During National Apprenticeship Week (5 to 11 February), Hampshire County Council is hosting ‘Skills for Business’ sessions at a range of venues as well as online to help employers grow their business and secure employment opportunities for residents.
Councillor Rob Humby, Leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “We are committed to working with partners to help make training and learning available for all in Hampshire, both on-the-job, by studying for qualifications or improving basic skills to go on to further training or study. One way we do this is by regularly securing a range of Government funding to be able to provide this so that Hampshire residents can shape and progress their careers and secure their long-term employability.
“From our own experience in delivering public services, we know there are skills shortages in construction, childcare, teaching and social care and there are many apprenticeship training opportunities available to help close those gaps. This year, particularly given the Government’s expansion of childcare funding from April 2024, I’d really like to encourage those working in Early Years’ settings, such as childminding and pre-school education, as well as those seeking to develop a career in this highly rewarding sector, to find out more about what an apprenticeship could do for them and the children they nurture towards school years.”
Councillor Humby continued: “Apprenticeships are a valuable way to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. By bringing together businesses and training providers, we can help skills-match courses to meet current and future needs and ensure Hampshire remains a great place to live, learn, work and do business.”
Skills for Business session advisers offer free and impartial advice and those attending on the day will have the opportunity to:
- Discuss recruitment skills gaps
- Better understand the benefits of apprenticeships
- Find out about funded skills training courses, such as Multiply to improve numeracy and Skills Bootcamp fast-track training
Skills for Business drop-in session dates and venues:
- BASE Bordon Innovation Centre: Monday 5 February, 10am to 12 noon, in the reception area
- Fareham Innovation Centre: Monday 5 February, 2pm to 4pm, in the reception area
- Chineham Park, Basingstoke: Tuesday 6 February, 10am to 12 noon, at The Exchange
- Farnborough Business Park: Thursday 8 February, 10.30am to 12 noon, at The Aviators Café
- Worting House, Basingstoke: Thursday 8 February, 10.30am to 12 noon, in the reception area
Any businesses unable to attend in person, can book one of two virtual events, which aim to myth-bust and support employers with their recruitment needs:
- Tuesday 6 February, 3pm to 4pm
- Wednesday 7 February, 3pm to 4pm
Businesses can also visit the Talent in Hampshire webpages for County Council training and skills contacts.
As well as providing support to local businesses, Hampshire County Council also supports individuals and parents looking to find out more about apprenticeship opportunities in Hampshire.
Councillor Humby added: “To make sure Hampshire is a place where everyone can thrive our Hampshire Achieves service offers a variety of training and community learning for young people and adults, with courses to support families and learners with special educational needs or disabilities to help them into employment, improve their numeracy and literacy, and support their mental health.”
As a major employer, the County Council champions one of the largest local authority apprenticeship programmes in the country. This has seen more than 2,000 people enrol onto 130 different career paths since 2017.
Additional training available in Hampshire:
Skills Bootcamps is a fast-track training offer to Hampshire residents and employers, enabling both those in work and job seekers to gain further training and secure higher paid roles, with employers benefitting from upskilled employees. Courses are flexible, with learning planned to fit around family and other commitments.
Multiply is aimed at helping those who do not currently have Level 2/GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 to improve their numeracy skills. Sessions can be delivered either online or in-person and are available both during the day and in the evening.
English for Speakers of other Languages offers courses to those aged 19 and over where English is not their first language. Courses will help improve spoken and written English skills and help learners progress towards formal learning or employment.
Young People’s Learning offers training programmes that prepares young people who have additional needs to make a successful transition to adult life by building resilience, knowledge and skills. Learning can be class-based, outdoor and through work experience opportunities.