BSG Property Services Ltd, based in Bedfordshire, provides building and property maintenance services to Housing Associations, businesses and home owners.

BSG Property Services Ltd approached SR Partnership to find out about fully funded training opportunities for their employees. Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) is a programme developed to upskill employees within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It provides recognised accredited qualifications and bespoke training courses to enhance employees’ skills, increase the competitiveness of businesses and boost local economies. SR Partnership is part of Serco’s network of expert organisations chosen to deliver the SSW programme on behalf of South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP). SSW is co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

SR Partnership carried out a Training Needs Analysis for employee, Mark Sexton. General property maintenance used to be a hobby of Mark’s until he realised he could get paid to do what he loved. Now, after 14 months with BSG, he is progressing in his career and is still thoroughly enjoying his passion.

The analysis identified that Mark could benefit from taking a NVQ Level 2 in Maintenance Operations. The qualification covers a range of skills including carpentry and joinery; painting and decorating; wall and floor tiling; plastering; roofing bricklaying, stonemasonry, allowing individuals to work as multi-skilled operatives upon completion of the qualification.

Mark completed the one year long NVQ in just nine months. His training involved onsite assessments on various sites within the South East Midlands region carrying out his day to day duties and repairing and refurbishing void properties.

Since the training Mark has progressed to site supervisor and now leads a team of eight people.

Mark Sexton BSG Property Services said:

“I found the process straightforward and the assessor very supportive. I am extremely grateful for the support that I have been given. The SSW funded training has enabled me to progress in my career on a much quicker scale. I am keen to take on higher roles and keep working hard.”

Kylie Bates, SR Partnership, said:

“Mark has been an absolute pleasure! We’re delighted that we have been able to help with furthering his career and wish him the best of luck in the future.”

To find out about accessing fully funded training for your business through the Skills Support for the Workforce programme, businesses can contact Serco skillssupport@serco.com.