Training and Development 22

DIGITECH CENTRE OPEN FOR LEARNING

Suffolk hopes to become a recognised centre for ICT and digital technologies in industry, with the opening of a £9.6m facility dedicated to research and engineering.

The DigiTech Centre at BT’s Adastral Park in Martlesham, is a joint project between the University of Suffolk and BT. Its specialist high-tech laboratories provide the base for cutting-edge learning in digital skills, and facilities are open for use by university staff, students and local businesses. Adastral Park is BT’s global Research and Development centre, playing a pivotal role in telecommunications research such as the commercialisation of single-mode optical fibre and the recent development of the world’s first quantum networks. BT spokesperson Lisa Perkins said: “This is a major milestone for us at Adastral Park as this new centre will help supply a rich pipeline of new technology talent, which will not only be of huge benefit to BT, but the entire region. “There is also a growing demand for people with skills in new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science. The courses and scholarships offered through the University of Suffolk will mean that we will have

access to students graduating with these key skills right on our doorstep. University deputy vice-chancellor Professor Mohammad Dastbaz added: “In a rapidly developing technological age, we want the DigiTech Centre to be a state-ofThe Centre will have the-art ‘solution centre’ for SMEs and other specialist laboratories businesses as well as research and knowledge in AI, Data Science, transfer hub. Network Security “The Centre will have specialist laboratories in and Cyber range and AI, Data Science, Network Security and Cyber range will make Suffolk a and will make Suffolk a recognised destination recognised destination for industry-focused ICT and Digital Creative for industry-focused study programmes ICT and Digital Creative and an internationally recognised destination for study programmes continuous professional development in digital and an internationally technologies.” recognised destination The Centre also received funding from the New for continuous Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). professional Chair C-J Green said: “Ipswich is recognised development in digital as having a vibrant digital creative hub and technologies. students at the DigiTech Centre will have the opportunity to become part of the Adastral Park community.” The facilities span the University’s Waterfront campus in Ipswich and BT’s Adastral Park. Details at uos.ac.uk/digitech

DIGITECH

uos.ac.uk/digitech

LOOK TO THE FUTURE WITH AN APPRENTICE

National Apprenticeship Week returns on 7-13 February 2022 under the banner ‘Build the Future’.

The theme is more relevant than ever given the UK’s ongoing skills shortage, with over 1200 online and live events showcasing how apprentices make a real difference to business.

However, the event wouldn’t exist at all without you, the employers. Now into its 14th year, NAW has welcomed participation from businesses of all shapes and sizes.

And while the last couple of years have been far from normal, employers and apprentices are showing dogged determination to keep student learning on track. Did you know? You can also use apprenticeships to upskill and retrain your existing workforce. Full details about NAW’s activities will be published at apprenticeships.gov.uk in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, here are some tips about making the most of apprenticeships – and helping your apprentice make the most of their time with you.

Hiring an apprentice is easier than you think!

apprenticeships.gov.uk offers lots of advice about financial support and help available from the government. There are a few key questions you need to ask yourself before taking on an apprentice.

What funding is available?

What are your responsibilities?

What support do you have planned for the apprentice? Will they need additional learning? Have you chosen a training provider? Does your commitment statement list your apprentice’s learning outcomes and roles and responsibilities?

What’s the next step when the apprenticeship is complete?

All apprenticeships in England must be managed through the government’s online service. You need to set up an account to:

Access funding Set up and approved apprentices Advertise on Find an apprenticeship (this page is very popular, receiving over eight million hits every month). Liaise with training providers Give feedback on training

Upskilling your workforce

Apprenticeships from level 2 to level 7 (equivalent to a degree) are available, which can be designed by you to reflect the knowledge and skills that your business needs.

For example, an experienced employee may be keen to get a formal qualification in their specialist area, or someone really wants to learn something new and progress into a different role. It’s a great motivational tool, and is proven to boost employee performance and retention.

Find out more at apprenticeships.gov.uk/ employers/upskilling-your-workforce

WORKING WITH EMPLOYERS TO DELIVER APPRENTICESHIPS

We offer two HNC Level 4 apprenticeships!

HNC ENGINEERING (LEVEL 4) (pathways of Electrical/Electronic & Mechanical)

HNC CONSTRUCTION (LEVEL 4)

• Small group sizes • Work based assessments • Flexible delivery • Taught by industry experts • 30+ years experience of offering HNCs • High levels of tutor contact, professional guidance and individual support

KELVIN BRADY

HNC Engineering Level 4 “For anyone thinking of doing an HNC course, I’d say, “just do it”! I would never have accomplished some of the work I’ve achieved without the help of this course and the tutors. “

ANTHONY RICHARDSON

HNC Construction Level 4

“I did not find returning to learning difficult, but whenever I have had any questions, I have found the lecturers are always very helpful if I have any concerns. The facilities are very good, in particular the purpose-built University Centre for higher education courses. The tutors are excellent and the online resources available through the CWA LEARN platform are also very good for distance learning”

01553 815 600 employers@cwa.ac.uk

cwa.ac.uk/employers

BUILDING BETTER BRIDGES – HOW INGLETON WOOD IS TACKLING THE CONSTRUCTION SKILLS GAP

Did you know the construction industry needs 217,000 additional workers by 2025 to meet rising demand? That’s over 4,000 new recruits each month, according to Construction Skills Network research. Architects, technicians, project managers and IT support are all needed.

Consider too: retirements, retention and upskilling your workforce to stay ahead of new trends, technology, legislation and government targets.

Construction will play a vital role in our economic bounce back following the pandemic. Huge infrastructure schemes such as electric vehicle charging, sustainability projects like offshore wind farms, and retrofitting buildings to reduce emissions are all essential.

Schools, hospitals and local authorities also need to invest in ageing premises.

Amid such challenges, it’s reassuring to know large employers like Ingleton Wood, a property and construction consultancy based in Norfolk and across the East of England, are tackling the notorious skills gap that has long bedevilled the industry to fire up productivity.

“We build bridges with schools, colleges and universities, and grow our workforce with homegrown talent,” said Holly Sutherland, Apprenticeship Coordinator at Ingleton Wood. “Apprenticeships give you diverse workforces and form a key part of our People First strategy. We are also committed to lifelong learning for all our multi-generational teams.” The education sector knows that work remains to remove “outdated stigma” over vocational qualifications. A new breed of degree apprenticeships could pave the way. Launched in 2015, apprentices study at university and work part-time without paying tuition fees. Holly believes more universities are now “realising the many rich benefits that apprenticeships provide”. The Practice offers degree apprenticeships for budding architects, engineers and surveyors in association with London South Bank University and Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford. “These apprentices get the best of both worlds,” Holly added. “They learn cutting-edge theory from leading universities and gain invaluable real-life practical experience from our teams.” Ingleton Wood drew £40,000 from its Apprenticeship Levy pot last year, potentially rising to £70,000 in 2021/22. They have 15