The Bedford College Group Employer Services and Opportunities Guide

Employer Services and Opportunities Working together for a better future

www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk

Employer Services and Opportunites - The Bedford College Group

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What’s inside…

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Introduction

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Working with us

Skills and Workforce Development Apprenticeships T Level Placements Work Placements Employer forums Sponsorship Opportunities

Teaching for us

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Employer Services and Opportunites - The Bedford College Group

How to get in touch If you would like to find out more about any of the opportunities outlined in this guide, please contact your Account Manager or the College campus located nearest to your business via the details below.

Bedford College & Shuttleworth College: phone 01234 291747 envelope training@bedford.ac.uk Tresham College: phone 01536 413542 or envelope businessdevelopment@tresham.ac.uk Or visit our website www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk

Who are we?

In August 2017, Bedford College, Shuttleworth College and Tresham College merged to form The Bedford College Group. Together we work with over 1,500 employers from SMEs to international companies in a wide variety of industries from automotive to care, agriculture to IT.

What do we do?

We connect students, local businesses and the community through a number of opportunities, including apprenticeships, work placements, skills development and employer forums.

Why work with us?

This collaboration means that everyone benefits. You get access to all of our professional learning services, facilities and industry-specific training to help you improve performance and productivity, while our students get to learn from industry experts, just like yourselves, and enhance their career prospects.

Your involvement also helps us shape our curriculums to what you as employers need, meaning students leave here fully equipped with the skills to help your businesses flourish.

When you start working with us, you will be assigned a dedicated Account Manager, as well as a contact within the Apprenticeship Recruitment Team, who will work closely with you to fulfil your business needs.

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Skills and Workforce Development By focusing on the skills of your team members, you can help your business to continue to grow and stand out from the crowd. We can deliver a wide range of training approaches, including in-person, online and distance learning, while making sure you always get the best possible return on investment. If you would like us to create a bespoke training session for your team we can work with you to meet your business needs.

Adult English & maths and English as a Second Language (ESOL)

Our skilled and dedicated tutors deliver inspiring courses in English & maths and ESOL for employers who want to upskill their workforce. It’s never too late to take these core qualifications, which can open up opportunities to a whole host of further education and career development opportunities. The courses are FREE of charge to UK residents.

Distance Learning

Distance Learning provides employees with a flexible way of completing professional development.

Your employees can study from home with specialist support from our dedicated tutors throughout the programme.

We offer a range of interesting subjects such as Business, Care, Equality & Diversity, Health & Nutrition and Safeguarding. All of our Level 2 Distance Learning courses are FREE of charge providing the course is completed.

Degree-level courses

We offer a range of full-time and part-time degree-level courses including HNCs, HNDs, Foundation Degrees and full Bachelor Degrees (validated by local universities). These courses can be completed from as little as 8 hours per week and offer a flexible way of achieving a university qualification including online and blended learning approaches. We have smaller class sizes than universities and industrystandard facilities.

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Employer Services and Opportunites - The Bedford College Group

Speak to our team to see how we can contribute to the continued development of your workforce.

We can deliver various different training approaches available during the day and evening, virtually or at your workplace

We can deliver various different training approaches, while making sure you always get the best possible return on investment.

Employer Services and Opportunites - The Bedford College Group

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Online CPD courses

We appreciate that employees want a flexible approach to accessing learning, which is why we have introduced a suite of e-learning modules using some of the best learning technologies available. The modules are self-contained, providing extensive resources and an end of course assessment, leading to a CPD certificate on successful completion of the course. They offer a high quality standalone educational experience for people who want to keep learning and developing independently. We are pleased to offer a wide range of e-learning modules available at a small cost in areas such as Business, Leadership & Management, Health & Safety, Retail & Hospitality and Personal Development & Employability.

Part-time courses

The Learning Centres

Whether your staff are completely new to computers or want to brush up their existing IT skills, we’re sure to have a course that suits.

The Learning Centres offer a professional adult learning environment located in the town centres of Bedford, Corby and Kettering.

As long as they can commit to 4 hours study each week, either in the centre or at home, then all of the training is FREE.

‘Soft skill’ short courses

By soft skills we mean the skills that keep the business growing, but can too often be overlooked, such as leadership, communication and time management.

Our interactive courses will keep your staff at the top of their game.

Our Part-time courses enable your staff to continue working whilst enhancing their current skills set, pursue an interest or passion in more depth or make the jump to learning something new.

The skills of your employees represent one of the most important elements of your business.

Our range of qualifications will allow your staff to increase their skills, knowledge and self-awareness – creating a thriving culture of employer investment and employee empowerment.

We offer excellent training facilities and a team of highly-qualified tutors to support you to achieve your business goals. We deliver a variety of professional development courses in a wide range of industries, our professional programmes in Accounting, Business & Management, Construction and Engineering are well respected by local businesses and highly sought after by employers.

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Employer Services and Opportunites - The Bedford College Group

Employer Services and Opportunites - The Bedford College Group

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Our courses are accredited by the UK’s leading national industry training bodies.

Here are some of our notable partners: • Association for Accounting Technicians (AAT) • Chartered Management Institute (CMI) • Cisco Academy • Microsoft Professional courses • Construction Skills • Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) • Institute of Motor Vehicle Industry (IMI) • Lantra • Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)

Are you opening a new site or need an increase in your staffing capacity?

We can help you by setting up a Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP).

We work in partnership with employers and Job Centre Plus to design flexible, fully-funded training programmes. Candidates are identified by Job Centre Plus, undertake the training programme and employers provide information regarding their organisations/job vacancies and then interview all candidates. This is a free of charge service and employers will be supported by their own project lead at the College. Once appointed we can also design training packages to continue training the new recruits.

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Apprenticeships What are they?

An apprenticeship is a way for someone to develop their professional and technical skills while working for you. This person might be an employee who is new to the industry or sector, or an existing employee you want to upskill through developing new skills and knowledge that will benefit your workforce. Apprenticeship programmes go from the equivalent of GCSE level right up to degree level, so from junior roles up to senior staff and management.

How do they work?

Apprentices are employed by you just like any other member of staff. Alongside their job role there is a part-time study element that will be agreed with you to ensure it fits around their other commitments. For instance, they might attend College one day per week (day release), in blocks of a week or more (block release), or have all of their training delivered in the workplace and not come into College.

Methods are flexible and we will work alongside you to develop an individual training plan to meet the needs of your business. Employers are expected to provide paid study time during an apprentice’s normal working hours.

This will constitute a minimum of 20% of working time spent in off-the-job learning.

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Employer Services and Opportunites - The Bedford College Group

As the biggest provider of apprenticeships in the South East Midlands, we can help find your next apprentice or set up an existing member of staff on the right programme for them.

Once they settle into the job and learn what they need to know, apprentices become a real asset to your business.

Vic Lannantuono, Owner, Vic’s Plumbing & Heating

What’s in it for my company?

• A new apprentice will bring fresh ideas and skills into your business • Existing team members can increase their skills and productivity through an apprenticeship • Apprentices can acquire skills and experience from other staff members helping to future proof your business • Many apprentices become full-time members of staff, enabling you to nurture the talent you’ve helped to grow and reduce staff turnover costs • Access to government incentives and funding. Please note that these change regularly, so do contact our team for the most up-to-date information.

The Levy

The apprenticeship levy is a compulsory tax on employers to help fund the development and delivery of apprenticeships.

Not everyone has to pay the levy.

In fact, 98% of UK employers don’t…

• Do you have a total wage bill in excess of £3 million a year? If yes, then you need to pay the levy at a rate of 0.5% of your wage bill (offset by a levy allowance of £15,000) • Do you have a wage bill less than £3 million per annum?

You don’t need to pay the levy but you are still expected to make a financial contribution and co-invest 5% of the agreed training price. The government pays the remaining 95%.

• Are you a small employer (fewer than 50 employees) with an apprentice aged 16-18? The government pays 100% of the apprenticeship costs.

T Level Industry Placements T Levels are a new two-year technical qualification for 16-18 year olds, which have been designed with employers to give young people the skills required by industry. Eventually T Levels will become one of three clear pathways for students to move on to post-GCSE, alongside Apprenticeships and A-Levels.

Just like study programmes, This is a great opportunity T Levels have different elements to be a part of a brand new to their delivery: qualification. echnical knowledge and skills specific to the T chosen industry or occupation Relevant maths, English and digital skills An industry placement of at least 45 days to develop practical and technical skills The industry placement is a large part of T Levels and we offer participating employers full support with every aspect, from paperwork to planning and designing the placement to fit the needs of the individual student, whilst also fulfilling your business’ requirements.

The first T Level programmes at The Bedford College Group will be rolled out in September 2021. If you are interested in finding out more, please sign up for further communications through a member of our team to ensure you stay fully up-to-date.

From day one the College offered a personal service that was supportive and progressive.

Tim Beasley of RS Components

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Employer Services and Opportunites - The Bedford College Group

Work Placements Each of our Full-time students follow a tailored study programme, which includes their professional qualification, English & maths (if required), personal development skills and work experience.

Work experience is very important because it helps our students to experience the industry they are learning about.

Plus, it enhances their CV, prepares them for employment and gives them network opportunities for the future.

We rely on forward-thinking local employers to provide placements for our students.

Placements are scheduled as part of a student’s study programme. They may be completed as a block, i.e. a one-week placement, or over a longer period of time attending on a weekly basis. Our placement coordinators will work with employers to agree these arrangements.

By matching a student’s course to a relevant business or industry, we make sure we add value to both parties Placements are a good way for you and your team to share your experience and meet potential candidates for future roles

We would love to hear from you if you can offer a placement to one or more of our students.

If you’re not able to commit to offering a placement, could one of the following appeal?

Student visits to your organisation: many of our study programmes include trips to local businesses and organisations Lead and assist in live assignment briefs for students to work on: for example, our Graphic Design students have helped many local businesses with branding activities over the years Contributing to careers events at College: could you give a talk to our students or have a stand at a future event?

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Employer forums

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Bedford College Group regularly hosts valuable Industry Employer Forums where we look forward to talking to our local employers about the future workforce and local economy.

The Bedford College Group is committed to providing more choices, opportunities and experiences for everyone.

Industry and education go hand in hand and so we believe it is our responsibility to continue to have open, informative discussions with industry representatives on topics such as: How our current and future students and apprentices can support your workforce What your goals are as an employer and how we can support you to achieve these hat industry-relevant skills you feel are lacking W in today’s workforce chance to meet and network with other A like-minded businesses Our future plans and how you can get involved And many more If you would like to join other local employers at one of our future Forum events, please do get in touch. Alternatively, we will be happy to discuss your thoughts and requirements individually with you.

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Employer Services and Opportunites - The Bedford College Group

Our large following and wide customer base across the South East Midlands region makes us the perfect platform through which to promote your brand whilst actively supporting upcoming talent.

We have numerous sponsorship opportunities in the following areas, all of which can be tailored to your individual requirements: Open Days Careers fairs Achievement ceremonies Signage Naming rights for a facility or event Student workshops Donating equipment Let us know if you would like more information on any of the above, or to have a conversation about other bespoke opportunities.

Working with us

Teaching for us

Guest speakers are an important and fun part of our students’ lessons. Many of them often comment on how interesting and useful they find these sessions.

We hope by now that you have got a better picture of what we provide and how we connect our students, local businesses and the community together through various opportunities.

Some students may stay in contact with guest speakers, benefitting from other opportunities such as work experience or even an apprenticeship.

The reason we bring industry representatives, like yourselves, into the classroom is so that we can help our students connect theory with practice. It’s also very inspiring for our students to hear from those already working in the sector they are interested in, which in turn gives them the motivation and ambition to succeed with their qualifications.

If you were to speak to some of our students, you could talk not only about the wider industry but about your own company’s experiences and achievements, hence promoting your business whilst benefiting from public speaking experience.

Speaking opportunities are always available, either in person or virtually, so do get in touch if this is of interest to you.

To be able to continue to support employers and create a high-class workforce of the future, we need technical teachers who our students can be positively influenced by and aspire to.

Would you consider becoming a guest lecturer for our students? This ‘dual’ role can fit alongside your existing work commitments in industry, whilst you deliver modules of learning to provide our students with up-to-date industry processes and practices. These flexible roles are paid at an hourly rate.

We will provide all the training you need to guest lecture, as well as further training to work towards accredited teaching qualifications if you desire.

If this sounds like something that may be of interest to you, please get in touch with your Account Manager who will provide you with more details.

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How to get in touch If you would like to find out more about any of the opportunities outlined in this guide, please contact the College campus located nearest to your business via the details below. www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk Bedford College & Shuttleworth College: phone 01234 291747 envelope training@bedford.ac.uk www.bedford.ac.uk/business-training Tresham College: phone 01536 413542 or envelope businessdevelopment@tresham.ac.uk www.tresham.ac.uk/sectors/employers/ our-services/ You can also ‘meet the team’ online at: www.bedford.ac.uk/business-training/ our-services/meet-our-team

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Employer Services and Opportunites - The Bedford College Group