SKILLS
SKILLS FOCUS
SPONSORED BY THE SOURCE SKILLS ACADEMY The Source Skills Academy in Sheffield is passionate about bringing out the best in people. It has been helping businesses to increase the talents of their teams since 2003 and is proud to sponsor Skills Focus, a monthly spotlight on training and apprenticeship news and funding to help you develop your staff.
BARNSLEY FIRM GETS ITS ENTIRE TEAM LEARNING IN LOCKDOWN A Barnsley leader in the UK’s measurement and mapping industry weighed up its options when COVID-19 lockdown struck - and got its entire team learning new skills online. Surveying company 1st Horizon organised training for 26 furloughed employees, plus home-working staff and stakeholders, with leading Sheffield provider The Source Skills Academy. The Source rapidly went online after lockdown of its premises on Meadowhall Way so its team could enable SCR companies to use shutdown time to boost workers’ skills. Training can be entirely funded via the SCR Skills Bank or Skills Support for the Workforce. “Accessing free training for staff during lockdown made perfect sense,” said 1st Horizon’s HR manager Sophia Massarella. “CPD has always been really important to us. Many of our staff are young, in their first job and are very committed to learning. It’s our responsibility to keep them engaged at this difficult time. Everyone is enjoying the mental stimulation.”
THE SOURCE... Apprentices at the ready
The Source is ready to support businesses with apprentices as soon as lockdown restrictions relax. We have grown our pool of ‘job-ready’ applicants during lockdown and expect many school-leavers will also be seeking apprenticeships. Contact kerry.cook@ thesourceacademy.co.uk
Website Update MEMBERS OF THE 1ST HORIZON TEAM AT A SEMINAR PRE-LOCKDOWN
Based at The Old Pop Factory in Dodworth, the company was founded in 2006 by land surveyor Jim Garside. Today it specialises in 3D laser scanning, utility location, mobile mapping and CCTV and UAV surveys. The company was in a period of growth when COVID-19 hit the UK and had to halt a recruitment drive. “When lockdown restrictions are lifted we will resume recruitment - and we will also have more rounded, better-trained staff,” said Sophia, who with three colleagues has signed up to study Business Improvement Techniques.
Others are studying Team Leadership, Data Protection and Awareness of Mental Health Problems. Dale Robinson, Business Development Director at The Source commented: “Training during lockdown re-enforces people’s self-worth and maintains focus. 1st Horizon seized the opportunity. We urge others to follow their lead.” Learners can study two qualifications from a choice of 70. Training materials are accessible daily and online tutors are available 12 hours a day. Contact training@ thesourceacademy.co.uk
BUSINESS TRAINING AT THE SOURCE IS NOW ONLINE... To support companies affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, innovative national training provider The Source has redesigned its accredited training courses so they can be fully accessed online. Full funding has been secured to cover the costs for SMEs in the Sheffield City Region. Contact vernon.tolson@thesourceacademy.co.uk
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STRAIGHT FROM
The Source Academy is currently undergoing a website refresh to streamline the user experience, so everything you need to know about apprenticeships (and more!) is at your fingertips. Changes coming soon include dedicated employer and learner zones for easy access to all of the services available to you, all in one place. Find us at www. thesourceacademy.co.uk and check back regularly for updates.
Infection Control When the UK goes back to work, there needs to be a new ‘normal’ to protect staff. Prepare furloughed or home-working employees now with The Source’s fully-funded, accredited online course on Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare Settings. Conditions in which bacteria thrive and prevention methods are covered. Contact vernon.tolson@ thesourceacademy.co.uk
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