BUSINESSNEWS
SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE
Working in collaboration with Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Kidderminster College has taken a huge step forward in its plans to build its new Construction and Automotive Skills Centre (CASC) which was approved by the planning committee in March. Construction work is due to start at the Stourport Road site imminently, with a planned opening date of Spring 2023. Cat Lewis, Principal said: “The new centre provides an opportunity for the college to build on its existing strong relationships with key local stakeholders, both in business and the wider community, and to have a significant impact on closing regional skills gaps and providing the expert technical skills that businesses need to grow. We look forward to bringing regular updates on the CASC, and to engaging with Chamber of Commerce Members on developing our apprenticeship and curriculum offer.”
OFSTED GOOD Kidderminster College are extremely proud to announce that we have received a rating of ‘Good’ from Ofsted following a
full inspection of all NCG’s seven colleges. The report highlights many positives across NCG including the quality of work experience and work placements, how the college respond to employers and the needs of the students and communities, the motivation of students to develop their skills and knowledge and much more. The report highlighted key strengths since the previous inspection: “…Senior leaders have successfully transformed the organisational culture of the group and its constituent colleges so that they work more effectively together to pursue their mission to enable social mobility and economic prosperity through high-quality education.” “Colleges within the group now share a set of strong policy frameworks for quality, teaching, equality and diversity, and safeguarding. They implement these policies effectively to provide learners on education programmes for young people, adult learning programmes and provision for learners with high needs with a consistently good quality of education.”
NEW COLLEGE WORCESTER HAVE BEEN SUPPORTING VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND STUDENTS FOR OVER 150 YEARS There is currently a huge emphasis on businesses supporting educational establishments to help get young people into the world of work. However, the sad truth is that very few businesses are willing to support students that suffer with sight loss. These students are then put at a huge disadvantage when compared to those students attending mainstream schools. Businesses are concerned around the responsibility that comes with a visually impaired student, but Kevin Hateley, from NCW, would like us all to know that this is not the case. Their students are amazingly resilient and more capable of work than most
people expect. Modifications can be put into place to support the student whilst in a placement, and this is something that the college arrange by doing an assessment of the work environment prior to a placement taking place. The Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with NCW to support the importance of their students getting the work experience placements they deserve. If your business believes that it could help with a work experience opportunity, please contact Kevin Hateley for more information: KHateley@ncw.co.uk
Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce
GRADUATE SURVEYOR IS BUILDING SKILLS
Many young people find it difficult to acquire the skills they need to follow their chosen career path. Late last year, Kyle Pugh was about to move from Worcester to London to pursue his dream of becoming a Surveyor. But then he spotted a Graduate Surveyor opportunity at Worcestershire commercial property consultancy GJS Dillon. Three months later, Kyle’s skillset is expanding rapidly to include technical and legal knowledge, negotiation, planning and organisation skills. In his role in GJS Dillon’s Commercial Agency he works closely with the rest of the team on commercial property sales and lettings across Worcestershire. As soon as a property comes onto the market, Kyle is responsible for viewings, negotiating terms and liaising with other professionals such as solicitors to finalise the sale or letting. Work and study are closely intertwined as Kyle explains: “I’m following the Real Estate pathway to my qualification which gives you a range of mandatory and technical competencies. I have to keep a diary for 2 years and provide evidence that I’ve met the relevant standards for knowledge, application and advice. After that there’s a final assessment interview with the RICS where you present a case study and answer questions.” Kyle will finish his training next autumn and in the meantime he’s enjoying life at GJS Dillon: “One of the things I enjoy most about working in a small team is the camaraderie. We all support each other. Everyone bounces ideas off each other and I can ask questions at any time. That applies right across the organisation.” GJS Dillon is currently recruiting for roles in Surveying and Property Asset Management. For further information see www.gjsdillon.co.uk/situations
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