Skills Support for the Workforce
Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) is a government training programme tailored to the needs of businesses.
Serco delivers the SSW programme in 16 regions of England:
Black Country, Coventry & Warwickshire, D2N2 (Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire), Dorset, Greater Birmingham & Solihull, Greater Cambridge & Greater Peterborough, Heart of the South West, Hertfordshire, Leicester & Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, South East Midlands, Stoke on Trent & Staffordshire, Swindon & Wiltshire, West of England and Worcestershire.
Serco is delivering this programme through a network of high quality training providers.
Find out moreHIT Training is the leading specialist training and apprenticeship provider in the UK’s hospitality and catering industry
At HIT Training we know the positive impact of work-based apprenticeships for employers, employees and the wider economy. This investment in your people and their skills makes your business more efficient and profitable, and ensures your people improve their life chances.
HIT Training delivers Apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 5 in Hospitality, Management and Adult Care through over 400 skilled training staff operating from 35 offices countrywide giving us a keen local knowledge. We train through remote onsite and classroom based depending on the qualification.
Some of our accreditations include:
At HIT Training we know the positive impact of work-based apprenticeships for employers, employees and the wider economy. This investment in your people and their skills makes your business more efficient and profitable, and ensures your people improve their life chances.
Helping people become the best they can be makes good business sense.
HR Champions Ltd have been delivering Management Development training since the business was established in 2000. We achieved ILM (Institute of Leadership & Management) accredited status in 2002. Since then, developing managers to become outstanding leaders has been our niche.
Management Development training is our specialism; focussing on the key skills that improve productivity through more effective management.
We have courses and workshops for all levels; from growing effective teams to enabling your rising stars to transition to a Supervisor or Team Leader role through to First Line Manager. Our Senior Team and Director level training takes a strategic approach to people management.
Training is largely classroom based and delivery encompasses a range of methods such as individual and syndicate work, games and exercises to match people’s individual learning styles.
Courses are of two, three and four days, usually spread over a period of several weeks to minimise the impacts of having staff out of the business but more importantly to enable delegates to gradually and effectively implement their new skills and knowledge in the workplace.
Gateway Training Solutions has been in operation since January 2008, initially setup to help provide training, advice and guidance to SME’s. Since then we have delivered over 10,000 qualifications nationwide, engaging with over 900 employers across 30 different cities.
We believe in working with employers and learners to ensure that both parties gain from the learning experience. Gateway has achieved its growth by putting learner at the heart of the business, by focusing on developing our learners we are able to help them achieve their qualifications.
We deliver Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Pre-employment training, Standalone QCF’s, Functional Skills as well as ESF provision.
We have worked with a number of mainstream colleges including Walsall College, Stoke on Trent College, Calderdale as well as a number of consortiums and have spent over £10m worth of Train to Gain, ASB, ALR and ESF funding during this period.
Our specialist sectors include Transport & Logistics, Warehousing & Storage, Hospitality & Catering, Retail, Tourism, Education & Business and Financial Services.
We base our delivery around the needs of employers and Learners which includes classroom and work based delivery. We schedule delivery of training around the working schedules of learners providing minimum disruption to work.
The Tess Group are a learning and development provider established in 2009; delivering qualifications including Apprenticeships, Diplomas, Traineeships, Adult Learner Loans and ESF – SSW funded training. Since the moment we started we have been working on changing the way everyone finds their future & delivering inspirational learning that has a measurable impact on people’s lives.
We are rated Ofsted Grade 2 February 2017, Matrix Accredited and an Investors In People Gold Employer. We have won several awards in recent years including Business Of The Year 2015, Enterprising Organisation 2016, Apprenticeship Provider 2016 (Apprenticeship Awards). We were a finalist at the Investors In People Gold Employer awards.
Our vocational delivery range include Customer Service, Team Leading, Management, Sales, Business Administration & Recruitment. We provide learning that is needed to support learners or businesses to their steps.
We are able to bespoke programmes specific to the needs of business, delivering a blend of workshop training sessions, one on one coaching sessions or remote training.
Acorn Training is a training provider established in 2008. We deliver standalone qualifications, bespoke unit bundles, apprenticeships and traineeships. Our mission statement is ‘Realising safe and secure futures for everyone to succeed in life and work’. We deliver qualifications in the following vocational areas: Health & Social Care, Business Administration, Customer Service, Team Leading & Management as well as a full range of functional skills.
We work with employers to develop a bespoke programme of learning which could include taster units, full qualifications, support with maths, English & ICT and support progressing employees within work or into further learning or an apprenticeship.
Founded by Cheryl Hadland, who also founded Tops Day Nurseries, Cheryl has been working in the adult training sector since 1980 and in the childcare sector since 1990.
Cheryl is totally dedicated to enabling and supporting people who work in the ‘caring’ sector. Having developed a great team of experienced, knowledgeable and qualified assessors and tutors to train and lead the qualifications and training on offer to you.
Kelly Russell is now the director for Aspire Training Team and together the team are proud of their achievements; The ‘Investors in People’ recognition as well as the Beacon Award for Training Excellence, Outstanding OFSTED grade, Matrix Standard and top grades from external inspectors from City & Guilds, Cache and Pearson’s. Working closely with each employer as well as individual apprentices to ensure everyone achieves the goals each ‘aspire’ to.
Aspire continue to progress with their own training and development. Many of the staff started years ago as apprentices or unqualified nursery staff themselves, and have experienced first-hand the challenges of working, raising a family and training in order to achieve their goals.
Whether you are seeking an apprenticeship or other staff qualification, the Beacon award-winning Aspire Training Team gain results that are higher than the national average and are in OFSTED’s top 10 in the country.
Approved by City & Guilds, Cache and Pearson’s to offer a range of courses to staff working within the care or business sector. Fully understanding that every person and every company work differently, which is why Aspire tailor courses to meet learner specific requirements.
We deliver training within Early Years up to L5, Health & Social Care up to L5, Leadership and Management up to L3, Business and Administration up to L3 we also deliver short courses within all the sectors just mentioned.
Education + Training Skills (ETS), established in 1965 and gaining charitable status in 1984, is a leading, highly successful independent work based learning provider. As a long standing South West training provider we have the knowledge and understanding of how local businesses operate. We:
> To find out more contact us on 01392 445444 or email help@etsgroup.co.uk
Apprenticeships and commercial training in Retail, Hospitality, Care, Sales, Warehousing, Business Administration, Management, Team Leading and Customer Service. Focus also offers, Traineeships and themed courses for the Unemployed in these sectors.
GHQ Training has over 25 years of working alongside businesses in Devon and Cornwall delivering training that enables individuals to stimulate their natural talent and aid their personal development. Established in 1992, we are a private training provider, recognised for delivering high quality training across a wide range of business sectors. GHQ recognises the potential in people and works with them to develop their skills within the workplace. We specialise in work based training, short courses and Apprenticeships that cover a range of vocations including Hairdressing, Childcare, Teaching, Business and Management, Beauty Therapy and Nail Services. Many of our courses are accredited through either: City & Guilds, ILM, NCFE or VTCT.
GHQ has been a direct contract holder for apprenticeships and other adult education with an excellent track record for working closely with employers and individuals to develop skills and raise confidence and knowledge. The company is also Matrix approved and has been consistently assessed by Ofsted as a Good Provider.
Our staff are always happy to provide information, advice and support on all our services, whether it be nationally recognised courses and qualifications or bespoke courses tailored to suit your individual or specific business needs.
Locomotivation is an established independent training provider with 18 years’ experience of delivering a variety of training programmes including skills and apprenticeships. Locomotivation have held and successfully managed a direct contract with the government agencies since 1999. We currently deliver Apprenticeship training to between 800 and 1000 apprentices per year. Locomotivation hold a skills training contract funded through European Social Fund and work in partnership with other providers to deliver the local priorities identified by the LEP.
We deliver all our training direct to the employer in the workplace through 1-2-1 meetings and group workshops. Areas of delivery include Sport and Leisure, Gym, Aviation, Hospitality, Health and Social Care, Retail and Sales, Business Administration, Contact Centre, Customer Service and Leadership and Management programmes through ILM.
Locomotivation holds the Matrix standard for Information Advice and Guidance (IAG). Locomotivation has been rated as good by Ofsted for the past 9 years. Locomotivation works with a number of Awarding Organisations and are a low risk Centre, holding direct claim status for all qualifications offered.
Locomotivation are part the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network as well as attending meetings with the local LEP and Employment Skills Board.
Flexible progressive learning from Geason Training
We are a leading construction training organisation with training centres throughout the UK and pride ourselves in the design and delivery of apprenticeship programmes from Level 2 through to Degree level. These are provided in the workplace and tailored to suit our clients' individual needs.
Our approach is to work in total partnership with the employer, and in doing so we become an extension to your business by providing you with an all-inclusive training and development solution. Our organisation wide training needs analysis will identify and map existing and potential new job roles across all levels to relevant apprenticeships.
We will manage your funding options through our free dedicated Apprenticeship and CITB Levy consultation and support service for employers, enabling you to maximise the return on investment from the Levy. As we keep our ear to the ground when it comes to changes in Government funding we are able to regularly communicate government directives in an accessible way.
Performance Through People offer a variety of apprenticeships for people of all ages across the Midlands. We deliver apprenticeships at levels 2, 3, 4 and 5 and cover a range of sectors including in Accounting, Business Administration, Customer Service, Dental Nursing, Early Years Care, Health and Social Care, IT, Management and Team Leading, Retail, Hospitality, Warehouse and Logistics, Manufacturing, Engineering, Sales and Travel Services.
All apprentices are assigned one of our highly qualified training advisers who will support them through visits to the workplace and arrange for them to complete classroom sessions or workshops if these are required as part of the apprenticeship. They will also support with maths and English functional skills as necessary. Where classroom session and workshops are required these will take place at one of our training centres in Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Cannock and Newcastle-under-Lyme. Our Walsall centre includes a purpose built engineering training centre.
We offer clear progression routes through apprenticeships and can continue to support learners as they progress to higher level qualifications and more senior job roles.
We are rated Good by Ofsted and have Investors in People and Matrix accreditations.
Qommunicate is an established workforce development company specialising in providing a fully tailored learner journey for all individuals, starting at pre-employment training, developing into fully skilled and sustainable workforce.
There is a wide range of training opportunities available through Huish that ensures there is an appropriate way that you and your staff can engage in learning.
To decide the most suitable approach to training for you, our advisers will work with you to develop a training plan.
A range of Distance Learning options are provided allowing your employees to complete work at their own pace and in their own workplace or at home. Typically these programmes are around 12 weeks in length and are supported by nine hours of individual tutor support. Learners can gain qualifications, whilst minimising disruption to the workplace.
Bespoke Training may meet specific requirements raised in your training needs analysis carried out by our Business Development Advisers in partnership with you. These courses do not always lead to qualifications but will help to develop skills and knowledge of yourself and your staff.
Training and developing your employees can help your business stay ahead of the competition. This could be through mastering new technology, maximising the use of IT, improving customer service or working towards professional qualifications.
At South Devon College, we provide training for businesses and sole traders throughout the South West, and our tutors deliver high-quality training across a variety of areas. These include a wide range of vocational delivery covered by classroom and/or remote methods in; automotive and marine, fitness instructing, management and leadership, accounting, human resources and much more.
We offer:
South Devon College sits at the heart of its employer and local community and has received external recognition in the form of exceptional employer feedback and through accreditations such as; Investors In People Platinum and TEF Gold.
We have been trading for over 12 years and specialise in construction NVQs that are relevant to you and your business.
We have a 100% pass rate and have successfully delivered several hundred NVQs from level 2 to 7 over the past 8 years.
Due to our methodical approach we have completed Level 2 in 4/6 months, level 3 NVQs in only 6/9 months, level 6 in only 9/12 months and level 7 NVQs in 18 months.
We assess each candidate’s competence, experience and skill in order to carry out the Qualifications and Credit Framework/National Vocational Qualification (QCF/NVQ) process. All of our NVQ assessments are conducted on site, which will save you and your delegates time and travelling expenses. We have assessors countrywide, so whatever project you are working on we can attend your site. We will also apply for the relevant CSCS card for you or your delegate as part of our management process.
We have recently undertaken bespoke Health and Safety training courses with excellent attendance and feedback
We work many major large, medium and small leaders in the Construction Industry and are happy to explore any new projects that are required.
As part of Serco’s supply chain for the ESF Skills Support for the Workforce contract we offer Basic Skills Training to business with less than 250 staff. We provide recognised accredited qualifications and bespoke training courses tailored to enhance your employees’ skills, increase the competitiveness of your business and boost the local economy.
Courses we have available include:
• Diploma in Business Administration
• Diploma in Customer Services
• Certificate in Hospitality and Catering
• Functional Skills English Maths & ICT
• ESOL
• Bespoke ICT training including Excel, GDPR and e-safety for small businesses
As well as training to businesses we also provide individually tailored support to people who are currently out of work through a combination of Employability Courses, Work-based skills, vocational training and work experience placements. These are designed to strengthen learner’s chances of getting a job by equipping them with a mixture of accredited qualifications, work based skills and increased confidence. Finally we offer an integrated recruitment service which provides access to local employment opportunities as well as delivering a bespoke recruitment service to local employers.
Construction skills People is the largest provider to the UK’s construction sector, established in 2008, we deliver a wide range of vocational qualifications and commercial training courses specifically for the construction sector. Our in-depth industry knowledge allows us to advise our clients through the complex minefield of Health & Safety legislation and regulation. We are the UK's leading provider of construction-related work-based qualifications and offer a broad range of NVQs that help our clients ensure they are CSCS and CPCS compliant.
We enjoy working with over 75% of the UK’s top 100 construction companies as listed by the industry’s Construction News magazine. We look to foster robust relationships with our clients, built on our concept of putting our clients’ needs first. As you would expect from an industry-leading training provider, we practice what we preach, and our staff's Continual Professional Development is an ongoing process that ensures our staff have the knowledge and expertise to offer industry the correct advice.
Vocational delivery range – All qualifications in construction including Civil Engineer, Construction Plant, House Building, Off-Site Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Utilities, Environmental and major projects. All of CSP’s qualifications are delivered on site to reduces disruption and employee downtime.
Accreditations - Matrix accredited, Disability Confident, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 18001
Wiltshire College & University Centre is the largest provider of education and training in Wiltshire with campuses in Salisbury, Trowbridge, Lackham and Chippenham.
In 2018/19 we won the coveted Association of Colleges national Beacon Award for excellence in the practical delivery of technical and professional learning. We combine a commitment to academic quality and success with a determination to develop a leading, world-class college environment where students learn and progress.
The College takes pride in being at the forefront of technical vocational education and skills. Ofsted rates us as ‘Good’ with 92% of delivery observations rated Good or Outstanding. We have 3,300 full time students, 6,000 part time students and around 450 teaching/assessing staff.
We offer over 70 different apprenticeship programmes in various disciplines, ranging from customer service to land-based, engineering to HR and construction to Project Management. We currently have around 1,300 apprentices on programme. Our overall success rates are above national average; our business and management success rates are currently 92%. Delivery takes place both in the workplace and at College with flexible options of attendance. All apprentices receive a structured and individualised training programme, tailored to employer needs.
Somerset Skills & Learning (SS&L) makes positive changes to people’s lives, through learning. We work across Somerset, providing adult education, apprenticeships and traineeships. As well as offering skills and qualifications, we also invest heavily in community projects to help disadvantaged groups to improve their lives through learning.
SS&L is one of the highest rated providers in Somerset, with 87.2% of learners recommending us to friends and family in a recent FE Choices survey.
Our work based learning team specialise in training for business & administration, customer service, team leading & management, childcare and teaching assistants. Whilst our qualifications team can support computer & digital skill
Somerset Skills & Learning (SS&L) makes positive changes to people’s lives, through learning. We work across Somerset, providing adult education, apprenticeships and traineeships. As well as offering skills and qualifications, we also invest heavily in community projects to help disadvantaged groups to improve their lives through learning.
SS&L is one of the highest rated providers in Somerset, with 87.2% of learners recommending us to friends and family in a recent FE Choices survey.
Our work based learning team specialise in training for business & administration, customer service, team leading & management, childcare and teaching assistants. Whilst our qualifications team can support computer & digital skills, as well as maths, English and ESOL.
We offer flexible and blended learning models with on-line support and delivery across our 5 Somerset based centres in Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil, Frome & Wells.
SS&L is accredited by Matrix and is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.
s, as well as maths, English and ESOL.
We offer flexible and blended learning models with on-line support and delivery across our 5 Somerset based centres in Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil, Frome & Wells.
SS&L is accredited by Matrix and is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.
Established as a Training Provider in 1996, protocol is currently an approved Work Based Training Provider for the West Midlands. (PCS is part of the Protocol Group of Companies and is a trading name of Transworld Publications Services Ltd). Work undertaken is mainly in the Midlands area, through government funding although we are prepared to travel anywhere in the UK should it be necessary for the delivery of Skills Support for the Workforce, Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships. We also undertake Consultancy work in management and skills training. We have developed our own virtual learning environment that allows remote access.
We have an established track record of delivering SSW across local LEP areas offering SMEs various training options. Our breadth of experience and expertise enables us to provide focused consultancy and really add value to your business in a variety of contexts. With a blended learning option, tailored to employer requirements, we can deliver both clasroom-led and virtual learning.
Protocol holds the followng accreditation:
Essential Site Skills Ltd (ESS) are an Award Winning, UK leading Training Provider founded in 2013. We specialise in nationwide training and support within the Construction sector but can also deliver a wide range of accredited and non-accredited training across various employment sectors including Health and Social Care, Business Services and Retail, ranging from Level 1 to Level 7 qualifications, as well as delivering bespoke training courses - we adapt the service to suit the needs of the employer.
Our relationships with employers and learners have been key to our success, working with them to identify and fill skills gaps with a focus on individual progression routes and supporting company growth aspirations. We also have an employability division that focuses on supporting at risk, or recently redundant individuals, offering a wide range of bespoke training options and signposting them to our expansive employer network, identifying employment opportunities.
As an organisation, we strive to make a positive difference to the safety, welfare and overall competency of individuals in a high-risk industry, as we believe everyone has the right to go to work and return home safely.
Recruiting and retaining staff can be expensive and time consuming. Investing in upskilling and training is an excellent way to keep existing employees engaged and committed, helping them to progress within their chosen career whilst also developing additional skills to help your business.
Weston College offers a wide range of courses in technical and practical subjects. Also, most job roles and industries have a relevant qualification, with over 50 on offer through our Training Solutions Team.
Our team can help you choose the most appropriate training options and routes to help your team progress within work.
We have a range of delivery methods including:
Weston College has gained a number of awards and accreditations including: Queens Award for Higher & Further Education, TES College of the Year, National Training Award, Investors in People Gold and Champion, BIS Matrix Standard and National SEND Awards to name but a few.
> A full list can be viewed at: https://www.weston.ac.uk/about/our-achievements-and-awards
AG&I are a nonprofit training organisation based on the Lincolnshire / Nottinghamshire borders with over 20 years combined experience in Apprenticeship and accredited training provision.
AG&I have a proven track record in providing effective and responsive training and development from Level 1 through to Level 5 on either a 1-to-1 or a group basis depending on the needs of the individual learner and the organisation.
AG&I provide effective Teaching, Learning and Assessment in a range of different sectors including:
AG&I provides bespoke training in response to the specific needs and requirements of the organisation that we are supporting, and we look to build long-standing and fulfilling relationships with all of our customers.
If you have any questions or would like additional information then please contact us on 01529 414626 or visit our website www.agandi.org.uk
A leading provider in Health & Fitness, IT and Beauty Education and Training, Ignite Academy & Training offer a unique chance to study for accredited qualifications, where learners gain an internationally recognised certificate and the opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Established in 2016, Ignite have experience in delivering funded training through the European Special Fund, Education & Skills Funding Agency and the Department of Work & Pensions.
With a purpose built training centre in Plymouth which includes an IT suite, a Beauty Studio and a Treatment Clinic and as well a satellite site in Taunton, Ignite offer a range of courses that are delivered by qualified and experienced tutors in a classroom environment. We are also able to deliver workplace training on-site if required and suitable.
Ignite are committed to supporting adult learners who are passionate about furthering their knowledge and career prospects; enabling the public and businesses to access high quality education and training in order to achieve their goals.
Ignite Academy & Training are accredited with a number of awarding organisations including:
SSW3 Courses
Mission Statement
PM Training are the largest provider of apprenticeships for 16-18 year olds in Staffordshire. Built upon 30 years of experience and strong relationships with over 1200 local businesses we’re an Ofsted ‘Good’ training provider. Our education programmes prepare young people for work through work experience, employability and qualifications, ensuring a seamless transition into real jobs and sustainable employment.
Part of ‘we are aspire’ consisting of Aspire Housing and Realise charity, PM Training are an apprenticeship trailblazer and deliver training to businesses helping to upskill employee knowledge and business growth.
Working across the UK, a highly flexible, dedicated and experienced team deliver expert knowledge and one-to-one sessions in the workplace offering a bespoke level of support, guidance and advice to help candidates develop and progress in their careers. Specialists in apprenticeship qualification delivery, each year, PM Training deliver qualifications for over 2,500 people from school leavers to employees.
PM Training work with local employers and organisations to provide a variety of courses in-house or at local venues.
Our specialism is in IT training and creating E-Learning resources. We have previously worked on the SSW2 programme in partnership with Serco.
We typically deliver on-site at the employers, but external training can be arranged. We bring a suite of laptops so any candidates without one can still participate.
Skills Ladder ltd deliver training from level 1 to level 3 in all things IT. This covers a wide variety of topics such as Spreadsheets, Word Processing, PowerPoint, Outlook, Windows 10, Internet Security, Social Media.
LETS Academy of Stoke-on-Trent is recognised as one of the leading providers of specialist education and training in Staffordshire and the surrounding areas. We are unique in our ability to engage with the BAME community due to our multi-cultural and multi-lingual workforce. Training is offered at our centre or on customer premises and is a combination of classroom and workplace.
We offer a range of opportunities from traineeships and work experience courses, through to a variety of apprenticeship programmes from L2 to L5. Our sectors include hospitality services, food production, transport and logistics, health and social care, childcare and a suite of subjects to support entry and progression into the teaching and education sector. These include Supporting Teaching and Learning, the Award in Education and Training (AET) and the Certificate in Education and Training. Our courses are accredited through Pearson (Edexcel) and Qualsafe.
LETS currently work with in excess of 250 SME’s in the Staffordshire area and have developed bespoke training programmes to upskill and retrain workforces. Our ESFA SSW and SSU delivery serve to further increase training opportunities for work progression for staff who would otherwise not engage in training opportunities.
N-Gaged Training are a local, award winning, Independent Training Provider based at The Beeches Hotel, Brislington. The organisation was established in 2008 and has extensive experience of delivering Further Education provision. The areas of training that we offer include but are not limited to:
We can offer a bespoke delivery suited to your specific requirements to minimise the impact to your business.
Petroc is committed to raising the aspirations, knowledge and skills of individuals, communities and businesses in Devon and beyond. Through SSW, we can offer your business:
Petroc has a wide range of industry specific training courses that will ensure you stay ahead of the game. Courses can be delivered in-house or at one of our North or Mid Devon campuses.
PTS Training Academy has been in operation since 2012, our founders started their journey towards forming learning opportunities national for everyone. The owners had a background of the rail sector and when working within a rail industry they identified a shortfall in skilled workers due to the lack of suitable training available for individuals from all backgrounds. From origins in Rail Engineering, we have expanded our specialisms to include Logistics, Leadership and Management, Health and Social Care, Protective Services and Teaching.
Personal Track Safety, now known as PTS Training Academy, operates nationally with programmes that include apprenticeships, traineeships and short courses. All programmes delivered are done so with consistence, precision, purpose and passion.
PTS are Matrix Accredited and an Investors in People Employer. Last year PTS was awarded Northamptonshire Business Award (Apprentice of the year 2019). This is our first main award and we are highly proud to have received this.
At the heart of our ethos is a focus on our learners. We understand that every business and learner is unique therefore, we bespoke training specifically to meet the needs of the individual and their employer. PTS works hard to ensure that everyone benefits from quality training, delivered at the highest possible standard.
