Skills funding for SMEs still available through apprentice scheme


Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Devon and Somerset are urged to take advantage of a £2.5m skills training pot for their workforce, as a result of a contract extension. The training is available as part


of a programme named Heart of the South West Apprenticeship Service which Serco’s Employment, Skills & Enterprise business manages across Devon and Somerset - working in partnership with the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Since the programme launched


in September 2016, 1,067 learners from 372 businesses across the region have taken advantage of the free training available, which is co- funded by the European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency.


Serco has just been awarded a


contract extension to continue delivering the programme until March 2019. The programme aims to support


growth across all sectors of the region’s economy by providing businesses, at no cost to them, with recognised accredited qualifications and bespoke training courses aimed at enhancing employees’ skills and helping them to progress into apprenticeships. Serco has partnered with local expert training organisations to deliver the skills training enabling employers to take advantage of


6 Chamber Profile September/October 2018


apprenticeship opportunities that work for each business. Businesses can select from a


‘I would urge businesses


to make the most of the funding


available before March 2019’


range of qualifications or mix and match individual units to support their work, including technical skills training and higher level skills such as leadership and management. Previous participants have benefited from increased employee


confidence, motivation and productivity and


improved employee loyalty


and retention. As part of Heart of the South


West Apprenticeship Service, businesses can also benefit from a


Rob Matts


support, advice and brokerage service that will help them to decide which apprenticeships are right for existing employees, find a local apprenticeship provider find out what Government funding is available, understand the implications of the apprenticeship levy to the business and solve recruitment challenges by explaining the services available on recruiting new apprentices. Commenting on the contract


extension, Rob Matts, Serco’s Head of Skills Support for the Workforce, said: “We are delighted that the Education and Skills Funding agency are trusting Serco to continue making a positive impact to local communities in Devon and Somerset. Skills Support for the Workforce is a brilliant skills training programme which small businesses


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