Talking Tayside Contact Centre Week 2011 kicked off on Monday 7th November with the best practice session for contact centre staff.

Over the last ten years, the contact centre industry has become an increasingly important source of employment throughout Dundee, Angus and Perth.

Cllr Will Dawson, convener of Dundee City Council’s City Development Committee, said: “The contact centre industry is constantly growing and, in today’s world, we would be lost without it. Talking Tayside, the public–private partnership initiated by Dundee City Council to develop and promote the contact centre industry in Tayside, allows us to share and recognise best practice and work together to ensure the contact centre industry in the area is ahead of the game and constantly improving.”

“By sharing best practice across all the sectors of our successful and dynamic industry, we are ensuring Tayside’s contact centres continue to deliver a world-class performance,” said Victoria Rawnsley, Chair of Talking Tayside, who added that a second best-practice session is being held on Friday 11th November.

The initiative actively promotes the contact centre industry at careers events in schools, colleges, universities and at road shows. “There are a lot of misapprehensions about working in a contact centre,” explained Shona McKnight of Dundee City Council’s Educational Development Service, which, as part of Talking Tayside Contact Centre Week, has arranged for local school pupils to visit contact centres. “Spending time in a contact centre and talking to the people who work there can be a real eye-opener – and also helps to highlight the excellent career opportunities available in this growing industry.”

On Thursday Jobcentre Plus clients will be able to find out more about these opportunities, as well as exactly what’s involved in working in a contact centre, how to obtain the necessary skills and any current or forthcoming vacancies at the Talking Tayside Information Day. “Jobcentre plus clients who would like to attend this event should contact their Jobcentre Plus adviser,” said Jane McEwan of Jobcentre Plus.

The week also includes several social events, such as a Quiz Night. Over 20 teams from local contact centres will compete for the coveted Talking Tayside Quiz Night Trophy, while also raising funds for the Children’s Ward at Ninewells Hospital.

The highlight of the week will be the Viva Las Vegas Night at G Casino, Dundee, on Sunday night.  This glamorous event will feature the presentation of the Talking Tayside Contact Centre Awards 2011, including Contact Centre of the Year Award.