Skills for growth

The Skills for Growth Service offers businesses in Telford and Wrekin advice, guidance and signposting to the right support. Working collaboratively with our partners we act as a first point of contact to streamline access to what you need, when you need it.

We aim to make the right introductions and connections that help you to navigate multiple options.

Apprentiships, Upskilling & Other training

We support businesses looking for help with apprentiships and other upskilling or training opportunities for their workforce, including:

Management and Leadership Apprenticeships: Tailored apprenticeships from Team Leader to Senior Manager levels are available through a network of Training Providers.

Introduction to Providers: Assistance is provided in navigating the vast array of apprenticeship standards by making introductions to local or national Training Providers.

Funding Support: Guidance is offered on funding options, including the Apprenticeship Levy and government support for non-levy paying businesses, to cover apprenticeship training costs.

Standalone Modules: For employees not requiring full qualifications, standalone modules in management and leadership are available, with introductions to local providers.

Workforce Skills Analysis: Assistance is provided in conducting workforce skills analysis and developing tailored training programmes through local Training Providers.

UKSPF Funding: From April 2024, UK Shared Prosperity Funding will support employee upskilling, fostering business productivity, growth, and addressing emerging skills needs.

Other Funding Opportunities: Information and support are offered on various funding streams, such as Bootcamp and LSIF funding, to support specific sectors.

Commercial Training: For cases where government-funded training is not applicable, bespoke commercial training options are available through other Training Providers.

Lifetime Skills Guarantee: Eligible individuals can access free Level 3 qualifications, with advice and introductions provided to local Training Providers.

Bootcamps: Free, flexible training linked to local job opportunities, ending with interviews for potential recruitment. Guidance is provided on relevant Bootcamps and introductions to local Providers.

Recruitment, Retention & Redundancy

Getting the right team of people working in your business is essential to its success, it’s also vital for increasing productivity and growth. This can be challenging and the employment and skills system in place complex. We can provide the following:

Advice: Providing guidance on job descriptions, local labour pool insights, sector-focused pre-employment programs, and initiatives, as well as information on local infrastructure and services for inward investors or businesses recruiting from outside the borough.

Job Advertising: Offering assistance with free job advertising through various platforms like Telford Jobbox, DWP, and promotion of vacancies through community teams, partner agencies, and other organizations providing job search support.

East Team Services: Telford and Wrekin Council's East Team offers specialised support to businesses and employees, including advice on health conditions, disabilities, workforce adaptations, job coaching, and in-work support for new recruits.

Introductions to Companies Making Redundancies: Facilitating HR-to-HR introductions between businesses undergoing redundancies and those recruiting with similar skill sets, alongside advising on funded training to aid transition.

Employment Fairs: Hosting regular employment fairs across the borough for businesses and job seekers to engage face-to-face, including opportunities for on-the-day interviews and support for larger recruitment events.

Introduction to Recruitment Companies: Providing access to trusted recruitment agencies for both single hires and volume redundancies across various levels and sectors.

Events: Organising on-site employment events and bringing in partners to offer advice and support during potentially unsettling times.

Employee Support: Offering support with CVs, interview techniques, labour market advice, career changes, and government initiatives, including tailored 1-1 or group sessions, both on-site and remotely, in collaboration with DWP for Universal Credit claims process.

Local Initiatives

Work Local

Employment fairs at local community venues to provide a platform for employers to connect face to face with local people and an opportunity to raise the profile of local businesses across the local communities within Telford and Wrekin.

Employers who are interested in supporting this initiative can email the Business Support team skills specialist Louise Harding – louise.harding@telford.gov.uk

Construction Skills and Recruitment hub

In partnership with Lovells, Telford College and local construction businesses the Construction Skills Hub aims to provide construction training, work experience opportunities, school visits and careers guidance, and a central point of contact for construction recruitment.

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