6 minute read
Skills
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
“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.
Navigating the New Norm
5 Top Tips to help you work more efficiently from home:
Securing Accounts
Ensure all users have strong passwords - ideally use a password manager Use Multifactor authentication wherever possible Logins must not be shared
2. Securing Devices
All devices should have a password or pin code Automatic software updates should be configured Antivirus software should be installed Laptops should have full encryption enabled
3. Virtual Meetings
With numerous solutions available for internal team and external client meetings, secure access is key – e.g. use password protection, authenticate users, make use of waiting rooms
4. Documents
Having difficulty with VPN or emailing files? Consider migrating to a platform such as Microsoft Teams allowing real-time collaboration on documents
5. Hardware
If your WFH team is struggling with old equipment, leasing devices could be an effective solution An equipment audit can help assess current and future needs and set priorities
Let Shoal IT be your trusted technology partner…
Security and transparency are at the heart of our business.
Shoal ensures that we have a deep understanding of your needs before providing and implementing appropriate and cost-effective solutions. Our IT expertise includes security, remote working, connectivity, software, hardware – all to provide our clients with effective business enablers. We provide Managed Services where Shoal is your “virtual” IT department, not only giving you 24/7 access to our UK-based helpdesk but also proactive monitoring and maintenance of your IT systems. With Cyber Security a key focus, we provide a range of alternatives from a one-off cyber audit to helping you acquire and maintain the UK Government’s Cyber Essentials certification. We also undertake one-off and on-going Project work to aid your business development.
To discuss your IT needs with us, please call or email: +44 20 8078 0810 info@shoal-it.com www.shoal-it.com
Shoal IT Solutions was founded by Mike Fish in 2002 and has been providing a professional and friendly service ever since to help clients find the right solutions for their varied SME businesses.
