Skills Hub
As we continue to repair and grow our businesses, conversations around skills and the changing labour market have become increasingly more prominent, and as a result have become a critical topic in businesses’ agendas across the two counties.
Welcome to the Chamber Skills Hub
In this hub, you’ll be able to access a plethora of information around the topic of skills including, apprenticeship opportunities, T Levels and Traineeships, hiring from the EU, information on levy paying businesses and job matching. You’ll also find useful links to resources available across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Our Skills Hub is constantly being updated, so keep an eye out for new updates and information.
Local Skills Improvement Plans
In 2022, the government announced that employers must have a bigger say in skills provision, and as a result Local Skills Improvement Plans were created.
Every county in England has its own Local Skills Improvement Plan which will reflect the unique and specific needs of the employers within each county. Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is leading on the LSIP for Worcestershire.
If you are a Worcestershire based employer, we invite you to play a part in this important project and help pave the way that training, and education is delivered within our county.
Learn more about T Levels
What's involved?
T Levels are 2-year courses which are taken after GCSEs and are broadly equivalent in size to 3 A Levels. Launched in September 2020, these courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and education providers so that the content meets the needs of industries and prepares students for entry into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or related technical study through further or higher education.
T Levels offer students practical and knowledge-based learning in the classroom and on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours – approximately 45 days.
The courses are available at selected colleges, schools and Independent Training providers across England. Approximately 80% of the students time will be based in the classroom with their education provider, and the remaining 20% will be spent with the employer.
Due to the infancy of these qualifications, not all courses are currently offered, and all FE providers will offer courses that align with their particular strengths.
There is no obligation to pay the student on placement, however, many employers choose to pay a salary in the hope they will join their workforce upon completion of the course.
Apprenticeships
Are you looking to grow your team and develop a skilled, qualified and motivated workforce? Hiring an apprentice will enable you to grow your talent and expand your business.
What’s an apprenticeship and how does it work?
An apprenticeship is a job placement that is accompanied by an assessment and skills development programme. Apprenticeships allow individuals to earn a wage whilst undertaking a qualification and gaining valuable skills. Not only will they gain knowledge about a specific job role and industry, but they’ll also have the opportunity to practise their new skills in a real working environment. Not only can apprenticeships help boost the skills of your workforce, but they also help improve economic productivity across the two counties.
What are the benefits to my business?
Looking into apprenticeships is a great way to succession plan for your workforce as they can improve your employee satisfaction, reduce staff turnover and recruitments costs. Apprenticeships are used to create productivity and are an effective way of developing a skilled and qualified team of professionals. According to Worcestershire Apprenticeships “Employers who have an established apprenticeship programme reported that productivity in their workplace had improved by 76% whilst 75% reported that apprenticeships improved the quality of their product or service.”
Traineeships
Traineeships allow young people to become ready for the working environment and gain experience to that’ll prepare them for their future career.
What’s a Traineeship?
A Traineeship is a training programme, alongside work experience. Traineeships can last up to a maximum of 6 months and allows young people to unlock great potential and prepare them for their future career.
Traineeships will include work preparation training provided by the training organisation and a high-quality work experience placement with an employer. English and Maths support is also available.
What are the benefits to my business?
A traineeship can be an ideal way for an organisation to prepare a young person for an Apprenticeship which they would ultimately like to offer. Employers who are providing the work experience are not required to pay the trainee, however some organisation do support with lunch, travel or other expenses.
Additional Information
Hiring from the EU
Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)
Worcestershire Skills Boost
The new Advanced British Standard (ABS)
Aimed at 16-18 year olds, the new qualification will bring together the best of T levels and A levels and combine them under one new qualification framework. All students will be required to undertake some form of English and Maths study until 18. The consultation for the implementation of the new qualification remains open until March 2024. The preparation of such a qualification will likely take up to a decade, and it is not expected that the ABS will be rolled out until 2033 onwards.
Training
All Chamber Training courses and bespoke solutions are delivered to the highest standards by professional and highly qualified trainers and consultants, and the Chamber Training Team are renowned for going the extra mile to ensure all clients and delegates receive first class service.
Chamber Business Training has an enviable portfolio of clients ranging from small to medium enterprises, to larger multi-nationals, and our flexible approach makes us a first choice training provider for many local firms.
All Chamber Members receive a 20% discount on their training course bookings.
Salary and Benefits Report
To support businesses who are looking to recruit and retain staff, the Chamber produce an annual Salary & Benefits Report, in partnership with Hewett Recruitment. This report allows businesses to benchmark the salaries and benefits packages they offer.
Download your copy of the report below.
Useful Links
Worcestershire Growth Hub
Marches Growth Hub Herefordshire
Become a Chamber Member!
Contact our Chamber Membership team to find out how we can help your business.