Skills Support for the Workforce

Langan’s Tea Rooms

15th Jul 2019 Skills Support for the Workforce

A Staffordshire based social enterprise has upskilled a staff member in Team Leadership which has resulted in an improved team dynamic and increased employee confidence.

Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) is a programme developed to upskill employees within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Staffordshire. It provides recognised accredited qualifications and bespoke training courses to enhance your employees’ skills, increase the competitiveness of your business and boost the local economy.

HIT Training is part of Serco’s network of expert organisations chosen to deliver the SSW programme. SSW is co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

Langan’s Tea Rooms is owned by the O’Connor Gateway Charitable Trust and runs as a social enterprise. Revenue is ploughed back into community services to provide education, training and employment for individuals who have undergone rehabilitation through the BAC O’Connor Charity. Profit margins are then spent upskilling Langan staff & volunteers to gain qualifications and workplace skills.

Having been out of education for some time, Sally Hawkins wanted to improve her confidence within the workplace through education, feeling that this a major barrier to her career progression goals.

Sally contacted HIT Training and together with her Training Consultant, underwent a Training Needs Analysis which revealed areas for growth and skills development. In agreement with the TNA diagnostic, Sally enrolled on a Level 2 Team Leadership qualification.

Through this course, Sally learned about motivational techniques, different leadership styles and practical ways that she could apply her skills to her new job role as the Front of House Supervisor. All training was completed within the workplace. However, Sally went the extra mile, completing additional revision and study at home. 

On her commitment to gaining her qualification, Sally’s HIT Training Consultant said:

“Sally worked hard from start to finish on her qualification. There were times when it was difficult, but she kept on going regardless. She [has] reached the finish line.”

On completion of her NVQ, an immediate outcome for Sally was increased self-confidence from knowing that she had the skill and knowledge surrounding the principles of team leadership. Sally’s interest in continued professional development has been ignited and she has now enrolled onto a maths qualification through HIT Training – an unthinkable notion prior to engagement with the Skills Support for the Workforce programme.

Langan’s Tea Room manager, James Hurn, concludes:

“Sally has done amazingly well through the support she has received on the Skills Support for the Workforce programme. We have seen an impressive rate of progression as she undertakes her new role. The ongoing support HIT Training have offered Sally and other employees has been invaluable to Langan’s Tea Rooms.”

To find out about accessing fully funded training for employees through the Skills Support for the Workforce programme businesses can contact us

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