Skills Support for the Workforce

From apprentice Abbie Bolt and newly appointed hotel supervisor Jeannette Young to staff at a family run beach cafe and bistro at Fistral, the EU funded Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme is providing high quality training to thousands of individuals across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to help them improve their skills and qualifications and develop their careers.

Launched in September 2016, the £4.6m SSW programme, managed by Serco and co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency, has provided free training more than 3000 individual learners and 2900 small and medium sized businesses over the past two years.

Businesses and individuals have been able to choose either full qualifications or a mix of individual training units which meet their needs from a network of expert providers, including Cornwall College, Cornwall Marine Network, Digital Peninsula Network, Education and Training Skills, Focus Training, GHQ, Newquay for Excellence Training and Truro and Penwith College.

“We are very proud to be leading this programme which has had a positive impact on the lives of so many individuals and local businesses,” said Donna Lawson, from Serco. “By working with employers to ‘upskill’ their staff, we have helped individuals to improve their knowledge and qualifications, which has, in turn, supported the growth of SMEs across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and boosted the local economy.”

Abbie Bolt joined Penryn based Wills Ridley, which manufactures and markets hydraulic steering gear for boats, as an apprentice in 2016. Supported by staff from SSW provider Cornwall Marine Network Ltd, Abbie not only completed her Business Administration apprenticeships in Level 2 and 3, but also took extra courses in customer services, first aid and specialist IT programmes, providing her with additional skills and knowledge.

Since being confirmed as a permanent member of staff Abbie has redesigned the company’s website and social media channels, leading to a significant increase in sales. “I really enjoyed my apprenticeship through Cornwall Marine Network Ltd,” said Abbie.  “I have learnt lots during my time as an apprentice and it is knowledge I can use throughout my working life.”

Cornwall Marine Network have been able to support and upskill a growing number of staff in the Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service (CFRCS). The ESF funding CMN have been able to access via the Skills Support for the Workforce & ICAN projects has resulted in 22 people gaining teaching qualifications which enables them to deliver accredited training in topics that form a key part of the CFRCS fire prevention and safety strategy. “It is excellent to see these staff progressing in their roles and taking on additional responsibility which will further their career in the Fire Service. CMN’s expert tutor team very much look forward to delivering further training scheduled during the Autumn and Winter 2018,” said Bethany Allen, Cornwall Marine Network.

Jeannette was introduced to Claire Evans, Customer Liaison Officer at SSW provider Newquay for Excellence Training Ltd (NfET), in her first day as a Supervisor at Trenython Manor.  Within an hour and a half, Jeannette was filling out the paperwork to sign up to do a Level 3 Hospitality, Leadership and Supervision Award, with her training starting the very next day.

After successfully completing the award, Jeanette has taken a number of additional units, and has shared her results of her learning with colleagues at Trenython Manor. “I cannot believe how much I love learning,” said Jeannette. “The certificated training that I have undertaken has been fantastic: I have learnt something new every session.”

NfET has provided specialist training for people working in the tourism, leisure, hospitality and aviation sectors for the past 21 years, and Claire Evans is delighted with Jeannette’s success.  “It has been amazing to see how Jeannette has grown in confidence, undertaking everything in a positive and enthusiastic manner,” said Claire.  “The wealth of experience Jeanette has in the hospitality industry is now relating into certificated training, which it is great to see and hear that she loves.”

Siblings Steve and Kelly Edwards and Kelly’s partner Chris, founders and managers of the Sea Spray beach café and bistro at Fistral, were looking to develop their knowledge of wines and spirits to help increase sales and improve their customer service. They heard about the SSW programme and were introduced to Mary Ryan from Truro & Penwith College, one of the Serco’s team of providers.

Two members of staff completed the Level 2 Wine and Spirit Education Trust Award where they learnt about the styles of wines produced from different grape varieties, as well as key classifications and labelling terminology. They have now shared this knowledge with the rest of the team, leading to increased sales and enhanced customer service.

“As a relatively new bistro we are keen for our customers to enjoy their experience at Sea Spray and receive the best service so they come back to visit us again,” said Kelly. “By completing the award our staff are now able to talk confidently to customers about our drinks menu, offering informed recommendations.”

Patricia, the owner of Isles of Scilly based shop Twisted Bobbins Weaving, which sells  handwoven luxury scarves, had been looking for ways to grow her business when she was provided with a place on a Digital Marketing and Social Media course by SWW provider Digital Peninsula Network. After learning how to use social media channels such as Facebook more effectively to market her products, she has increased sales through the use of e-newsletters and a more targeted and professional approach to using Facebook to communicate with her customers.

The SSW programme is due to formally end in March 2019, however there is still a small amount of funding available to support training and skills. For more information please contact skillssupport@serco.com.