Developing Skills for Business Growth
London has more skills shortages than any other region in the UK: an estimated 30,000 unfilled vacancies as a direct result of people not having the right skills.
London First research shows that 75% of London employers are currently struggling to find the right skills. Global economic changes and technological advancements are leading to fewer jobs with low or no qualifications. South Thames Colleges Group (STCG) has a key role to play in ensuring that Londoners have the skills employers need which are also essential for fairness and inclusion, as well as economic prosperity. With the added complexity of Brexit restricting European workers into the UK which normally supplies 15% of the workforce in Finance, 30% in Construction and 40% in Hospitality; without sufficient home-grown skills available employers are likely to be left with a serious shortfall. Add to that the challenges arising from the COVID-19 crisis, the effect of Furlough ending, widespread unemployment and the unsettled economy - the next few years will be challenging for employers and employees alike. At STCG we are focusing on developing and strengthening the relationships between our Colleges and local, regional, national and international businesses. We are a quality provider of work based and employer faced training meeting employer needs in an efficient and economical way, adapting our offer to support employers and individuals in these unprecedented times. We are responding to these challenges by offering a portfolio of qualifications for young people from 16 plus, adults and employers alike in order to support changes
in conditions of employment and upskilling, we also have a plethora of courses for those who wish to change their career at whatever age. We are offering both short free online courses to upskill and classroom-based courses from Entry Level to Degree programmes. We are developing Centres of Excellence based upon our exceptional provision across the Colleges Group and have support and finance options available for all. We have and are constantly listening to our stakeholders in sector skilled employer focus groups which we run here the Colleges Group. South Thames College has a number of packages that are being utilised extensively by organisations, which can be adapted to employers’ requirements, including; • Training and support for adults being made redundant – we offer online and face-to-face training and support to people to support them back into the workforce • Training for staff in the workplace – we offer courses specifically designed to upskill current staff, so they have the skills required to work during this pandemic • Training support for managers who need further skills in running their business or areas of operation. We are also working closely with the Department of Work and Pensions and Job Centre Plus to support individuals into new job opportunities that desperately require filling now.
To find out more about our services and how we can support your organisation, please contact Stella Raphael-Reeves, Assistant Principal HE and Business at stella.raphael@stcg.ac.uk ‘At STCG we are focusing on developing and strengthening the relationships between our Colleges and local, regional, national and international businesses. We are a quality provider of work based and employer faced training meeting employer needs in an efficient and economical way, adapting our offer to support employers and individuals in these unprecedented times.’
Meet Stella Raphael-Reeves, Assistant Principal - HE and Business Development
“I am very excited about starting a new job at a wonderful College group, where I can bring my skills to bear in these challenging times, by listening and supporting businesses and individuals so that we offer correct training for your specific requirements. We work closely with SMEs, large employers, local authorities, and the public and charity sectors. As an experienced senior manager working in the Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) in the FE sector I have finally found my niche and ideal role. A culmination of all my experiences and a perfect fit for my charismatic nature and passion for FE and Education. These unprecedented times allow me to do what I feel I do best, to facilitate, motivate and drive cultural change, to engage with employers, to drive employability and to offer a portfolio of educational courses to reskill, upskill and support all to progress into new employment or Higher Education thus supporting to boost the economy. As with most FE managers, I am used to working under tight budgets and ever changing conditions of funding and guidance by awarding bodies and used to having to adapt in a fast and responsive manner, cascade information and new visions to my teams, motivate, enthuse and continue to push forward.” South Thames Colleges’ Group (STCG) comprises of four College centres: Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College and South Thames College, as a large group of Further Education colleges during these unprecedented times we are having to adapt and change the way we respond, work and deliver to our students, employers and stakeholders.
Business Connexions | 23
