LIVING PROOF
Optimum Skills team members Michelle Johnson , Christine Gregory , Mel Thompson , Louise Kirsopp , Charley Haigh , Kayleigh Lowdon and Chelsea McGarrell .
The way Optimum Skills develops its workforce shows how it can help yours
For proof that Optimum Skills ’ approach to upskilling works , look no further than the company itself .
Now in its 10th year , the Newton Aycliffe firm has forged a reputation for providing high-quality training and apprenticeship programmes .
But within its own ranks are several examples of staff who ’ ve practised what the firm preaches by taking courses to develop their own skills .
Optimum Skills has already worked with several businesses on the park to enhance each firm ’ s training requirements .
And Optimum knows the approach works – because many of their own people have done it too .
Apprenticeship account manager Charley Haigh explained : “ We ’ ve put several of our employees through apprenticeships and training courses to develop their skills and knowledge .
“ It means they can develop and progress to other roles , such as team leader , management or senior leadership teams .
“ It also shows other firms on the park the advantages of upskilling their employees . It can help with staff retention because you ’ re investing in their career , rather than just getting someone in to do a job , and you can train people how you want them trained .
“ And depending on eligibility criteria , apprenticeships can be part or even fully funded , so they really are accessible for any company .”
So , Optimum Skills ’ 50-strong workforce contains numerous examples of how upskilling has helped their careers . Let ’ s meet just a few of them …
Kayleigh Lowdon – digital marketing executive
“ I started with Optimum in 2018 on a Level 3 digital marketing apprenticeship . Since then , I ’ ve progressed in my role , completing a skills bootcamp in digital leadership , which has supported me as our team grows and I need more leadership skills . I ’ m looking forward to my next opportunity , the Level 3 team leader apprenticeship .”
Michelle Johnson – business services manager
“ Since starting with Optimum Skills in 2018 as an MIS officer , I have achieved a Level 3 apprenticeship in business administration , which helped me progress to my current role as business services manager , covering responsibilities in finance and HR . I ’ ve recently achieved my AAT Level 2 in bookkeeping and I ’ m now preparing to sign up for my AAT Level 3 in accountancy .” Mel Thompson – MIS manager “ I started with Optimum Skills in 2018 as MIS administrator and enrolled to a business administration Level 3 apprenticeship , which gave me a good understanding of office roles and responsibilities . I then enrolled onto a team leader Level 3 apprenticeship in 2019 and progressed to MIS manager , where I learned how to manage the MIS team and learn about different management techniques . I have also completed short courses in equality and diversity , safeguarding and prevent , and mental health first aid .” Christine Gregory – MIS and audit officer “ I have worked in further education for more than 14 years but started with Optimum
To find out more about the training and apprenticeships Optimum Skills can offer , contact Charley at charley . haigh @ optimumskills . co . uk
optimumskills . co . uk
Skills three years ago . I have progressed within my role and am in the process of completing a Six Sigma Lean Skills Bootcamp to assist my role and help other teams streamline processes .”
Chelsea McGarrell – business account manager
“ I have been with Optimum Skills from the start , with my 10th anniversary of service this year . In that time , I ’ ve completed Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships in recruitment which have allowed me to gain skills , knowledge and confidence on the job , and make great partnerships with referral partners and other training providers . I am looking forward to carrying on progressing and moving onto a Level 3 team leader apprenticeship .”
Charley Haigh – apprenticeship account manager
“ I started a Level 2 recruitment resource apprenticeship in 2016 and progressed onto a Level 3 recruitment consultant apprenticeship . I began working for Optimum Skills in 2020 on the recruitment team and progressed to the business development team . The skills and knowledge I gained from the apprenticeship and continuous upskilling have contributed to my success , allowing me to develop in my role . I ’ m now on the Skills Bootcamp in Six Sigma , which will support our teams ’ processes .”
More upskilling courses the staff have taken advantage of include Level 5 operations departmental manager , Six Sigma accredited training and Level 3 content creator .
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