Training track: Microsoft Excel 97 Expert Topics

Excel 97 Expert Topics is run by Executrain. It is a one-day course for people with some basic knowledge of Excel and costs #150.

The student

Karl Luton works in PC support for Houghton Vaughan in Birmingham. His company develops and supplies industrial fluids and lubricants.

?We are constantly developing IT within the company, and every member of personnel now has access to a PC. With varying amounts of computer literacy within the company, I need to stay in touch with the latest IT developments so that I can deliver the type of service that our users want.

?I have been looking for a suitable training course that could aid me in giving improved support.?

The facilities

?The venue for the course ? which runs from 9.30am to 5pm ? was Executrain?s office in central Bristol. I decided to travel by car, as Executrain had arranged a parking space for me. However, as spaces are limited, it may be necessary to park in the multi-storey car park situated opposite the office.

?At reception I was greeted with a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere in a modern and well-organised office. Refreshments are available during the morning and afternoon breaks, plus a one-hour break for lunch.?

The course

?You should have a basic knowledge of Excel ? which can be obtained from Executrain?s Excel 97 Introduction course.

?It soon became apparent that Excel 97 is powerful and just a little knowledge of the package can be useful.

?You are supplied with a useful manual, which details all of the course objectives and then takes you through various lessons, followed by a summary and practice session.

?The course was well structured and followed the objectives set out in the manual. As the day progressed it became apparent that it wouldn?t be possible to follow every example in the manual, as time would not allow it. Some of the lessons were shortened, but only where the trainer knew of a shortcut to solving a particular problem. Each lesson was followed by a practice session.

?The students were encouraged to participate, and examples or situations applying to a particular area of the course were highlighted.?

The trainer

?I found the trainer, Andrew Shaw, to be very knowledgeable and thoroughly helpful in assisting with any queries or problems encountered.

?It was evident that Andrew?s main concern was that his students fully understood the subject. He was aware that the students differed in experience and made allowances by explaining in more detail when appropriate.

Conclusion

The course was highly worthwhile, and if you are not satisfied, Executrain gives a money-back guarantee or you can re-attend the course free of charge.

? Executrain: (01628) 779950