It has certainly been a very strange, unprecedented few months where the country has seen huge numbers of businesses go into administration or close and thousands of individuals be furloughed or lose their jobs altogether, due to the massive impact the global COVID-19 pandemic has had on the UK.
Despite being in lockdown when many industries have ground to a halt, Fareham College’s Business Plus Team, which oversees Apprenticeship delivery at the College, has been growing its offer and has even increased the number of employers it works with, adding a further fifteen businesses to its portfolio, and plans to launch a new Engineering Employer Board in the autumn.
Lesley Roberts, Managing Director Business Plus at Fareham College commented, “In spite of these uncertain times, we have seen a surge in the demand for training, especially for qualifications in leadership and management. We are delighted to be working with more employers and are very excited to launch our new Engineering Employer Board at our Centre for Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and advanced Skills Training (CEMAST) in the autumn, where we will work with employers to design and deliver training and Apprenticeships to reinvigorate their staff and assist businesses on the road to recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.”
In response to the Chancellor’s summer statement, Fareham College welcomes the Government’s investment in Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Sector-Based Work Academies to help people into work, especially in industries such as construction, engineering and health and social care.
Reacting to the Chancellor’s announcement, Andrew Kaye, Fareham College Principal and Chief Executive said, “We welcome the Government’s pledge to protect, create and support employment and its ‘plan for jobs’. This is an excellent investment into the future of our local economy and Fareham College will not only support by providing individuals of all ages with the opportunity to develop their technical and professional skills at the College’s outstanding facilities, included dedicated campuses in engineering and civil engineering, but also provide them with the knowledge and talent to secure employment and embark on a fulfilling career.
The announcement also provides reassurance for employers, enabling them to retain and recruit the talent they require to thrive as the economy bounces forward from the impact of COVID-19. Fareham College’s Business Plus Team can provide the support, advice and guidance employers may need to navigate the Government’s new initiatives.”
For more information and advice on how you can Refresh, Refocus and Retrain yourself or your staff, contact Busines Plus, Fareham College’s specialist Apprenticeship team, at business@fareham.ac.uk about the new incentives available to help you and your business bounce forward.
