SWLEP
Growth Hub Skills : Resource to expand horizons and increase profits
The Swindon & Wiltshire Growth Hub , the business support arm of the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership , has always focused on helping businesses wanting to provide training and skills for their workforce .
With the development of ‘ Growth Hub Skills ’ we are now placing additional focus on helping individuals who wish to improve their current skillsets and learn new ones in order to progress their careers and help their own businesses grow , or those of their employers . As our region ’ s infrastructure develops and businesses adapt to the changes in technological and digital advancements , the Growth Hub is keen to assist businesses plug the inevitable skills gap that such fast-paced progression can bring .
Amanda Peach , Skills and Enterprise Advisor at Growth Hub Skills said , “ I ’ m passionate about all things skills based and the development of Growth Hub Skills ensures that I am able to continue offering advice based on the wealth of training and development courses and apprenticeships that are available . There are many funded options available to enable employers to provide high quality development opportunities for their staff at minimal cost to them .”
Amanda has a Level 6 Post Graduate Diploma in Careers Guidance and previously worked as a Careers Consultant at the Career Transition Partnership assisting ex-military personnel into the world of work . She is currently working towards her Level 5 ILM Coaching and Mentoring qualification via a funded course delivered by Inspired2learn .
Providing a wealth of information on all things skillsrelated , training courses , apprenticeships and related options for financial support and funding , Growth Hub Skills aims to give employers the help and advice that they need to assist their employees ’ development and thus enable their business to grow and develop , too .
Training benefits your staff as well as your business
Richard Branson once said that you should ‘ train people well enough so they can leave , treat them well enough so they don ’ t want to ’.
During uncertain times , businesses may struggle to consider training as a good investment , however , Growth Hub Skills has access to a number of quality , fully funded training courses across a wide range of subjects . The only investment the business owner needs is to allow some time out of their employee ’ s day to study for the course .
Re-engaging staff is key whilst they work from home , possibly on part-time furlough or with the risk of redundancies looming . Offering funded training options can be an excellent way to improve their wellbeing , skill sets and commitment to their role . It might also spark them into wanting to progress within your business .
Amanda points out that , “ Many business owners have told me that staff are more enthusiastic following a suitable training course and keen to execute the skills that they have learnt . Training definitely benefits your staff , but it also benefits your business as well ”.
Oxford University has proved that happy staff are 13 % more productive and by investing in them and therefore their future , you are enabling them to take back some control over the current situation .
As businesses continue to evolve ; pivoting as needed
in the current situation and with the rise in digital and technological advancements needed to retain market share , providing training for staff ensures that you are future proofing your business with the skills that will be needed . Conversely , should the pandemic mean that you regrettably need to let staff go , you will have ‘ futureproofed ’ them , giving them the best chance to move into another employment .
Growth Hub Skills has access to a wide range of training courses , both funded and non-funded . Why not check out the wealth of support by visiting : www . growthhub . swlep . co . uk / support / skills-support
Growth Hub Skills also work closely with the Skills Support for the Workforce ( SSW ) programme which provides fully funded workplace training to SMEs ’ to meet individual , employer and regional economic needs . The training includes bespoke and vocationally relevant qualifications and include courses and qualifications in IT , Leadership and Management , Engineering , Manufacturing , Construction , Health and Social Care , Customer Service , Business Administration , and many more .
In addition , there is also a useful tool on the Growth Hub website listing direct links to the large number of providers currently offering access to free courses .
Give your employees the opportunity to do something different whilst they are working from home , allow them to learn a new skill and help you develop your business . Speak to the Growth Hub team for more information on 01225 477287 .
Register as a Growth Hub member for free . Sign-up by visiting : www . growthhub . swlep . co . uk
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