Page 4 - SME Toolkit: The Star Covid-19 Edition

4 THESTAR www.thestar.co.uk Wednesday,May27,2020
TRAINING
in association with
Apprentices can
help you to rebuild
your workforce
As a black hole of un- employment looms for thousands of the region’s school-leavers this sum- mer, companies re-emerg- ing after lockdown are being urged not to leave the Covid Class of 2020 on the shelf.
Apprenticeships give educa- tion-leavers their first step on to the career ladder and they have a crucial role to play in rebuilding workforces and strengthening them for the future.
But Sheffield charity The Source Skills Academy fears many businesses will not have apprenticeship recruit- ment high on their agenda, if at all.
“We know they are facing huge dilemmas as they work out how to get back on their
feet and worry they will have to cut their workforces.
“We are urging companies not to forsake young people this summer - and keep up their apprenticeship pro- grammes,” said CEO Tricia Smith.
The Sheffield City Region usually sees 14,000 new apprentices appointed annu- ally, and in normal circum- stances the award-winning training academy would have many companies lining up to recruit their apprentices for summer.
Pre lockdown a num- ber were ready to interview candidates.
But in line with other training providers,The Source forecasts a worrying decrease in apprenticeship availability by at least 25 per cent.
Said Tricia Smith: “This
Apprenticeship enquiries: apprenticeships@ thesourceacademy.co.uk Training enquiries: training@ thesourceacademy. co.uk
is bleak news for the Class of 2020.
“The economic crisis caused by the pandemic means many of them do not get on the career ladder.
“This could scar their lives for years.”
The Source is urging busi- nesses to realise that setting on apprentices this summer could have a very positive effect.
Explained Tricia Smith:
“Apprentices taking on jun- ior tasks free up experienced staff as you work through the crisis.
“They rebuild a workforce of the future,” she added.
“In addition, apprentice- ships are open to people of all ages.
“And they could give new careers to workers who have been made redundant as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.”
Sheffield waste special- ists Russell Richardson are fully aware of the value that apprentices bring to the workforce.
Their apprentice Gracie Smith, pictured right, was one of the apprentices to be commended for her work and contribution in the Barns- ley and Rotherham Cham- ber 2019 Apprentice of The Year Awards.
Apprentice at Russell Richardson, Gracie Smith.
HELP IF YOU’VE LOST YOUR JOB
FREE TRAINING ON FURLOUGH
TALENT POOL AT THE READY
Bosses preparing to bring businesses out of lockdown are urged to get free online training for furloughed workers to help them prepare for their return. Many local companies can currently access 100 per cent funded qualifications for staff. The Source has already helped hundreds of furloughed and home-working employees gain qualifications ranging from management skills and customer service to social care and data protection.
“The benefits are vast; training doesn’t just up-skill your people, it re-motivates and re-focuses them,” said Danny Slinn, Employ-
ment and Skills Project Manager at the Meadowhall Way academy, which went online within days of national shutdown in March. “Training courses can be ar- ranged swiftly and staff can com- plete coursework around family responsibilities, or work if the Government allows furloughed employees back part time.
“We have 12 trainers live online to support learners, using video conferences and interactive plat- forms, and a team of administra- tors and support workers. To ac- cess fully-funded online training for staff in lockdown. Contact: training@thesourceacademy. co.uk
The Source has an apprentice- ship-ready talent pool of over 70 people waiting to start work. Prepared during lockdown, they have much to offer employers, says Business Development Of- ficer Kerry Cook.
“We will be expecting many more in coming weeks as they leave education or find they have been made redundant when furloughing comes to an end. “We are home-working at the moment but are busy supporting applicants and working hard to source positions to match their skills and personalities.”
The academy’s apprenticeship programmes give people of all
ages the chance to earn while they learn, and enable busi- nesses to mould new employees to their exact needs. A range
of qualifications are available and all learning is work-based; apprentices are mentored and tutored in the workplace. Companies with under 50 employees who take a 16-18 yr old receive a £1,000 Government grant and full funding for their qualification.
Go to https://thesourceacad- emy.co.uk/apprenticeships- traineeships.
To recruit or enrol, call 0114 263 5600 or email apprenticeships@ thesourceacademy.co.uk
Specialists at The Source are helping people who have lost jobs in the pandemic.
“We are working with people made redundant in lockdown and expect more as companies let furloughed staff go,” said Helen Lee, who runs the academy’s Steps To Work programme. “They will worry they are never going to work again, but we can help.”
Her Community and Employ- ability Team (pictured) up-skill and rebuild confidence and positivity via their Steps To Work programme.
It exists for jobless people who are not in education or training,
helping them improve their English, maths and ICT, boosting CVs and interview skills. Qualifications - from Health and Safety, Customer Service Skills to Business Admin, Payroll and Accountancy - can be studied online with supportive tutors. “Then we hunt for jobs and
help candidates through the process,” said Helen. “We look for jobs to match their skills, but also prepare those who need to change direction.” Apprenticeships, which are for people of all ages and levels of experience, are another route to people losing jobs. Email commu- nity@thesourceacademy.co.uk
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