skills development
october/november february/march 2019 business edge
Skills for the future Stephen Burkes, Director of Sussex Skills Solutions, looks at new skills initiatives to help people upskill and train for the workplace. Stephen Burkes Director Sussex Skills Solutions
The world of work is constantly changing. Over the past few years there have been rapid advances in technology that help workers to become more efficient. Brand new job roles that didn’t exist ten years ago, have been created and are now some of the most sought-after careers. Employment rates are also on the increase in the UK. Records show that the estimated 76.1% (April to June) is the joint highest since records began in 1971. All pretty positive stuff. To help boost the employment rate even further, Sussex Skills Solutions, the apprenticeship and training arm of East Sussex College, has developed a range of new courses to give adults access to new skills, getting them ready for work. ‘Skills for the Future’ was launched in June 2019 and has been backed by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Amber Rudd. Speaking as a keynote speaker at the launch event, Amber Rudd said that the initiative was “a really good example of private and public sector partnerships” and provides adults with good opportunities to get their foot in the door with employers. The new courses are built around three core elements: knowledge, skills, and behaviours. Stephen Burkes said: “We have developed four new courses in collaboration with a number of local employers to help
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learners acquire the knowledge, skills, and behaviours they need to find or get themselves back into work. Our courses will utilise the East Sussex College facilities, teach them all about the world of work they are entering into; they’ll be able to develop the skills they need to gain entry into that chosen area of work; and they will be able to develop the behavioural qualities employers are looking for in an employee.” Depending on an individual’s aims, goals, and aspirations, there are four pathways available. Insight programme: The Insight programme has been designed to give adults the opportunity to try their hand at a number of different skills in a range of industries such as construction, digital, cooking, and motor vehicle. It is perfect if they are unsure of the industry they’d like to work in, have been out of work for sometime and need to build confidence. Inside track programme: The Inside Track programme has been designed to boost English, maths and ICT functional skills qualifications to help learners to progress onto college or university courses. It is perfect if they are looking to retrain in a new career. Sprint programme: The Sprint programme is run in partnership with Sussex Skills Solutions’ extensive network of employers and has been designed to give adults a three-week intensive ‘work academy’. They will be able to gain bespoke employability skills in a number of areas such as construction, hospitality, creative and digital, retail, security, and social care. Eclipse programme: The Eclipse programme has been designed to help
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adults source flexible working to allow them to have a career that fits around their other commitments, such as caring for others. It can also help adults enter into the gig economy or support them in becoming self employed. Stephen continued: “Our research has told us that one size doesn’t fit all, which is why we have created four different course options. We will help guide learners to make the right choice that will support their goal to find a new career. “Another thing that makes these courses so attractive is that they are funded through the Education & Skills Funding Agency and are free for learners who are unemployed or earning less than £16k per annum.” Amber concluded: “The initiative is making sure adults are ready for the changing world of work by addressing the difficulties that people sometimes have in keeping up with the workforce. “I value the emphasis that Sussex Skills Solutions have placed on addressing anxiety and teaching resilience. It’s an approach that people from all walks of life can benefit from. Appreciating that your first job may not be your best job or even your dream job - but it’s a start.” The courses have various start dates throughout the year and last no longer than three months.
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