Category Archives: Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships, Awards, Midlands News, News

Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Apprenticeship Awards

A brand new apprenticeship awards competition has been launched for Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin – the first of its kind in the county.

It will celebrate the brightest and best workers who are ‘earning while they are learning’ – as well as recognising employers driving ambition and education through their support of apprenticeships.

There will be an overall star apprentice crowned for the Shropshire Council area, and an overall champion for Telford & Wrekin. There are also awards for small, medium and large sized employers.

Individual apprentice of the year categories include Construction & Civil Engineering, Health & Social Care, Engineering & Manufacturing, IT & Digital Industries, Hospitality Leisure & Tourism, Creative & Media, and Business Legal & Finance.

The competition is backed by some of the county’s biggest and best names, led by headline sponsors Aico – the reigning Shropshire company of the year – and Telford College, the largest further education centre in the region.

Other sponsors include Dyke Yaxley, In-Comm, McPhillips, Northwood Hygiene Products, Pave Aways, Purple Frog Systems, SJ Roberts Construction, and University Centre Shrewsbury.

The competition is being organised by award-winning Shropshire events company Yarrington, which has years of experience running major awards in other parts of the UK, including apprenticeship awards in the Black Country.

They are working in partnership with Shropshire Business Live TV, which will be filming and streaming the awards for broadcast on multiple platforms.

The awards are free to enter, and nominations are now open. The closing date for entries is June 28th. For all the details – including some remaining sponsorship opportunities – log onto stwaa.co.uk

Shortlisted finalists will be notified in July, and the awards will be handed out at a glittering presentation night in front of the SBLTV cameras in October.

The competition was officially launched at Telford Skills Show, held at the town’s International Centre.

Mark Allsop, managing director of Yarrington, said: “It’s a celebration of the brightest and best apprentices in the county, and the businesses which go the extra mile to support the next generation of skilled staff.

Carl Jones, producer and presenter at SBLTV, added: “Being shortlisted for one of our awards brings many benefits to you or your business. It could boost your reputation, help you stand out from the competition – and also bring you new customers. What have you got to lose?”

To qualify for an individual award, apprentices must be on a current programme in the relevant sector, with a company which is based in either the Shropshire, or Telford & Wrekin local authority areas.

To qualify for a company award, businesses must have at least one operational base in either Shropshire or Telford & Wrekin, and employ current or past apprentices.

Apprenticeships, Awards, News, North of England

Mechanic Lewis crowned apprentice of the year by Kinaxia Logistics

A young mechanic who helps to service and maintain Kinaxia Logistics’ fleet of lorries has won the company’s apprentice of the year award.

Lewis Brockbank, 20, joined Kinaxia in September 2021 on a three-year apprenticeship leading to a qualification in heavy vehicle maintenance.

He is based at Kinaxia group company Bay Freight in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester.

Lewis was nominated for the accolade by his line manager Dave Turnbull, who presented him with a trophy, framed certificate and Amazon voucher.

Dave said: “Lewis is always willing to learn and is a key team player. He works hard in all weathers and never complains. He’s willing to do any job at any time of the day and always keeps himself busy.

“He’s very competent at his job and has had glowing reports from college. He’s a very worthy winner of the apprentice of the year award.”

The training provider for Lewis’s apprenticeship is Mantra Learning. He is one of eight apprentices currently employed by Kinaxia. The group is recruiting for up to 10 apprentices this year.

Kinaxia, which has its headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire, employs more than 2,000 staff nationwide with a fleet of over 1,000 vehicles transporting goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.

The group has 2.7 million sq ft of warehouse facilities nationwide, offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service.

Lewis, who lives in Mottram, Tameside, Greater Manchester, said: “I wasn’t expecting to win the award but I’m very happy to have done so and very grateful. It really means a lot.”

He added: “Initially, I wanted to be a light vehicle mechanic, and I completed a Level Two qualification at Tameside College. Then the opportunity came up to join Kinaxia, and I was thrilled to join the company.

“I’ve found myself really enjoying learning the job and helping to keep our vehicles roadworthy and maintained to a high standard.

“I think apprenticeships are the best option for people fresh out of school or college to get into an industry. I find that hands-on learning is more effective than just classroom learning. I’d definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who may be considering one.”

Kinaxia is a gold sponsor of Generation Logistics, a government and industry-backed campaign highlighting the opportunities and career prospects available in a major national drive to attract young people to the sector.

Debbie Blackwell, people services director at Kinaxia, said: “Apprenticeships are key to the future of our industry. We need to invest in our colleagues and create new opportunities for diversified talent to support the growth and productivity of our business and create a skilled and qualified workforce.”

Apprenticeships, Careers, Emergency Services, News

Poll statistics steer National Apprenticeship Week towards a more inclusive fire sector

As the nation gears up to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, a recent poll conducted by The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) revealed that 57% of responders believe that there isn’t sufficient awareness of the diverse opportunities available across fire-related apprenticeships. Another survey uncovered that 45% of respondents expressed that the diverse job roles across the fire sector aren’t adequately represented in the current apprenticeship offering – highlighting a crucial need for increased visibility and understanding of the various paths available across the sector.

The IFE has announced its commitment to driving further vocational routes into the fire sector, recognising how the modern apprenticeship path is crucial in shaping the future of training within fire and other industries across the built environment. As the UK come together to celebrate the apprenticeship pathway, these results uncover the importance of developing apprenticeship programs that comprehensively showcase the breadth of careers available within the fire sector.

In a stride toward further pathways into the fire sector, candidates that successfully complete their end-point assessment for the Operational Firefighter course at the Fire Service College in Moreton-In-Marsh, can apply to achieve Technician grade membership at the IFE. This recognises the two years of rigorous practical and theory studies that map to the competencies required.

Commenting on the need for further avenues in fire, IFE CEO, Steve Hamm added: “The modern apprenticeship pathway not only ensures a more dynamic and inclusive workforce, but actively encourages individuals from different backgrounds and experiences to contribute to the fire sector.

“As a professional body, it’s paramount that we advocate for diversity and support candidates in their professional development. Our vision of a fire sector enriched by a wide range of experiences and socio-economic backgrounds continues to drive our activity.”

To further support those starting out in a career in fire, the IFE last year announced it had made its Student membership offering free. Both IFE exam candidates and those individuals in fire-related studies are now entitled to Student membership, providing access to learning and knowledge resources and an international network of contacts to support their career. Further information about Student membership is available on the IFE website https://www.ife.org.uk/Membership.

During National Apprenticeship Week, the IFE will raise awareness about diverse opportunities, constant learning and engage in conversations to address existing perceptions about apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships, Business, Education

Educ8 Group Celebrates Apprenticeship Week: Building Skills for Life

National Apprenticeship Week 2024, taking place February 5th – 11th, is celebrated across the UK, and Educ8 Group stand firmly behind the power of apprenticeships, not only to continue supporting the British economy through challenging times, but also as an incredible way to propel businesses and individuals towards a brighter future.

Aligning with this year’s theme ‘Skills for Life’, Educ8, a leading provider of training and apprenticeships in the UK, is affirming its dedication to empowering learners through high-quality training and apprenticeships that offer a practical path to valuable skills and job confidence.

The past few years have undoubtedly been challenging. Businesses have navigated uncertainty, talent shortages, and evolving demands. Educ8 believes that investing in skills development is no longer just a strategic move, but a critical necessity for thriving in the new landscape. Apprenticeships offer a win-win solution, addressing skills gaps head-on while nurturing talent within, fostering loyalty, and boosting productivity. With multiple levels of apprenticeships available, learner progression into higher skill sets and higher earning roles is also supported.

Morgan Thomason, a level 3 barbering apprentice, said “The reason I think an apprenticeship is so beneficial is because you get to learn in a pressure-free environment. When you’re at college, you’re constantly working to deadlines. When you’re in a salon, you’ve got more freedom and flexibility.

 

I’ve had so many opportunities through doing an apprenticeship. I’ve spoken at events, competed in national competitions, and become an ambassador for ISA Training, which is part of Educ8 Group. It’s important that learners feel supported in the same way I do because there’s so much to get involved in”.

Apprenticeships are an invaluable route to building skills for individuals, but they are not just training initiatives, they are catalysts for growth and success. Educ8 sees the human impact firsthand as apprentices bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, a thirst for knowledge, and can seamlessly integrate into teams. They add value to businesses through continuous learning that is specific to their role and industry, able to take on more tasks and nurture their strategic thinking, turning into future leaders built within the businesses themselves.

Jude Holloway, Managing Director of Educ8, acknowledges the significant impact apprenticeships have on businesses, “Apprenticeships are a proven model for developing a skilled workforce and an excellent vehicle to offer real opportunities for people to progress in their careers. There is no substitute  for quality training within the workplace, filling skills gaps and making a tangible difference to individuals and employers.”

Educ8 is helping businesses understand the power of apprenticeships and the challenges that they can help overcome, through events such as the ISA Connect X Salon Help event held recently. The workshop showcased the way apprentices could help salons offer new services, enhance their reputation, and stay ahead of industry trends, as well experiencing exclusive coaching sessions from industry experts.

Educ8’s expert trainer coaches deliver a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring apprentices are equipped to hit the ground running and make a real difference. The Group is consistently introducing new and innovative apprenticeships that address the needs of the economy, businesses, and the learning requirements of apprentices themselves.

In 2023 Educ8 Training introduced a new Energy and Carbon Management apprenticeship and in November received a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to launch ‘Multiply – Calculating your potential’, a community project designed to improve the numeracy skills of adults.

Apprenticeships and further education are not only for young people, and they offer a rich choice of pathways to new skills, personal development, job satisfaction, and peace of mind for people of all ages and backgrounds. There is no limit to learning when it’s possible to study a range of qualifications including Digital Marketing, Leadership and Management, Social Media for Business, Project Management and more.

Edcu8 is proud to be a part of the dynamic apprenticeship landscape in Wales, a region committed to bridging skills gaps and unleashing the potential of its workforce. This National Apprenticeship Week, Educ8 calls upon businesses across Wales to embrace the power of skills development. Explore the diverse range of apprenticeships available, invest in your future workforce, and witness the transformative impact on your business.

Apprenticeships, Business Advice, Finance and Banking, News, Wales News

FINANCE LEADER CREDITS APPRENTICESHIPS FOR DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS OF TOMORROW

This Apprenticeship Week Wales, Elinor Worthington, Future Talent Development Consultant at Legal & General, discusses how the business is using its apprenticeship programme to develop and shape its future leaders as they look to diversify and futureproof their workforce.

 

As a former apprentice turned leader at one of the leading UK financial services providers, Elinor champions the value of apprenticeships for anyone wanting to gain experience, upskill or change career to achieve their aspirations.

 

Elinor said: “I graduated from university with an Environmental Science degree and accepted an entry level role in financial services at Legal & General to begin earning a wage. I would never have thought back then I’d still be at the company 20 years on. That’s down in large part to the company’s commitment to training, which has seen me complete two apprenticeships that have allowed me to progress into the position I am in today.

 

“When I was at school, there was a perception that ‘apprenticeships were for boys’ and only available in the trades. I was never encouraged to follow a vocational route as university was the expected next step. But apprenticeships have evolved in recent years and it’s time for these attitudes to change with them. There are so many different and exciting career routes available through an apprenticeship for young people starting out or those thinking of changing career. Not just in the financial industry, but across other sectors too.”

 

Discussing the breadth of apprenticeship opportunities available at Legal & General, Elinor believes this pathway offers many unique benefits for those looking to kickstart their career or try something new.

 

“At Legal & General alone, we offer between 25 to 30 different apprenticeship pathways, in business areas spanning design and IT, engineering, accounting, data analysis, project management, financial crime, software testers and more. The list goes on.

 

“Our apprentices get good pay, nationally recognised qualifications, and an all-round view of the organisation as they try their hand at different business areas. It’s good for people who don’t quite know what their next steps will be, especially at the beginning of their careers, as we can tailor their training to their interests.

 

“Apprenticeships also give people confidence. We often see huge personal development throughout someone’s apprenticeship journey, and they really grow as people. Being taught in a working environment helps develop interpersonal and softer skills that many don’t even realise they have. Building networks is also a great asset and I’ve benefitted from this first-hand during my apprenticeships. Learning from and working alongside industry experts has meant I could establish a rapport with them.”

 

The benefits of becoming an apprentice extend beyond the programme itself, with the majority of apprentices at Legal & General starting on permanent contracts.

 

“Once people finish their apprenticeship they will have a financial uplift, annual bonuses, and the same opportunities to progress as anyone else. If anything, they have a deeper understanding of the business.

 

“We even offer degree apprenticeships so individuals can gain a degree in a highly desirable subject without having to worry about fees. Really, the world is their oyster, and we want our apprentices to succeed and progress to be our future leaders.

 

“This is evident when looking at our apprenticeship retention rates. The latest data shows all our former apprentices are still at the company two years on.”

 

Apprenticeships are suitable for people of all ages, with Elinor experiencing first-hand the benefits of becoming an apprentice later in her career.

 

“As a Future Talent Development Consultant, a focus of mine is upskilling and future-proofing our current workforce. The financial services landscape has changed and the skills our staff need have evolved – technology is ever changing, and we’ve seen a shift in digital capability requirements.

 

“Apprenticeships are a great way for people to develop their knowledge or even learn a completely new skillet so they can future-proof their career. Whatever your age, you can start an apprenticeship. If you want to change your career or upskill when you’re 40, an apprenticeship can allow you do that without having to give up a salary or your financial security.

 

“My own career goals have changed during my time at Legal & General and even after 20 years of being with the company, I still feel like I’m on my learning journey. It wasn’t until 2016 that I completed my Level 4 Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management, and I’ve recently completed a Level 5 Apprenticeship in Strategic Management. Having these higher qualifications under my belt has allowed me to accelerate my career, go for promotions within the business and have been integral in building my own strategic mindset – which is crucial when thinking about how we can move the business forward for the better.”

 

Not only does Elinor believe an apprenticeship is a great pathway to individual career success, but she explains how the business is using apprenticeships to futureproof and diversify their workforce.

 

“We’re proud to have a high mobility rate at Legal & General and a senior leadership team that comes from different backgrounds and pathways. Our business is proof that apprenticeships are a great foundation to a successful career. We instill agile leadership skills within our programmes, so apprentices feel ready to be able to progress and apply for higher roles. The finance sector can be seen as a scary environment full of ‘men in suits’ but it’s so much more than that. Apprentices, whatever their background, will thrive at Legal & General and pave a successful career – if they have the drive, determination and commitment to do so.

 

“Young people are looking for more than a pay cheque these days – they want to be employed by a company which aligns with their values. We’re proud to be on a journey to becoming a net zero company and are also hugely passionate about building a more diverse workforce. Our apprenticeship programme allows us to do both things by bringing fresh talent into the business and allowing us to upskill new and existing employees in a cost-effective manner. By the end of their programme, our apprentices have a real understanding of how they can progress and succeed in the business, which we hope will offer even more different socio-economic perspectives across the board in the not-so-distant future.”

 

For more information on becoming an apprentice, visit the Apprenticeships Wales Genius Decision website or call 0800 028 4844.

 

If you’re a business looking to recruit apprentices, visit the Business Wales website or call 03000 6 03000.

Apprenticeships, Business, Education

Educ8 Training Group advocates for apprenticeships in the face of potential budget cuts

Welsh Government’s final budget 2024-25 will be published on 27th February. Ahead of this, Educ8 Training Group, a leading provider of training and apprenticeships in the UK, is striving to showcase the substantial value and worth that apprenticeships offer workplaces and the Welsh economy.

Latest figures from the Welsh Government show a growing appetite for apprenticeships in Wales, with an increase of more than 20% in the number of apprenticeship learning programmes started in academic Q3 2022/2023 compared to the same period the previous year [1]. Educ8 has also been witnessing a consistent upward trend for apprenticeships in Wales, serving more learners than ever before.

This increase in apprenticeship enrolment has a positive impact on the country’s professional workforce. It helps to develop the infrastructure within businesses that can bolster the Welsh economy, as well as delivering on the Welsh Government’s Young Person Guarantee to support those aged 16-24 in securing further education, training and employment. The potential cuts Wales is facing will undermine both of these aspects of apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships are a unique pathway to learning that have untold benefits for the apprentices themselves and employers. Able to jump straight into a working environment, learners can start developing valuable hard and soft skills immediately, without taking on any student debt. These skills are directly related to the role they are in, giving them confidence in the workplace and providing employers with exactly what they need to address skill gaps. Apprenticeships play a pivotal role in nurturing professional development and resolving the ever-changing needs of Wales’ workforce.

Paul Stevenson, People Development Manager at Parkdean Resorts, says “The news that there could be a 24.5% cut in funding for apprenticeships in Wales, has come as a huge surprise to us. 

 

Over the last few years, we have been working closely with our Welsh providers to develop our people at all levels of our business; from new people joining us to the advancement of our managers, enabling them to acquire further knowledge, skills, and behaviours to support their career.

 

Being able to offer apprenticeships in our recruitment enables us to attract people to our business and support them through an apprenticeship programme. Apprenticeship development is a key part of our succession planning that provides people with lifelong knowledge and skills to develop their careers, as well as using these skills in other aspects of life.

 

This proposed cut could potentially undermine how we recruit and develop our people in Wales in the future.”

Welsh Government is facing huge challenges in the landscape of its funding, and it is anticipated that the upcoming policy statement on apprenticeships will reveal that due to a 3.65% budget cut and loss of previous European funding, the apprenticeship programme will be cut by 24.5% in 2024-25.

Inevitably, these cuts will lead to a significant drop in the number of apprenticeship places that can be offered throughout Wales. The National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW), of which Educ8 is a member, estimates that it will result in 10,000 fewer apprentices over the next two years, of which 5,500 are expected to be in health and social care. These reductions would disproportionately harm young people (aged 16-24), especially those who are women, live in socio-economically deprived areas and are from ethnic minority backgrounds.

With a wide number of fields now available to study, the demand for apprenticeships is expected to increase again next year. Providing qualifications such as Social Media for Business and Digital Marketing, Educ8 has first-hand experience of how these apprenticeships are being used to fill the ever-growing demand for digital and technology skills.

Its new Energy and Carbon Management qualification, which covers modules including energy procurement and analysis of energy consumption is also playing an important part. With the introduction of this training, Educ8 is witnessing how apprenticeships can pave the way to a more energy-conscious economy and significantly contribute to achieving the government’s net zero target.

Speaking on the value of apprenticeships, Grant Santos, CEO of Educ8 Training Group said: “Apprenticeships are needed to answer the challenges of the modern world and prepare society for the jobs of the future. High-quality apprenticeships like those offered by Educ8 can improve the economic prospects of Welsh workers and help to create a skilled workforce, and that is why it’s so important we advocate for the value of apprenticeships to the Welsh economy and maintain the level of investment in this flagship programme.”

If you are an employer whose business has seen significant benefits from apprenticeships, you can make representations to Welsh Government by emailing the Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething at Correspondence.Vaughan.Gething@gov.wales.

For more information on the range of apprenticeships and qualifications offered by Educ8, visit https://www.educ8training.co.uk/

  1. https://www.gov.wales/apprenticeship-learning-programmes-started-february-april-2023-provisional
Apprenticeships, Beauty, Hair and Beauty, News from Wales

How Welsh Salons Can Overcome Recruitment Challenges With Apprenticeships

The Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis are two big factors that salon owners believe are affecting their ability to recruit new staff.

The pandemic meant that salons had to close their doors for months to comply with the laws around social distancing. Now the cost-of-living crisis means some salons are unable to afford to train new staff, and existing employees may be looking for higher-paying jobs outside of the hair and beauty sector.

Donna Bowen-Anderson, Customer Account Manager at ISA, says: “The perception of low-income apprentices is something that is truly a challenge for salon recruitment. It is critical to ensure that learners understand the massive benefit learning a skill in hair, beauty and barbering can have, often leading down the path to becoming higher earners in the future.”

We explore these challenges and explain how apprenticeships can help salons grow their business.

1.    Apprenticeships are an affordable option for learners

 

Removing barriers to apprenticeships can be one of the first steps in widening the appeal to potential learners. Studying at university can be expensive. Many students struggle to find a balance between work and study to support themselves, often finding it difficult to find a suitable job after graduating.

ISA Training (part of Educ8 Training Group) offers a variety of apprenticeships that are fully funded by Welsh Government. As Wales’s leading hair, beauty, and barbering apprenticeship specialist, these courses provide practical lifelong skills, that can act as a foundation to build a truly successful career.

Apprenticeships offer an opportunity for learners to enter employment and earn while they learn. Apprentices can develop new skills without the level of debt typically associated with a university degree, with the opportunity to progress to higher paid job roles.

2.    Apprenticeships support salons with training and recruitment

 

Support outside of the salon is a fantastic way to ensure that apprentices receive a well-rounded education, combining their practical experience with theoretical knowledge.

Qualifications delivered by ISA Training are run by trainer coaches who have a wealth of experience, who are active within the industry and are up to date with hair and beauty trends and techniques. They are dedicated to supporting learners across all aspects of their study, while helping relieve some of the pressures that salon owners face.

Finding candidates with the right technical, creative and customer service skills can be a challenge. With its knowledge of the sector, ISA can support with recruiting apprentices by helping advertise apprenticeship vacancies. They also help employers access funding through Welsh Government’s Employer Incentive Scheme, supporting learners with a disability into employment.

In addition to the support ISA can give salons, Donna Bowen-Anderson advised, “Salon owners need to be proactive in looking for apprentices, think about how and where they engage with their future staff and become a passionate champion for their business and the industry.

And it’s really important to shout about not just the technical skills but the valuable life skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving that apprenticeships also offer.”

3.    Apprenticeships can help close skills gaps

 

Hiring an apprentice allows salon owners to not only nurture and develop new talent, but also to address skills gaps that they may have identified within their salon.

ISA apprentices are encouraged to study both hairdressing and barbering to widen opportunities and appeal to a broader clientele. This can allow salons to stand out among their competitors and enhance their reputation, while providing learners more opportunities to develop their skills and train in other areas.

Oli Tracey, Level 3 Hairdressing Apprentice and ISA Ambassador from Slunks salon in Cardiff, said: “My apprenticeship has given me the knowledge and confidence to go out into the hair world and absolutely smash it! The support from not just my ISA trainer coach but the whole ISA community and organisation has been amazing. The opportunities I’ve had throughout my apprenticeship are ones I’ll never forget.”

To learn more about the qualifications offered by ISA Training and what support they can provide your salon, visit www.isatraining.co.uk.

Apprenticeships, Awards, Education News, News from Wales

Educ8 Training wins ‘People-Led Growth’ award at Wales’ Fast 50

Educ8 Training Group has won special recognition for ‘People-Led Growth’ at Wales’ 25th anniversary Fast Growth 50 Awards event in Cardiff.

This news follows on from the company being placed 5th in the ‘Best Large Company to Work For in the UK’ awards, where Educ8 proudly celebrated yet another milestone – retaining its place in the top 5 for the 3rd consecutive year.

Celebrating 25 years and welcoming over 1,100 guests to the Utilita Arena in Cardiff, Wales’ Fast Growth 50 event marks the largest ever assembly of Welsh business talent, recognising the incredible achievements of the fastest growing businesses in Wales.

Since starting in 1999, Wales’ Fast Growth 50 have given a platform to businesses to gain recognition for their achievements and contributes significantly to the Welsh economy. As of this year, the Fast Growth 50 Index expanded its reach nationally, unveiling an extensive list highlighting the 50 fastest growing businesses across seven nations and regions of the UK.

Educ8 Training Group marked its inaugural invitation to the event this year, sharing the stage with AerFin, ALS People, CP Hire GB, FlyForm, Freshwater, Pro Steel Engineering Limited, Smart Solutions Group and Yolk Recruitment Ltd. Winners are chosen based on their turnover growth over a two-year period, recognising their ability to scale rapidly and sustainably. Sponsored by the Cardiff Capital Region, the ‘People-Led Growth’ award showcases Educ8’s people-led approach to phenomenal growth.

Grant Santos, Chief Executive at Educ8 said: “We are so proud to have won the special recognition for ‘People-Led Growth’ award. This is a superb achievement and recognises the substantial growth that we’ve have had over the last couple of years.

The award encapsulates who we are as a business. Our growth and success has, and will continue to be a result of the fantastic people who make Educ8 such a great place to work.”

This year Educ8 Training Group has gone from strength to strength and remains at the forefront of innovation in the sector. From launching their brand-new Energy and Carbon Management apprenticeship to help support the Welsh Government’s target of becoming a net zero nation by 2050, to pioneering Virtual Reality (VR) in hair salons across South Wales. Educ8 is dedicated to offering innovative programmes that empower individuals to excel in their role.

Jude Holloway, Managing Director at Educ8, added: “2023 has been a monumental year for us as a group and this award is a testament to our people and our values. This award recognises and celebrates all the hard work and dedication of our staff across the Educ8 Group.

Dylan Jones Evans, Founder of Fast Growth 50, said: “After 25 years of the Wales Fast Growth 50, the performance of Educ8 demonstrates that entrepreneurial businesses are still driving prosperity and growth across the nation whilst generating wealth and jobs in their local communities. Most important of all, their success stories will hopefully inspire others to follow a similar journey.

With fifty Welsh firms generating nearly £600 million of additional turnover and creating over 2,000 new jobs between 2020 and 2022, this year’s list demonstrates yet again how innovation, enterprise and sheer hard work can make a real difference in all sectors from construction to financial services to technology.”

If you’re interested in starting your journey with Educ8 Training Group, please visit www.educ8training.co.uk to discover the variety of qualifications and apprenticeships they have to offer.

Apprenticeships, Thought Leadership

The reason why apprenticeship programmes need to be industry-led

Written by Ash Gawthorp, Chief Academy Officer at Ten10

One of the problems with the apprenticeship levy is that it often lacks flexibility and ends up falling short of meeting the needs of the specific industry, for example, tech. It was created with the goal to bring those from a background where university wasn’t considered an option, into highly skilled roles where they are able to have access to a vocational pathway. Those people would then be trained on the job and continue to work their way up within that industry.

The problem is that these apprenticeships are often based on structures that don’t work within a typical business model. For instance, often apprentices need to finish courses at a college or university, and if there are projects that need to be completed within certain timeframes, then it doesn’t work when that person is away 3 days out of the week to finish coursework.

 

According to the educational and skills think tank EDSK, almost half of apprentices don’t complete their courses. Why is that? The problem is that the programmes funded by the levy are government-led, not industry-led. We need more industry input into what works for both employers and apprentices.

 

One of the areas that it is currently failing employers is that the levy is only validated to fund certain programmes. Employers will therefore opt for these because they’re funded. Now, if someone doesn’t finish their apprenticeship it might seem like the employer isn’t losing any money. But irrespective of who is paying for it, there is still investment on the part of the employers; they are investing time and resources into training that person with an expectation that they will continue to work with them at the end. When the person leaves halfway through, they are back to square one.

There are mechanisms out there that do achieve good results, but they’re not accessible through the levy. Companies need to be rewarded on their success factors and what has worked for them, rather than how many people they can push through to an apprenticeship.

 

But it’s absolutely reformable. The idea behind it is right and the way it is funded through the salary bill is brilliant: everybody who is part of the levy contributes to it and has access to the pot. It is how that pot is used and the types of programmes that the levy funds that need to be re-evaluated. One of the issues is the chasm between theoretical training versus the practical. Only a small part of the training is focussed on the practical tasks that actually utilise their knowledge, and too much of it is classroom work: reporting, essay writing and box ticking. That’s not equipping people with the correct skills they’ll need.

This is also why we’ve seen the levy being taken advantage of and funding MBA degrees for top executives when it should be used to equip young trainees with the right skills. This all ties back to having transparency with which programmes deliver the right results, and the current ones are failing to the point we’re seeing 100,000 fewer apprentices apply than six years ago. The levy needs to be led by industry experts and employers, rather than government and academia. We need data where we can see how successful these programmes are in a tangible way: what percentage of people are being placed in roles afterwards? How long are people staying in these roles for? Then we know what yields results.

 

The levy was brought in to help bridge the skills gaps in specific industries. It has the potential to introduce people who might otherwise not have had access to a vocational pathway. It is a chance for someone to earn whilst they learn their trade and get a foot in the industry.

The concept behind it is solid, but we need to address the suitability of certain people for each course. If we’re not accurately putting people in roles that suit their aptitude and abilities, they won’t be able to grow their skills. For example, not everyone will have the suitability for software development. Ultimately it is unfair to both the employer and the apprentice if people are being put forward for the wrong roles just to bump up numbers.

When we have that assessment and that conversation, we are then able to place them in roles that will equip them with the skills they’ll need to make it. This will also give employers the right people they can train to help them build their projects.

 

 

 

 

Apprenticeships, Caerphilly, Education, Education News, News from Wales, Training & Apprenticeships

Over 1,000 learners completed a qualification with ‘excellent’ rated Educ8 Training Group

Educ8 students of 2022-2023 have celebrated their graduation in the iconic Llancaicah Fawr Manor in Caerphilly. Students were invited on stage to recognise their achievements alongside friends, family, and Educ8 staff.

Jude Holloway, Managing Director at Educ8 Training Group, said: “This year’s Gradu8 Ceremony was as fantastic as ever, and it is always a joy to applaud our graduates for their hard work and recognise their achievements.

Graduation is an opportunity to not only celebrate our brilliant learners, but also an opportunity to highlight just how valuable a vocational qualification is and that learning can be a lifelong and continuous process.”

In the last academic year, Educ8 Training Group has supported more than 1,000 learners to complete their qualifications, with 93.75% of students describing Educ8 as an ‘excellent’ learning provider.

The morning and afternoon ceremonies celebrated the graduates from some of Educ8’s core disciplines, such as Customer Service, Business Administration, Leadership & Management, Marketing, Social Media, Health & Social Care, Hair & Beauty, Equine & Animal Care, and more.

Speaking on what her apprenticeship has meant for her, Sammy O’Brien, a HR Manager at Protectorcomms who graduated from Business Admin Level 4 this year, said: “I already had the experience and knew how to do my job, but studying an apprenticeship with Educ8 Training meant I had a formal qualification and recognition for my work. Being able to graduate was amazing. It’s great that Educ8 offers the chance to celebrate through a graduation ceremony. It was a wonderful day and made me feel proud of what I had achieved.”

Educ8 Training Group continues to innovate in its training and education provision, having just this year launched a new Energy and Carbon Management apprenticeship with support from the Welsh Government, introduced a new apprenticeship in Equestrian Sporting Excellence through Haddon Training, and pioneered new VR training for hairdressing apprentices from ISA Training in collaboration with CEMET.

Championing learning in all forms and for all ages, Educ8 Training Group has also witnessed a marked increase in apprenticeships in 2023, where rising tuition fees and the need for upskilling while working are seeing more people choose an apprenticeship as a practical route to qualification.

Susan Billington, National Account Manager at Educ8 Training Group, said: “Apprenticeships offer fantastic career opportunities allowing learners to earn while they learn. Learners can avoid accumulating massive debt while at the same time equipping themselves with practical skills and industry connections.”

Apprenticeships are an excellent method for business growth, providing incentives such as the Employer Incentive Scheme (EIS) that helps to support learners who have a disability into the world of work, as well as maximising value through cutting-edge knowledge and skills.

Whether you’re a young person wanting to take their first step on the career ladder and gain invaluable practical experience in a field you’re passionate about, you want to take your career in a new direction, or you are looking to build on the skills you already have to progress your career, Educ8 Training Group is a fantastic place to gain all the qualifications you need.

It’s never too late to learn and start a new, exciting career journey. If you are interested in studying a qualification with Educ8, visit www.educ8training.co.uk.