Through public workshops in partnership with other organizations and through in-house workshops for Corporate and Government clients, Avancer’s classroom training has reached the cream of Canadian industry, and increasingly through its online services, a Global client base.
Here are comments from some clients. These comments will give you a perspective of what a training organizer has come to expect from in-person (on-site) or online (virtual classroom) training:
Hyundai Motors
Paul held an excellent private session for a group of our team members for Intermediate Excel Training. Paul was direct, however took the time to explain in detail when more information was needed. His session was organized, timely, and fun! Our team members all enjoyed meeting and learning with Paul, and we are looking forward to having him host more sessions in the future! HR Generalist, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. ON, Canada.
Queens University
Paul customized an Excel online workshop for our Financial Service department (30 participants) at Queen’s University. The closed group session allowed us to use our own examples as part of the hands on learning exercises. Paul did an excellent job in customizing the content given that the level of excel expertise varied widely amongst the group. Everyone loved the session and really enjoyed Paul’s approach in delivering the content. Thank you Paul for making the training enjoyable! Director, Financial Reporting and Systems, Queens University. ON, Canada.
Chemtrade Logistics
We had [some of our] employees attend Avancer’s online Excel training. They are all intermediate to advanced users and found the workshop excellent. It had a good mix of some intermediate functions like Tables, and some advanced functions like PowerPivot. The workshop was well researched and conducted. The trainer was very thorough and had several tools to help participants get the most value. Having the team complete live online training during the COVID crisis was a real advantage! Thank you for a great learning opportunity. Director, Total Rewards and Corporate HR Services, Chemtrade Logistics Inc. ON, Canada.
Grand Erie District School Board
Our group completed Intermediate Excel and 2 courses on Pivot Tables. Our staff thought the training was well done and the instructor was very knowledgeable. The knowledge we learned from the courses will help improve the speed and efficiency of our teams. The recording delivered after the course was helpful to review any areas missed or area that we wanted to review again. HR Assistant, Grand Erie District School Board, ON, Canada.
Extendicare
Paul and the team at Avancer were quick to respond for urgent training with our Finance team. We are heavy users of excel and Avancer was able to elevate our excel skills quickly and efficiently in a remote environment. Training was delivered to a broad base in a clear and systematic manner. Every participant said they can’t wait for the next level and that the modules were relevant and applicable to their jobs. We held sessions for intermediate and advanced modules and the material built upon what the team members learned in the previous sessions. Now I just need to find time for “Advanced II.” Vice President-Finance, Extendicare, ON, Canada.
Effort Trust
We contracted Avancer Learning Inc to conduct five Excel training workshops in-house for our head-office staff. The instructor customized the workshops to our participant level and worked with us to ensure we had the right mix of topics for each course. I received some great feedback on the quality of instruction and the materials covered. Participants reported that there was complete engagement from start to finish and that the course was relevant and practical, and the instructor made it easy to understand. All participants indicated that the learned something new, regardless of how many years they had been using excel. As an organizer I have already been asked by management and other departments to organize more training! I am confident that we will be working with Avancer Learning Inc for our future training needs. Director of Residential Finance & Accounting, The Effort Trust Company, ON, Canada.
Antamex Corporation
I would highly recommend anyone looking for excel training to contract Avancer. The feedback I received from almost every single participant of 24 was highly positive. The trainer is not only knowledgeable in the subject matter, but also has strong ability to teach in a manner that is easy to grasp. Controller – Finance, Antamex Corporation, ON, Canada.
Surerus Murphy JV
[Avancer Learning] is great! My company booked several Excel sessions with [them], and my staff learned a lot. In the beginner’s level Excel session, I realized that my staff had differing levels of Excel fundamentals and as a result a few of my staff were unable to grasp the concepts from the training. After speaking to Paul regarding this concern, he listened attentively, and worked with me and my team to resolve the issue. I had a very good experience and will definitely recommend Paul to meet any corporate training needs. Administrator | Surerus Murphy JV. Alberta, Canada.
Delmanor Retirement Living
We had contracted with Avancer Learning Inc to conduct a series of Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook workshops for our staff at various levels of proficiency. Our instructor was an expert and was very clear in his method of teaching. He seamlessly walked the team through the information, pacing everything for the beginner and intermediate experienced participants and addressing all of our questions. The workshop interaction was valuable and the games created a fun motivation to recall the information the team had just learned. I would definitely recommend Avancer Learning Inc. to others and I hope to have the opportunity for our accounting and operations team to attend more training classes with Avancer Learning Inc. in the future. Finance Controller, Delmanor Inc. Ontario, Canada.
CMLS Financial
Our organization booked two Intermediate excel training courses to cater to our employees across the country. The overall consensus was that the training sessions were well delivered and that everyone learned at least one new thing that they can use in their day to day use of Excel.
We initially thought that it would be difficult to have high engagement with an online training style, however with the working file and reference material that was provided, in conjunction with the Paul’s execution of the workshop, our employees were captivated.
It’s a great investment, and we’ll be looking to conduct more trainings through Avancer! Coordinator, Operational Effectiveness, CMLS Financial. Ontario, Canada.
Apple Express
I have had a pleasure of having [Avancer Learning] for Excel training in my previous organization and was invited again to my new company Apple Express for providing basic to intermediate Excel training to the staff. I received a great feedback, once again, from the team and they appreciated the way [the instructor] explained and walked them through the training process and showed them some tricks and ways to manage difficult Excel tasks. We would love to have him back again in the future. Finance Manager, Apple Express Ltd. ON, Canada.
ScotiaBank
“We organized with Avancer Learning Inc to conduct two workshops for our finance departments: A workshop on Excel for analysis and reporting and another one on Data-driven PowerPoint presentations with emphasis on advanced charting techniques.
Participants from both groups reported that these were some of the best sessions they experienced on the topic. They found the content very helpful and relevant and they all thought the instructor was fantastic. His style made for easy learning and an interesting day.” Senior Relationship Manager, Learning & Performance Consulting, Canadian Banking Human Resources – Scotiabank. Toronto, ON, Canada.
Department of National Defence, Canada
Paul customized an in-house Excel workshop for intermediate Excel users. His thorough knowledge of Excel is impressive and he is master in creating an active learning environment. He is not only knowledgeable and informative; he has the real world experience to understand user’s needs. I would highly recommend Paul for Excel training. Director of Costing Services, Department of National Defence, Canadian Forces, Ottawa.
SPARK44 North America.
Avancer conducted for Spark44, an online Excel training program. Avancer was not only flexible to tailor the live training around our specific needs in Excel, they also had a follow-up session to evaluate application of the learned concepts to our work. This interactive training enabled us to practice the concepts during the session and then apply it to our work. I believe it’s one of the best ways to learn Excel and then apply it and become more productive and efficient. The trainer had a unique teaching style that made the session almost like a classroom training, and helped us navigate all the questions we had during the session! – CFO – North America, New York.
Priority Submetering Solutions Inc.
Our organization booked [Avancer Learning Inc] for two days of on-line, beginner to intermediate level Excel training. Paul’s knowledge of Excel is extensive and his teaching abilities are fantastic. He takes time to ensure everyone is following his lead and is clear and helpful during the training. Out team has certainly benefited from this training and we look forward to booking and participating in additional training courses through Avancer Inc. in the near future! – Office Manager, Priority Submetering Solutions Inc. Pickering.
Special Olympics Ontario
On behalf of Special Olympics Ontario staff we wish to convey a huge thank you to Avancer Learning for the recent training in intermediate Excel and Power Point.
These customized half day workshops were outstanding. Our staff were delighted with the useful tips and with the impressive talent of our trainer Paul Mascarenhas. Paul has a terrific energy with an ability to make every participant keep up with the flow of the training and each staff member left with significant improved knowledge of tips, tricks and immediate usability with these software packages. Vice President, Special Olympics Ontario. Toronto.
McCann Canada
Paul from Avancer Learning Inc. customized an Excel workshop for the finance team at our Toronto office. The workshop addressed Excel capabilities of the team that directly impacted their work. Paul shared tips and suggestions in Excel, to improve the speed and efficiency of the team. Paul’s knowledge and experience of various Excel tools and functions makes a complex topic easy to understand and a fun learning experience. CFO – Canada.
CIBC Rewards Center
We contracted with Paul to conduct two days of training one week apart and cover all levels of Excel. He customized the program for us and we were very impressed with the handouts and preloaded excel sheets to work on. Paul made the days interesting and the feedback from the attendees was excellent! This was quite an accomplishment as most of the participants use Excel for specific reporting purposes and Paul was able to pull it together for everyone. We would highly recommend Paul to anyone thinking of Excel training, these sessions were excellent! Director of Operations, Merit Loyalty Services, Mississauga.
Sonepar Ontario
Paul Mascarenhas conducted the Excel course for our Company. All participants were engaged throughout the course and believe that their productivity will increase due to the Excel tips Paul shared. Paul is an excellent instructor, who has an art to keep the course interactive and interesting. Paul is extremely knowledgeable in Excel and answered various questions which were outside the course [curriculum]. – Director of Finance, Sonepar Ontario. Brampton
Chartwell Retirement Residences
The Fundamentals and Intermediate workshops run by Paul at Avancer Learning Inc. were super helpful! Our teams learned so much. Paul was amazing as a facilitator – he broke up the material in easily digestable chunks and adjusted to the pace of the class. We especially liked the games he used to make learning fun! I personally learned so many new things that will literally save me hours and hours of work. Training Coordinator – Human Resources, Mississauga.
Another one from a Training Organizer at Chartwell:
“A number of Executive Assistants were reluctant to take the Excel course, considering that most of us are quite comfortable working in that program to the degree that our role requires us to do so. Paul Mascarenhas, assessed the skill level/needs of the participants in the room and adjusted the lesson to accommodate our needs. There were several “ah-ha” moments in the room and laughter to boot, as Paul kept the mood light with his sense of humour, while at the same time, kept us on track as we moved through the modules.
His teaching style is interactive with summary assessments and a fun team quiz at the end of each module. The flow of the session was built on lessons learned continuously throughout the day.
I highly recommend Paul from Avancer Learning for any Microsoft Office training needs.” – Executive Assistant (Training Organizer)
Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario
“Paul Mascarenhas regularly conducts Excel and Microsoft Office courses for CPA Ontario both in both Classroom workshop and Online live webinar format. Our members report a very high degree of applicability of his courses, backed by real-life working experience. He is easily one of our highest rated instructors , with a style that makes complex subjects easy to understand. Overall, his courses rate an average of 4.4 on a 5 point scale.[including online courses]
His programs are high quality are always updated with the latest information, and Paul can be relied on to manage event dynamics without incident. From an organizer’s perspective, my team and I can rely on the participant experience being of excellent when our members participate in one of his programs. Paul is very flexible when to scheduling programs, which makes is a pleasure to work with him.” Director of Professional Development, Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, Toronto. Ontario, Canada.
Sienna Senior Living
“We conducted an Advanced Excel and an Outlook Efficiency workshop with Avancer Learning Inc for our finance staff. The course built upon real-world knowledge and experience to make it relevant and useful. Our participants found the methodology of training to be very good and easy to replicate for their work. “ Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Sienna Senior Living, Markham.
North Edge Properties Ltd
“We conducted a series of Excel workshops with Avancer Learning Inc. Our participants found the content to be extremely relevant and the real-world examples to be of practical use. The instructor was able to propose solutions well beyond the planned curriculum. The extensive excel training that we obtained from Avancer Learning Inc. improved the process of our property financial analysis and reporting” Controller, North Edge Properties Ltd., Toronto.
CGI Group Inc
Paul from Avancer Learning Inc customized and conducted a one-day Excel workshop for us. We found the training skills, methodology and content to be very valuable to the finance team. He is an excellent instructor and is extremely knowledgeable in Excel. Manager, Financial Business Services (FBS) Canada, CGI Group Inc. Markham
Certified Management Accountants of Ontario
Paul is a pleasure to work with, his knowledge is very in-depth and he delivers his content to make it extremely interesting and engaging. Paul is passionate in his teaching, and displays great enthusiasm. Director, Professional Development Institute, Certified Management Accountants of Ontario.
Ministry of Natural Resources Canada
Paul customized a workshop on Advanced Charts and Effective Data Presentation with Excel and PowerPoint for us as an in-house workshop. The training was delivered in an engaging manner and Paul’s mastery of the many aspects of Excel allowed him to respond to all questions that we had, even those well beyond the specific area covered by the training session. Organizer, AECL Restructuring Group, Ministry of Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa.
Vision7 International / Cossette Communication
We organized with Avancer Learning Inc. customized Excel workshops for our finance/ operations team. The workshops addressed many issues we needed in our work and of all the workshops I have attended, this was perhaps one of the best in terms of content and methodology of training. Paul is the best coach for learning how to get the best out of Excel. Vice President, Business Finance and Administration, Vision7 International, a holding Company for Cossette Communication, Cossette Media, Jungle Media, Dare Digital, Elvis Communications, Citizen Optimum PR, and Impact Research
Canadian Tire Corporation
Avancer Learning Inc conducted an Excel and a PowerPoint workshop for us. Our participants reported excellent feedback for the content, methodology and the way Paul paced the class to the class skill level. Additionally Paul’s flexibility and willingness to make further customizations suggested by our participants is appreciated. AVP Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Canadian Tire Corporation. Toronto.
Mitel Networks Corporation
Despite varying levels of abilities, all participants learned both new tools in Excel and how to use Excel more efficiently (short-cuts, etc…). We received positive feedback from all participants. We thought the knowledge and background of the instructor was excellent. Director Finance, Mitel Networks Corporation, Kanata.
Allstate Insurance
My group found [the session] helpful as we often download data from other databases/legacy systems and these are exactly the issues we encounter. Manager at Allstate Insurance, Markham. [Live online training webinar regarding techniques to increase efficiency in data management in Excel]
Ryerson University
[The session on] ” Presenting a technical concept to an executive team” – Key concepts in persuasive communication, with examples and activities – was most exemplary, insightful and helpful to the audience of approximately 100 final year students, many of whom have had relevant work experiences at major corporations through our 12-16 month industrial internship program. Professor and Internship Program Coordinator, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto. [Extract from letter]
Asians Without Borders
Paul from Avancer Learning provided a great session on “How to Present to Executives”. The topic drew great interest from our members and we had a full house, with standing room only. Paul’s hands-on approach allowed AWB members to immediately put in practice what they had learned. The interactive session was informative, applicable, and fun; the hallmarks of a truly valuable event Vice President Marketing, Asians Without Borders, Toronto