything that a Recruitment Consultant needs to know for all the levels of communication in the Recruitment Industry. The way the test was set it was good as it really tests your brain and makes you think, I think it was structured very well. I think I am doing well I have had so many interviews but no deals yet. I am doing things in a more structured way and the right way. Many thanks for passing your knowledge on to us all".
Luan Gjaci, Recruitment Consultant - The Recruit Engineers
“I have known Alison for a few years now, initially as a candidate and now as my client. She is a clear communicator and from her years of experience of agency and in-house recruitment she acts as an inspiration to her trainees. I have heard numerous accolades regarding her training programme from her past pupils. Alison has also worked with our agency during a transitional period and has been tremendous support and inspiration for all of us. She has immense energy resources and a terrific "can do" attitude to any problems thrown in her path. Would definitely recommend Alison.”
Jill Burford, Recruitment Consultant – Floss Agency
"Before Firebird training I was an ambitious graduate without any career focus or commercial experience. Firebird training gave me a huge insight and understanding into the highly rewarding world of recruitment as well as being a lot of fun. When applying for graduate recruitment jobs it certainly made me stand out from the crowd and was definitely a huge factor in me securing a position with an IT recruitment company. But most of important of all it has given me a real head start in my current position as a trainee recruitment consultant, where I am hopefully going to earn a lot of money. Firebird Training gave me the best career path and advice after leaving University. If anyone is interested in achieving in the recruitment industry or if a company is eager to improve the performance of their recruitment staff I would highly recommend the services of Firebird training".
Aaron Kiddle, Recruitment Consultant
Schools & Colleges Workshops
Alison Mannell at Firebird Training is an exceptionally talented individual, who not only has tangible qualifications and work experience but also has a certain x factor one can't explain, energy that gets under your skin and motivates you to go on and achieve. She has a quick and agile mind and a quick thinker and fast networker/resourcer. She walks her talk because she also has an MBA and coaching training. She is also backed by reputable companies, has a true real passion for helping youth with a funny and street smart manner. Thumbs up, you will get value from her services.
Melissa Wade - MA Careers Guideance student
"The students at Weald thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to discuss and develop their plans for the future. The process was enjoyable but also encouraged them to be thinking ahead about where they want to be and more importantly, how to get there. They were able to think in concrete, practical terms. Working with a local employer was particularly beneficial because they were given advice and guidance which was real and practical in terms of the workplace”.
Mrs Corp, Head of 6th Form and Theatre Studies - The Weald of Kent Grammar School
I thought that the whole programme was really good and has helped me a lot. Before I wouldn’t of had a clue what to do during an interview and would be very nervous but now I feel quite confident.
Stacey - Student at Angley School, Cranbrook on 'Becoming Work Ready Programme'
I thought the sessions were really useful and has taught me a lot. I learnt new things and also helped me to know what to expect in interviews.
Samantha - Student at Angley School, Cranbrook on 'Becoming Work Ready Programme'
The programme has been very useful and will help me when trying to get a job. Overall it was excellent. Craig – Year 13 student at Angley School, Cranbrook on 'Becoming Work Ready Programme'
It has given me a great CV and good skills when writing application letters. All the information I was given is excellent.
Amy – Year 13 student at Angley School, Cranbrook on 'Becoming Work Ready Programme'
“The students have shown improvement in their work since they started on this programme and I have only heard positive things”. Richard Haupt – Assistant Head Teacher at Angley School, Cranbrook about 'Becoming Work Ready Programme'
When asked, students most enjoyed about the workshop; the practical aspect of learning, working with the team on our wall sheets, learning how to write a CV and layout of CV, writing our skills in the thought clouds, to work out my expectations and aspirations, friendly people that took the presentation and the relevance, informed and reassured me, easy to follow and understand, the booklet was helpful, clear presentation of handouts, understanding extra things about myself, the interacting, strong guidelines and helpful information.
Year 12 students on Writing a Professional CV workshop - Mascalls School Paddock Wood
When students were asked what do you think you can take away and apply from today? How to write a CV, the workbook will be very helpful in writing my CV, how to write a CV confidently and professionally, describing myself, writing a personal statement, important things to mention in CV and what has to be included, be able to write a CV that an employer will consider, things about myself and layout, the template of how to set out a CV, the booklet info-how to write CV on MS word, how to copy past work and goals into a CV, how to create the best CV for me, the handouts – covering letter, the importance of personal profile, my newly understood self skills, writing a strong CV to send for work experience, I’ve learnt a lot which I can pass on to family members and the importance of a CV.
Year 12 students on Writing a Professional CV workshop - Mascalls School Paddock Wood
When asked, students most enjoy about the workshop…the motivation sheet (2 people), how it made me think about what I can actually achieve, writing on the sheets about ourselves, interactive and talking with each other, filling in the sheets, getting us involved, interactive, filling in stuff, the relevant stories, writing the ‘will be’ ‘what I will have and the other bit, working in groups/discussion, finding out what motivated me and thinking positively, e.g. what I will do to celebrate after exams, the positiveness, writing a planning future.
Year 11 Students in the Vocational Group at Weald of Kent Grammar School Tonbridge on Motivation and Confidence building workshop - Focus on pre-exam confidence and looking into the future
When students were asked what do you think you can take away and apply from today they said…motivation, ability, how I can be positive about the future, motivation and calm techniques, how to motivate myself, that I will not fail if I motivate myself, rewarding myself and that don’t let people say I can’t do anything, that don’t let people say you cant do things, to not depend on others – to want, to relax about exams, techniques, how to study/motivate myself, exam techniques, positive thinking, motivation, more confidence to try if even if you might fail, think big…
Year 11 Students in the Vocational Group at Weald of Kent Grammar School Tonbridge on Motivation and Confidence building workshop - Focus on pre-exam confidence and looking into the future
What did you most enjoy about the workshop? Getting feedback on what you did well, how to improve. I had no idea about what happened in an interview, so I’ve learnt a lot. Watching and experiencing a real life interview. The fact that we were involved with the decision making. The interviews, both being in and watching them. Observing the interviews. The feedback as it was all positive. It was also helpful being able to experience other interviews. The fact that we got to see what happens in an interview and what questions are asked.
Year 11 students on ‘Interview Skills’ workshop - Weald of Kent Grammar School, Tonbridge
What do you think you can take away and apply from today? Give real life examples in your answers. Everything I can focus on in an interview, e.g. present yourself well, ask questions, turn negatives to positives. Howe to act and present themselves in a proper way. What an interview is going to be like and how you have to show yourself. The interview questions and body language to use. What to do in an interview. First impressions, importance of backing up your skills and qualities, turning negatives into positives. What an interview is like and what is asked of you.
Year 11 students on ‘Interview Skills’ workshop - Weald of Kent Grammar School, Tonbridge
I enjoyed your CV Session at the Staff Induction and did get a lot out of it. It was good to see what employers are looking for! The session was very informative with handouts to take away. I am running a CV Session next week and have found the information and handouts useful and helpful to use with my group. Thanks again.
Phil, PA - Connexions
Getting some up to date advice on helping our clients with their CV’s is always useful - as was your presentation. I am planning to incorporate some of the content into a workshop I am doing soon.
Christina, PA - Connexions
I found it very useful – even though I thought I knew everything about CV writing!
Kim, PA - Connexions
The workshop was very useful as a reminder of what needs to be covered in a CV and what is important to get across.
Deirdre, PA - Connexions
Very clear and strong delivery, good emphasise on Personal Profile, handout generally clear and well set out - list of describing words & Questions to ask about work experience. I found it helpful as can be used with clients with good life examples that related to the what was being expressed.
Rachael, PA - Connexions
"I recently had the privilege of work shadowing Alison. The experience has so far been one of a few standout points in my training to become a careers guidance practitioner. I witnessed Alison work with a youth who was very unsure of his future direction and somewhat quiet. I watched Alison turn the situation around, and it ended with the young man the proud owner of a new CV, a new sense of self and a distinct direction. To boot, she gave him a few head starts, by picking up the phone for him. Her fire and 'no time like the present' mentality got him, his mother and least not myself fired up reminding us all just to go out and get it. Fantastic motivation and enthusiasm. One other thing to add - she's approachable and not intimidating. A diamond to make an appointment with if you are a youth!"
Melissa Wade - full time student MA Careers Guidance
Coaching
"The life coaching sessions have been a complete bonus for me. They make me put more into my work, allow myself to grow within my field and make me an independent, experienced and valuable personal trainer. I can honesty say that I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the coaching sessions, they have been brilliant."
Alison Graham - London
"I cannot recommend Alison enough to anyone who is considering life coaching. She is focused, inspirational and her enthusiasm is contagious. She is absolutely superb at focussing in on my goals and looking at the pro's and con's of each of my objectives and then agreeing with me a plan of action. I will use this method when I am looking at anything in life where I need to get results or I feel stuck."
Susan Greenwood - London
“I have worked with Alison for 12 months now in her capacity as a personal coach. She the kind of person who you can rely on to get things done to a high standard, while coping with difficult time pressures. She somehow manages to always keep a smile on her face even when the going gets tough.”
Liz MacNiven Owner, Just Imaging Coaching
"Alison is really skillful in helping me break down my goals into small achievable tasks. She is so encouraging and dosn't judge. I feel very positive about what I have achieved so far and without the coaching would not have done anything about it."
Claire Eversfield - Kent
"It was surprisingly beneficial. I was a little hesitant about needing life coaching but actually it focused my attention on segments of my life and career. I would recommend it to others."
Gail Fay - East Sussex
"Coach was positive and encouraged me to be honest and made time for me to think and have my say. Coach was good at summing up what I had said and using questioning techniques to move me on."
Sasha Harrison - Kent
"By the end of the sessions I had a clear focus in mind and action plan of things to do. I felt incredibly excited by the prospect of getting started and clear things I needed to do. I feel much more positive and things are actually starting to make sense in my head!"
Kelly Coleman - Kent
"Alison was great as she didn't let me off the hook, but in the nicest possible way! It made me feel optimistic that I could achieve this. It helped me overcome both the mental and practical obstacles in the way of achieveing it. Alison is very encouraging which is always good for the soul!"
Carole Heselton - Hertfordshire
"I feel like I have made a step towards improving my problem and feel alot more positive about the future."
Lara Williams - Dorset
"After the fourth session I definitely felt that I'd improved.We decided that this was my last coaching session since I think that I'd definitely reached my goals. I think I am now more confident, think more positively about things and am now on a mission."
Nilla Hjort - London
"I found the coaching a great release in self motivation. Alison listen to me and responded well which gave me a fire in the belly. I became aware of the impact of coaching as soon as we began as I never really shared the personal side of what I want in life with anyone in such detail. The impact of discussion was immense."
Karen Eyo - London
"Alison is good at creating rapport which enabled me to be open and honest both with her and myself. You feel that anything you say is treated confidentially and respectfully. I have enjoyed working with her and she has certainly helped me re focus, such that I am back on track. I would happily recommend her as a coach."
Liz McacNiven - Hertfordshire
"Brilliant! Made me look at mini goals to achieve first. Uplifted my confidence when I realised there are many strings to my bow. Fun and productive too!"
Marina Pasquill - Kent
For an informal discussion contact
01892 549651 or 07982 055715