As a Specialist Skills Advisor I support businesses from a wide variety of industry sectors. A shared concern I frequently hear is in relation to an ageing workforce and the sense of urgency and importance to up-skill existing staff, to ensure the future stability and success of the business.

Whilst employees may be trained in their specialist field, many lack formal leadership and management skills - and all successful businesses require exceptional leaders.

Some of my clients have commented that day release to the college places a strain on their training budgets and can therefore be a barrier to training; however our management courses are highly flexible with delivery in the workplace on a 1:1 basis or highly bespoke for the customer. Management training is available through the Apprenticeship scheme and, following the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, the rules in relation to prior achievement have been relaxed, enabling someone with a Degree Level qualification to benefit from the Government funding available, providing it supports a different specialism.

From the feedback I have received from  employers who have already invested in their staff, it is clear  the benefits of this  type of training  will increase the generation of new ideas, staff commitment and self-confidence whilst simultaneously reducing staff turnover.

To arrange an informal meeting to discuss your requirements and to receive more information please call me on 01903 273101 or email me maxine.green@gbmc.ac.uk

Case Study

I asked my colleague Sue Dyer, the Contact Centre Manager at GB MET who is currently undertaking the college’s Aspiring Leadership programme what motivated her to become involved.

Why did you choose to apply to be part of the Aspiring Leaders programme?

The ILM Level 4 Diploma in Management qualification is aimed at first line managers seeking to develop their leadership and management skills, in support of future career progression.

After discussing the programme with my manager at my annual review, I recognised the qualification would build upon my existing skills and allow me to learn new techniques. The leadership and management elements will enable me to drive the contact centre team forward with confidence.

So far how has the course improved your Management skills?

I am now able to reflect on current working practices and recognise how I can make tangible improvements.  Contact with colleagues in other areas of the organisation has been expanded upon with noticeable improvement in day to day engagement, communications and working procedures.   As a result of this, my confidence has increased which has impacted upon my team’s motivation.

In a sentence, can you explain how the course has positively helped you at work?

I feel very valued as an employee demonstrated by the investment in my personal development by my employer.