EmployerLink Spring 2013

UNITING CITY COLLEGE PLYMOUTH WITH BUSINESS | SPRING 2013

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City College Plymouth Kings Road, Devonport, Plymouth, PL1 5QG T: 01752 305026 E: employers@cityplym.ac.uk www.cityplym.ac.uk/employers

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If you require this newsletter in a larger type or different format please telephone 01752 305300.

From the Editor Welcome to the latest edition of EmployerLink; City College Plymouth’s newsletter for employers.

This edition of EmployerLink focuses on the opportunities for adults to continue their professional development, and our article on page one details the work we are doing to support Adult Learners’ Week - a nationally run initiative.

There are several government changes that will come into force in September, which will affect employers and education. Find out more information regarding the new 24+ Advanced Learning Loans on page one, and our article on page two, which details the crucial facts that you need to know about raising the participation age.

The College is working to support emerging industries and we have developed significant training opportunities around renewable energy technologies in order to support these industries. Find out more on page three.

I am pleased to announce Babcock has joined the College’s Employer Endorsement Scheme, formalising the great working relationship we have. Read more on page five about how we are working with employers to benefit industry and the wider community.

Our Apprenticeship provision has recently been recognised as outstanding by Ofsted and we are constantly meeting the changing needs of employers. We have been working with communications company, EE, to support their business with Apprenticeships.

Read more about Apprenticeships on page six.

Following the College’s opening of our Plymouth Advice Centre for Employment (PACE), we have been working with employers and Jobcentre Plus to create sector-based work academies. Find out about our work with Plymouth Citybus to help the unemployed in the City on page seven.

Work experience has never been so fundamental in the training we provide for young people and we need support from business to ensure our students are workready. Find out how you can support our students on page eight.

We are proud to be the headline sponsor of the first Plymouth Business Show, which is being staged by Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Find out more about this great showcase event on page nine.

The College has a range of commercial services available, and we have a variety of business-to-business offers for you to take advantage of. Turn to the back cover to find out more.

I hope you enjoy reading your copy of EmployerLink. We aim to keep you informed with all the latest education and training news, but if there is a topic you would like to see covered please contact the editor via e-mail at srobbie@cityplym.ac.uk.

Sharron Robbie Head of Corporate Relations Editor

Message from the Principal The educational landscape in the City is changing to meet the global demands and pressures placed upon us all, and City College Plymouth is working to innovate and embed enterprise in education, in all its forms, to ensure these demands are met.

The College has made a long-standing commitment to embedding enterprise with our staff and students, enabling us to play an integral role in positively transforming the local community and stimulating wealth creation. To this end, I am pleased to say the College has joined The Gazelle Colleges Group, an alliance of colleges committed to transforming the curriculum to encourage an entrepreneurial mind-set in their students and in turn benefit employers by increasing opportunities for all. The current economic and global climate means fostering a new

generation of social and commercial entrepreneurs is essential in adding value to the local community and in the innovation of industry. The College is dedicated to preparing students for an entrepreneurial life, not only a corporate career, by developing ways of entrepreneurial learning which break down barriers between education and industry.

The College has always been aware of its need to establish and maintain strong, positive links between education and industry, enterprise and employment, in order to facilitate greater access for our students to the real world of work. This is particularly pertinent as the local job market becomes increasingly competitive and unemployment continues to impact upon the young people within the City. To this end, we are working towards embedding work experience in all full-time study programmes from September 2013 for 16 to 18 year olds.

This commitment relies on the partnerships we have with industry, and we have worked hard to forge strong, positive relationships with a wide breath of industry professionals

in order to facilitate this. It is vital that we all work together to provide our young people with the opportunity to develop the skills and competencies necessary for them to gain future employment.

There are many challenges ahead in ensuring the education sector meets the ever-changing needs of industry. We are continuing to work to further innovate the way people are educated and trained in the City and we believe we are best placed to support the local labour market, ensuring they have the right skills, attitude and opportunities to not only add value to employers but to impact positively on the wider community.

Phil Davies Principal and Chief Executive

Adult Learners’ Week is the UK’s largest annual festival of learning and works to promote learning in all forms. This year, Adult Learners’ Week takes place between 18 and 24 May and aims to encourage participation in different kinds of learning, all of which focuses on improving career prospects, supporting new career pathways and positively impacting on business.

Learning for Work Most adults say the best place for them to learn is in the workplace and City College Plymouth can provide a range of training in order to develop and support your team.

Training and development are crucial to businesses as they: • increase staff morale and motivation • increase staff retention • reduce staff costs • improve quality standards and customer satisfaction • improve overall effectiveness of your business.

The biggest cost to a business is its wage bill. Adult learning is one of the tools that can be used to help develop staff and maintain their effectiveness. Adult learners tend to be more motivated workers if they feel that they are being invested in, with learning opportunities or skills training.

Visit us around the City …

We will be promoting adult learning for work around various locations in the City during Adult Learners’ Week, so come and see us and find out more about the training opportunities available to you and your business.

City College Plymouth can help you and your staff gain the necessary skills to continue professional development and improve business success.

To find out more, please contact the Corporate Relations team on 01752 305026 or e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk.

To find out more, reserve your place at our Adult Learners' Week Open Evening on Thursday 23 May, 4.00pm to 7.00pm. Call us on 01752 305300 or e-mail info@cityplym.ac.uk.

We would be delighted to see you at any of our events.

Visit us in the Drake Circus Shopping Centre on Friday 24 May

24+ Advanced Learning Loans New Government Initiative From 1 August 2013 the government will be introducing a new ‘24+ Advanced Learning Loan’ system that will enable those aged 24 and over to apply for a loan to cover up-front course costs (course fees). Loans will be available for those studying level 3 or 4 courses, including Qualifications & Credit Framework certificates and diplomas (previously known as NVQs), Access to Higher Education, A levels and advanced and higher level Apprenticeships.

www.cityplym.ac.uk/employers

To qualify for an Advanced Learning Loan you must: • be aged 24 and over at the start of your course • be resident in the UK, and have been so for the last three years • have not previously received a loan to do the same course at the same level • be studying a course at level 3 or 4.

• if an individual takes out a loan to cover the fees for an Access course and then progresses to complete a higher education course, they won’t have to repay the remaining loan for the Access course • repayments will take place even if an individual does not complete the course.

Important facts to note: • loans will only cover the up-front course costs - the course fees • loans will be paid directly to the training provider • individuals can apply for up to four loans as long as the criteria stated above is met • repayments will only begin after 1 April 2016, even if the course ended before this date, and if an individual is earning over £21,000

For advanced and higher level Apprenticeships, individuals can only apply for a loan covering 50% of the course fee, as the employer is expected to share the cost. For any other level 3 or level 4 courses, individuals can choose to fund this partly by loan.

To find out more about 24+ Adult Learning Loans and level 3 and 4 qualifications at City College Plymouth, please contact the Corporate Relations team on 01752 305026 or e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk.

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Raising the Participation Age in Education The raising of the participation age is aimed at ensuring the future, working population has higher level skills and knowledge that will enable the British economy to compete on a global stage, this is particularly timely given the current economic climate and the accompanying impact on youth unemployment.

New government measures are being introduced in order to ensure young people have the best opportunity at gaining the right knowledge and skills to enter the world of work. From 2013 a young person is expected to stay in education or training until they are 17 years old and from 2015 this is being raised to 18.

The vast majority of 16 and 17 year olds already continue in some form of education and this has increased over the last few years. Plymouth is no exception and research shows that nearly 90% of young people in Plymouth will continue with full-time education after year 11, compared to 79% a decade ago. This drive for change originates from the need to give young people the best chance to develop skills and gain qualifications that open doors to future employment, help make the most of their potential and earn more over their lifetime.

This is what employers and universities have been demanding for some time.*

Raising the participation age is not raising the school leaving age The new government directive is not about young people staying at school after the age of 16, but is about continuing their education and training, enabling them to continue their skills and knowledge development. Young people will still be able to choose other options after completing their GCSE qualifications at age 16 and these include: • studying full-time in a school, college or private training provider • full-time work or volunteering - combined with part-time study or education • an Apprenticeship.

• Feinstein, L. Budge, D. Vorhaus, J and Duckworth, K. (2008):The social and personal benefits and of learning: A summary of key research findings; Centre for Research on the Wider Benefits of Learning

What does this mean for business?

This new initiative will not burden businesses in any way, but will improve the skills of the young people they employ. There will be no duty on employers to ensure employees attend part-time training as raising the participation age ensures the legal duty is on the individual. However, it is recommended that allowing a young employee sufficient time for part-time study will increase their productivity.

Government changes will not affect employers who take on apprentices, as this meets the stated criteria, allowing for part-time study through day release in the majority of cases. However, the changes will positively influence employers and the economy by providing a future workforce

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If you would like to find out more on how raising the participation age could affect you and your business contact the Corporate Relations team on 01752 305026 or e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk.

College Supports 1000 Club City College Plymouth is proud to have become a member of the 1000 Club, which is dedicated to supporting young people into employment. This city-wide initiative brings organisations together, allowing a single point of contact for advice and guidance on supporting young people into employment.

*Sources: • Department for Education Participation in Education, Training and Employment by 16- to 18-year-olds in England, June 2011 • Greenwood, C. Jenkins, A. and Vignoles, A (2007): The Returns to Qualifications in England: Updating the Evidence Base on Level 2 and Level 3 Vocational Qualifications; Institute of Education http://cee.lse.ac.uk/ceedps/ceedp89.pdf

that is qualified to a higher level and which is able to meet the needs of an ever-changing job market and the needs of employers.

The College has joined other key businesses supporting the initiative, emphasising our commitment to helping the unemployed in the City.

Our engagement in the 1000 Club follows the launch of our Plymouth Advice Centre for Employment (PACE); a dedicated centre that is helping the unemployed back into work. Situated in the heart of the City Centre, PACE offers a free programme of activity including a wide variety of courses aimed at improving the employability prospects of individuals.

To find out more about the 1000 Club and how you can get involved in helping young people into employment please contact the Corporate Relations team on 01752 305026 or e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk.

Priority Growth Sector - Renewable Technology

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Intelligent Building Controls (KNX) Training at City College Plymouth City College Plymouth is working in partnership with one of the world’s leading engineering companies, ABB, to offer innovative Intelligent Building Controls KNX training.

The KNX standard is the world’s first and only approved building and home automation technology standard. The ABB i-bus KNX® technology provides electrical installation systems for the efficient running and management of intelligent building controls in residential and non-residential buildings.

For further information on our renewable technology training, please contact us for a copy of our new Efficiency Energy Training booklet on 01752 305026 or e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk.

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Renewable Energy Training at City College Plymouth The College is well placed to help employers develop their renewable technology skills and services. The recent refurbishment of our construction facilities

The College’s ABB Energy Centre offers business the opportunity to fill skills gaps within their workforce and compete in the renewable technologies market. We offer a wide breadth of training including, solar thermal, photovoltaics, heat pumps and biomass systems. Our first-class facilities offer training that is aligned to the renewable technology industry, and this is endorsed through the collaborative working we do with industry professionals.

KNX training offered at the College ranges from level 2 to 4 qualifications, and is designed for qualified system designers, architects, electricians, and those wishing to become integrators who need an in-depth understanding of how the system operates, is programmed, designed, installed and commissioned.

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In the South West, the generation of renewable energy more than doubled over a two year period and it is estimated that 10,000 people are now employed in the sector in the South West - a 40% growth, which bucks the trend for similar industries in the current economic climate.** The renewables industry is key to the economic growth and wealth creation in the South West and is already having considerable impact on the City’s business and education sectors.

has enabled us to look to the future and to those emerging markets and opportunities, which are coming to the fore in renewable and low carbon technologies.

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The fastest growing energy sector …

Renewable energy has become a hot topic in recent years and follows reports on global warming and constant warnings of potential energy shortages. The renewable energy sector is growing on a world-wide basis but the impact can be seen much closer to home. The Renewable Energy Association’s ‘Made in Britain’ report reveals that the renewables industry supports 111,000 jobs across the supply chain in the UK and predicts it could support over 400,000 jobs by 2020. It is clear the renewables industry will be crucial in supporting the country’s economic growth.*

* Renewable Energy Association, ade in Britain' 2012 ** Regen SW, ‘Renewable Energy Progress Report 2012 Annual Survey’

City College Plymouth Works with Local Company to Financially Support Apprentices City College Plymouth is proud to be working with MVV Environment Devonport Ltd to financially support students through an innovative apprentice bursary scheme.

MVV Environment, who are currently building an ‘Energy from Waste’ plant in the City, have an on-going commitment to education and training, and are keen to play a positive role in supporting young people into trade areas within construction and engineering. Part of this commitment has seen the introduction of an annual Apprenticeship bursary, which MVV Environment have offered to small businesses in the city who require financial assistance in order to enable workforce development and growth.

Paul Carey, Managing Director with MVV Environment, said: “Working with City College Plymouth on the bursary scheme is something we are passionate about. It is vital to us, as employers, that young people gain the right skills in order to add value to

www.cityplym.ac.uk/employers

businesses when they enter the world of work. Apprentices are highly valuable, and provide real benefits to business, which is why MVV Environment are so committed to supporting this initiative.”

Working with City College Plymouth, MVV Environment has identified local employer, Papillion Installations, who offer domestic refurbishment work across the city. Steve Gammon, Managing Director with Papillion Installations, currently employs one apprentice, Michael Congdon, who is in his second year of a level 2 carpentry Apprenticeship at the College. Michael is an excellent apprentice and is a real benefit to Steve and his business.

has a strong focus on supporting those within our community, and the MVV Environment Apprenticeship Bursary achieves this by helping both employers and young people. This long-term financial commitment from MVV Environment, alongside their membership of the College’s Employer Endorsement Scheme, facilitates collaborative working and supports workforce development via Apprenticeships and other training.”

To find out more about how you can work with the College to support your workforce, please contact the Corporate Relations team on 01752 305026 or e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk.

Steve Gammon, said: “This is a great help to me and my company. Being able to retain the services of my apprentice will enable me to meet the demands of my clients, grow my business and ensure that vital skills and knowledge are passed on and retained within the company.”

Sharron Robbie, Head of Corporate Relations at the College, said: “The College

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Employer Endorsement Scheme

David Parlby, Chief Executive of the Chamber, said: “The link between education and business is vital to sustain the local economy and to ensure Plymouth remains competitive in an ever-changing business landscape. This is a crucial time for the City as a whole and working closely together will ensure further opportunities for the business community.”

City College Plymouth has welcomed several local employers as new members to its Employer Endorsement Scheme.

Babcock, Serco Group plc, Burts Chips, MVV Environment Ltd, Plymouth Community Homes, Kier Western, Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and T2 Dental have all signed up to the scheme, which formalises partnership working between the College and industry.

The Employer Endorsement Scheme, launched in 2009, is a unique scheme set up by the College to foster closer links between the College and the business community. Employers can access a range of benefits that include the opportunity to be involved in future curriculum development and sponsorship opportunities. This positive approach to employer engagement benefits students as they have access to a range of work placement and employment opportunities. Plymouth-based Burts Chips are a crucial player in the local manufacturing industry, and have recently joined the scheme. Leane Bramhall, Marketing Director at Burts Chips, said: “Burts Chips is a business that cares about its community and working with City College Plymouth plays a key role in widening the impact we have. Working closely with the College we will be developing a partnership that benefits the business as well as young people in the region.”

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The Employer Endorsement Scheme is delighted to welcome organisations that are at the heart of the local community.

Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) is the largest locally-based social housing provider in Plymouth.

Bob Wilkey, HR Manager at PCH, said: “Working with City College Plymouth allows our employees and residents to benefit from the services the College can provide. This includes the vast training opportunities available, and the financial and social support it makes available to our residents.

We look forward to developing this close partnership in the future and increasing the benefits available to all our residents.”

Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the City’s premier independent business organisation, playing a fundamental role in Plymouth business life.

The Chamber and the College have enjoyed a great working partnership via the College’s patronage of the Chamber and now through the Employer Endorsement Scheme this partnership will continue to grow.

The Employer Endorsement Scheme is open to all areas of business and industry, and this is reflected in the wide range of businesses that join the scheme. The College offers a diverse range of training opportunities, from business to engineering, to construction and basic numeracy and literacy, meeting the needs of every industry sector. The College’s enterprising outlook to partnership working ensures it continues to innovate and change with the business and economic changes that occur.

If you would like to find out more about the Employer Endorsement Scheme, please contact us on 01752 305026 or e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk.

The Business Benefits: • free to join • access to a pool of work-ready labour • develop the skills of young people - have a positive effect on the community • inform and support future curriculum development • invitations to attend corporate events and networking seminars • increase in business profile • sponsorship opportunities • consultative work-based projects • and much more!

Babcock International Group plc Joins Employer Endorsement Scheme Babcock International Group plc has further cemented its working relationship with City College Plymouth by becoming the latest member of the College’s Employer Endorsement Scheme. Joining the scheme formalises the partnership between the College and one of the City’s largest employers.

Babcock is the UK’s leading engineering support services organisation, with its operations at Devonport Royal Dockyard (part of the Marine and Technology Division) employing around 4,500 Designers, Engineers, Technicians and Support Staff who carry out a comprehensive range of services that maintain, update and provide operational support to Royal Naval Surface Ships and Nuclear powered Submarines.

Phil Jones, Managing Director of Babcock, said: “We have worked with the College for a number of years to help develop our future workforce in the form of apprentices.

We also work with City College Plymouth to develop the skills of existing staff in order to ensure that they are able to develop and grow both professionally and personally, all of which adds value to us as a business.

We have a major role to play within the local economy and it is important that we work collaboratively with other organisations in order to build an effective pool of labour to support a workforce which enables the City’s and wider region’s employers to remain competitive in today’s global markets.

“Becoming an Employer Endorser reinforces our strong working relationship with the College. As a major employer in the City we seek to engage with the local

community as well as develop our employees across the board. The College works with us to achieve this, sharing our values to have a positive impact on industry and the wider community and we are pleased to formalise this partnership through the Employer Endorsement Scheme.”

aspirations and enabling wealth creation.

Working with industry is crucial in realising this, and in meeting the needs of employers and providing opportunities for our students, we are working towards fostering a community of excellence, innovation and creativity, which allows for a greater and more positive impact across the City.

Phil Davies, Principal and Chief Executive at City College Plymouth, said: “We are delighted to welcome Babcock as an Employer Endorser, which builds on our existing, positive working relationship.

“Babcock’s presence in the City has a major influence on local and regional economies. It is vital that Babcock are able to receive the support they require in order to enjoy sustained growth and development, which in turn will impact positively on the whole community - the relationship we enjoy with Babcock enables City College Plymouth to do just that.”

“As the largest training provider in the City, we train almost 10% of its population in a single year; this indicates how pivotal our role is for the economic and social regeneration of Plymouth, in raising

Employer Advisory Boards - Listening to Business sectors identified as areas of growth for skills development and training. Employer Advisory Boards offer the opportunity for industry professionals to join curriculum teams in order to share information and best practice. Board members have a real opportunity to input change into our curriculum and also gain valuable updates on curriculum development and changes to the funding available for training.

The College has recently introduced a number of Employer Advisory Boards, which aim to strengthen our existing relationships with industry and ensure we continue to meet the needs of those priority

www.cityplym.ac.uk/employers

The College has Employer Advisory Boards in the following industry sectors: • business and professional services • construction • creative, cultural and digital industries • engineering • hair and beauty

• healthcare and life sciences (including child care and early years) • hospitality, catering and tourism • sport and leisure.

Our Employer Advisory Boards seek to address local and regional issues that are pertinent to specific sectors, including labour market information, employment skills trends and training and development issues, ensuring that the College undertakes the appropriate action to support the sector.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a member of our Employer Advisory Boards, please contact the editor by calling 01752 305896 or e-mail srobbie@cityplym.ac.uk.

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Engineering Refurbishment In the spring of last year, the College announced the next phase of its property strategy, which focuses on a £4.5 million refurbishment project of its engineering facilities. A state-of-the-art and inspiring learning environment will be created for September of this year, and will meet the exacting BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) standards for sustainable building design.

Building work started on site in January by contractors, Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK, and demolition works have now been completed. The refurbished engineering facilities, which will be completed in the summer, will be modern, bright and clean, with open plan workspaces. Barry Doidge, Project Manager for Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK, said: “We are delighted to be working with City College Plymouth on the refurbishment of their engineering facilities. The work will see a full internal refurbishment and will enhance the engineering facilities immensely, benefiting not only the students who study there, but employers also.”

The refurbishment of the engineering facilities will ensure that the training at the College is aligned to industry standards and expectations, allowing students to work in spaces that truly represent the engineering industry.

There are a number of opportunities for industry to get involved in the refurbishment and sponsorship opportunities which exist for workshop areas, equipment and machinery. If you would like to hear more about our plans or you would like to get involved in some way, please contact the Editor on 01752 305896 or e-mail srobbie@cityplym.ac.uk.

“Apprentices consistently make outstanding progress and this is reflected in the outstanding success rates for many programmes.”

Outstanding College Provision* City College Plymouth was recently recognised by Ofsted as a ‘good’ College with ‘outstanding’ features and our Apprenticeship provision was recognised as ‘outstanding’. Part of our work to ensure our Apprenticeship provision adds value to both the apprentices and the employer rests on our ability to develop new programmes for new sectors.

Contact Centre Apprenticeships - EE City College Plymouth has been working with EE, the UK’s largest communications company, to recruit 39 apprentices to their contact centre in the City. The 15-month contact centre frameworks teach new apprentices the vital skills they need to have a positive impact on the business from day one, including customer service skills, communication skills, the ability to solve problems, and operating communication technology and navigation software.

* Ofsted 2012

“EE is committed to having a positive impact on the local community’s youth in line with key government skills policies and this Apprenticeship programme is helping over 30 young people gain the skills to succeed in this industry.”

The Apprenticeship programme carried out

by EE will ensure their skills gap is addressed whilst benefiting the community as a whole by providing a future workforce with transferable skills to carry forward in their careers.

What EE apprentices say …

“I have enjoyed my time at EE by being given a lot of support in training and feel welcomed into the EE community.”

“The Apprenticeship means everything to me. I feel I have been given a position that can give me a lot of experience and opportunity. EE has helped me onto the track to success and I know it will play a big part in my life.”

Jane Yeates, Head of Site for the Orange Contact Centre in Plymouth, said: “City College Plymouth understood the company’s needs and were able to implement an Apprenticeship programme that is tailored to our needs. The programme ensures that all of our young staff are being trained to a nationally recognised standard and have the same opportunities to succeed.

Apprenticeship Grants Extended to December 2013 Apprenticeship grants for employers have now been made available until 31 December 2013 in order to support employers who are looking to take on apprentices. The grants have been designed for organisations with up to 1,000 employees who wish to recruit an apprentice between the ages of 16 and 24.

Grants, which are worth up to £1,500 per apprentice, are available for up to ten

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“All staff have high expectations of their apprentices and they develop apprentices’ skills and knowledge to very high standards.”

apprentices. Employers must meet the scheme criteria and have not employed an apprentice before, or have not recruited an apprentice in the last 12 months.

If you would like to discuss taking on an apprentice, please contact the Corporate Relations team on 01752 305026 or e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk.

Sector-based Work Academies Raising Skills Levels Within the Community The College has recently showed its support for local employers seeking to fill skills gaps by offering sector-based work academies, which are specifically designed around the needs of individual businesses.

Organisations that are facing skills gaps or are looking to diversify or relocate can access a pool of labour that has the knowledge and expertise needed to make a positive impact on the business. Through sector-based work academies, employers have the opportunity to access individuals with the sector-specific knowledge and skills that meet the needs of the business, including employability skills, from day one.

Sector-based work academies offer a cohesive approach to developing a future workforce as they involve the collaborative working of government agencies, including Jobcentre Plus, alongside local industry

and training providers. Academies draw on a pool of unemployed labour from the marketplace and give them an opportunity to gain sector-specific skills and knowledge in an environment that supports them.

Participants are able to hone and refresh existing skills and gain new competencies, all of which support them to gain employment. This is all underpinned with workshops focusing on English, maths and ICT skills.

Academies benefit both business and the wider community who have access to training and work experience, as well as the opportunity to gain employment.

If you would like to find out more about sector-based work academies, please contact the Corporate Relations team on 01752 305026 or e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk.

Plymouth Citybus Case Study Sector-based Work Academies in Action Plymouth Citybus is the biggest public transport provider in Plymouth, serving over 14 million passengers a year. The company currently employs over 400 people and runs a fleet of 151 buses to all corners of the City. City College Plymouth has been working with Plymouth Citybus and Jobcentre Plus to create a sector-based work academy designed to fill vacancies at Plymouth Citybus and to help the local, unemployed population gain full-time employment.

The sector-based work academy enables the development of employability skills of people who are out of work in order for them to have a greater chance of gaining employment, as well as specific skills sought by an employer with vacancies.

Participants undertaking the programme will be guaranteed an interview with Plymouth Citybus.

Debbie Hicks, Recruitment and Training Manager at Plymouth Citybus, said: "We are always delighted to work with the College and the sector-based work academy is a great way to provide us with high quality candidates whilst having a positive impact on some of those who

find themselves unemployed in the City.

We are highly committed to training and developing our workforce, and the College has been able to create a programme that is tailored to the needs of our business but which also allows those taking part to come away with really useful transferable skills."

The programme of training has been developed between College staff and Plymouth Citybus and combines classroom learning with practical, handson work experience and allows those taking part to gain a real understanding of the business and the industry as a whole. Participants will be able to develop their communication, customer service and presentation skills as well as training directly relevant to working with Plymouth Citybus. Participants will also enjoy a series of workshops on behaviour management, the complaints process and vehicle safety.

Sharron Robbie, Head of Corporate Relations at City College Plymouth, said: “The College is dedicated to providing opportunities to those out of work and to having a positive impact on local industry.

Sector-based work academies can benefit businesses by filling skills gaps whilst training those who are unemployed to meet specific business needs.�

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Work Experience - The Business Benefits

The job market is becoming increasingly competitive in an age of high youth unemployment and a struggling economy, and this has brought a new focus for those in education, business and policy making to ensure young people leave education with the skills, knowledge and aptitudes to gain employment.

The development of employability skills relies on the College’s partnership working

with employers through the College's Employer Endorsement Scheme, which allows for students to develop employability skills through traditional work experience placements, industrial visits, job shadowing and real-life work projects.

City College Plymouth is committed to having a positive impact on the local job market and developing the skills of our students to meet the needs of industry effectively, but this cannot be achieved without working together with employers.

From September 2013 onwards, work experience is to be embedded into full-time study programmes for 16 to 18 year olds, ensuring that all students undertake meaningful and beneficial work experience.

Businesses will also benefit from this increase in work experience, which is the first step in engaging young people into the world of work. Benefits include: • access to a talent pool to fill short-term labour shortages • development of the supervisory skills of your workforce • enhancing your public profile • meeting your corporate and social responsibility targets • promoting workforce diversity.

To find out more about work experience and how you can get involved, please contact the Corporate Relations team on 01752 305026 or e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk.

In the period October to December 2012, 974,000 young people aged 16 to 24 were unemployed.* * House of Commons, Youth Unemployment Statistics, October - December 2012

Dental Nursing Apprenticeships Available from September From September, Apprenticeships in dental nursing will be available at City College Plymouth. The College is meeting the steady increase in demand for dental nurses in the UK and can offer dental practices the opportunity to fill skills gaps and decrease labour shortages.

An Apprenticeship is the perfect way for practices to expand their teams and gain chair-side staff, skilled in both dental nursing

but also able to provide excellent customer service to practice clients. The Apprenticeship is an 18-month programme that allows apprentices to gain on-the-job training at a dental practice. It is underpinned by classroom-based learning at the College from our highly experienced dental nurse tutors. Classroom learning will take place on Monday evenings, outside of surgery opening hours.

The programme can be used for existing members of staff or alternatively, you can hire a new apprentice from our pool of available candidates.

Plymouth-based, T2 Dental, offers a full range of dental treatments to the City and beyond and specialises in cosmetic treatments. T2 Dental is a recent member of the College’s Employer Endorsement Scheme and will be taking on two Dental Nurse apprentices. Dr Alun Jones BDS (U.Lond.), Principal Dental Surgeon at T2 Dental, said: “Dentistry requires a specialist skill set, and education and continual professional development is key. Working with City College Plymouth is allowing T2 Dental to develop and design new programmes of training that are relevant to the specialist sector in which we operate.

The College understands our business needs and can provide ways to enable people to gain the right skill set, knowledge and attitude to become dental nurses and more.”

If you would like to find out more about Apprenticeships in dental nursing, please contact us on 01752 305026 or e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk.

PAGE 08

Plymouth Business Show City College Plymouth has been announced as the headline sponsor of the 2013 Plymouth Business Show, which is being held on Wednesday 26 June.

The Plymouth Business Show is being run by Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry and will be held at Plymouth Pavilions.

The Show, which will be open to all and free to attend, will aim to promote the South West as a great place to do business. It will provide a high-profile forum in which companies of all sizes and from all sectors can promote the products and services they have to offer whilst networking with potential customers and suppliers. David Parlby, Chief Executive at Plymouth Chamber, said: “This year’s Plymouth Business Show will showcase the South West as a region with exceptional economic diversity and a real proactive approach to encouraging trade and employment, and embracing entrepreneurship.”

Sharron Robbie, Head of Corporate Relations at City College Plymouth, said: “The Plymouth Business Show is an exciting opportunity to showcase the vibrant and innovative business community that exists here in the South West.

The College plays a major role within that community and part of our role is to ensure we are supporting wealth creation and job outcomes for the local population, whilst supporting industry to access a pool of work-ready labour.”

Free registration for the event and information on booking an exhibition stand is available online at www.plymouthbusinessshow.com.

Dates for your diaries ...

One-day Workshops 9.00am to 4.30pm £175 per person Creative Thinking and Innovation Thursday 9 May Gain the tools and techniques required to generate, evolve and implement good ideas in a purposeful and resourceful way. You will explore the principles of creative and lateral thinking and how to apply an innovative, creative thinking process in the workplace.

Effective Presentation Skills Wednesday 12 June Providing simple yet effective ways in which to plan, prepare and present effectively, this workshop will look at the structure, purpose and content of presentations and covers effective use of body language and dealing with nerves.

Effective Goal Setting and Performance Appraisal Thursday 13 June This workshop will allow you to gain an understanding of the ‘dos and don’ts’ of Social Media for Business performance appraisals, including how to Thursday 23 May set SMART targets and provide constructive This workshop will provide you with methods feedback to your team. and techniques to employ when using social media tools such as Twitter, Facebook, Negotiation Skills LinkedIn and YouTube, the problems that Thursday 20 June can occur and how to deal with them.

Through this workshop you will learn the practical techniques needed to negotiate Project Planning with skill and confidence with both internal Tuesday 4 June and external stakeholders.

This workshop will provide you with a strong understanding of the principles behind good management, along with logical and highly practical tools to take back to your workplace.

Employer Seminars 6.00pm to 9.00pm £15 per person Marketing Essentials Tuesday 11 June Marketing is all about being visible. Come along to this seminar and learn how to use marketing in all its forms to enable effective promotion of your business and maximise business development opportunities.

Events: A ‘How-to’ Guide Thursday 4 July Running a successful event takes extensive planning and this seminar looks at how to plan and promote an event effectively as well as what to do when things go wrong.

Special Offer!

Book two members of staff onto the same workshop, and get an additional place free of charge!

Places can be reserved by calling 01752 305026 or e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk.

www.cityplym.ac.uk/employers

PAGE 09

Commercial Offer

Commercial Print Services

City College Plymouth is able to offer a range of commercial services to other businesses and organisations located in the City and beyond. To find out more about any of the following options, simply telephone 01752 305026 or e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk.

Stars Hair and Day Spa

City College Plymouth’s print team can offer a variety of services at competitive prices. Offering a fast and professional service, no job is too small.

Services include: • design • printing and copying: colour and black and white • binding • laminating.

Call us today on 01752 305316 or e-mail MAPPcentral@cityplym.ac.uk for a quote or to discuss your requirements.

Our Hair and Day Spa offers a full range of services from luxury day spa packages, to regular essential hair and beauty needs such as a cut and blow dry, nail treatments and waxing. Treatments are competitively priced to take into account that they are carried out by level 3 students. Clients wishing to book with a member of staff can do so, and should indicate their preference when booking.

Our exclusive day spa packages make excellent rewards for your staff or corporate hospitality packages.

Revive Package • Back massage, mini facial and a shampoo and blow dry for £25 Energize Package • Back massage, mini facial and nail tidy for £25 For more information or to book please call 01752 856900 or e-mail stars@cityplym.ac.uk.

College Gift Vouchers Restaurant Lunch: Monday to Friday Service time: 12.00 noon to 2.00pm Three courses for £10.00 per person (tea and filter coffee £1.00 per person supplement).

Dinner: Wednesdays and Thursdays Service time: 6.45pm for 7.00pm Four-course meals from £17.50 per person (tea and filter coffee £1.00 per person supplement).

For reservations please call 01752 305777 or e-mail PL1@cityplym.ac.uk.

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Gift Voucher

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Buy someone the perfect gift this year and treat them to a City College Plymouth gift voucher!

You can purchase vouchers for £10, £25, £50 and £100, which can be redeemed against the following College products or services: • College hair and beauty salons • PL1 Training Restaurant and Deli Café • College course fees.

To purchase a gift voucher call the Finance Office on 01752 305701.

If you or your staff are feeling a bit rusty or need help updating your skills in English and maths then City College Plymouth can help you.

• All courses are FREE. • No entry qualifications are needed.

• Students are given a personal programme of work, tailored to their needs.

• Students are encouraged to take nationally recognised qualifications.

• The courses run subject to numbers and can be delivered within your workplace if there is enough interest.

To find out more call 01752 305300.

Mailing List If you have received a copy of this newsletter from a colleague and would like to be added to our mailing list, or you would like to be removed from our mailing list, please telephone 01752 305026 or e-mail your name, job title, company name and full address to employers@cityplym.ac.uk.

When you have finished with this, please recycle it.