Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) is a programme developed to upskill employees within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South East Midlands. 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. SR Partnership Ltd is part of Serco’s network of expert organisations chosen to deliver the SSW programme which is co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency. 

Wadys Electrical Ltd are based in Bedfordshire and were established in 1959. They are an electrical mechanical building services company ran by Managing Director Doug Wady. Current and previous contracts include a mixture of commercial, domestic, educational and health work. A regular maintenance contractor includes Luton Ambulance Services. Doug is also currently providing support (mock interviews / work placements) for a local charity, ‘NOAH Enterprises’ offering help and support to people struggling against homelessness and poverty. 

Chris May, Wadys Electrical Contract Manager, has been a regular attendee on several SSW funded training courses. SSW support was brought to Wadys Electricals’ attention by Chris Wiley at Skills for Site. 

SR Partnership Adviser Kylie Bates completed a training needs analysis with MD Doug Wady, They talked at length about issues regarding keeping your staff up to date with current training needs and standards of the constructions industry hence the reason he decided to sign some of his candidates up. Doug also mentioned an issue with staff retention in his offices rather than onsite. Investing in his staff and their individual progress was another reason for signing his management staff up. 

Training delivered with funding through the SSW programme has included:

• Non-regulated health and safety training within the construction industry
• Stress awareness
• Performance management appraisals
• Customer service and conflict
• Design and management
• Risk assessment and method statement
• Management essentials
• Delivering an effective toolbox talk
• Director’s role for health and safety 

Kylie Bates said “Wadys Electrical have been an absolute pleasure to provide training for. They are proactive and extremely forthcoming with any requests send their way. A delight to work with.”

Chris May, Contract Manager at Wadys Electrical said "The courses were well run and informative. I’ve learnt some new things and also re-enforced things I already know. I would definitely recommend SSW and the courses to others."  

Attending the programme of courses offered has enabled Chris to have a managerial insight into how and why things are done and also given him new ways to explore his role within management. Chris has a thirst for knowledge and is always keen to learn more – the courses provided have allowed this. He would like to see more course provided in the future as he believes it is key to the development not only of himself but also the business. 

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