Funded Professional Development Opportunities

February 22, 2023

There has never been a more important time to support staff and develop your people strategy. The need to retain staff in a challenging labour market, keep them motivated and create an environment where they can, and do, their best work is likely among your many priorities.

We have all heard that training is the first thing to be cut in bad times, but training is not an employee benefit or a reward for hard work that should be cut back when times are tough. Instead, it helps people qualify for their jobs, keep their skills current as technology changes what they do, and prepares individuals to take more responsibility as large numbers of people prepare for retirement.

Today’s workers not only crave training and development opportunities, but they also demand it. If we do not provide it to them, they are going to find an employer who will.

Our people are our greatest asset that needs to be managed and taken care of in order to perform. So, when we stop investing in their training and development, they are unable to stay up to date on the latest trends; they often will get discouraged because they are being asked to do more with less and less experience. We’re asking them to take on projects that maybe they would not have otherwise had an opportunity to do because of the difficulty in recruiting staff, and yet we’re taking away a tool that would allow them to rise to the occasion.

Perhaps most importantly, training improves productivity.

The bottom line is the economy will rebound, and here is what will happen: Our people are going to remember how they were treated during this tough time. Did we nurture our relationship with them? Did we give them something extra for going the extra mile for us?

If you’re reading this and you’re not sure that your company has gone above and beyond for your people during this time and you know that your people have gone above and beyond for you, you run the serious risk of losing them once this crisis passes.

Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce has worked with West Suffolk College to offer a wide range of opportunities for your employees individual professional learning. There may not be courses which are directly relevant to a specific job role but there are ones that will enhance it e.g., Mental Health Awareness.

Online CPD short courses

Great for employers to use for their employee’s professional development (staff benefits and retention). These short, bite-sized courses are interactive and flexible giving delegates the ability to study at their convenience and own pace. They are all delivered on-line and auto-marked, feedback is instant as is skills development. Also, it’s a great way to get back into learning.

There is a wide range which include:

• Understanding Anxiety
• Understanding Depression
• Understanding Stress
• COSHH Risk Assessment
• Fire Safety Principles
• Health and Safety in the Workplace
• Food Safety Awareness
• Induction of New Staff
• Performance Management
• Solving Problems and Making Decisions
• Understanding Equality and Diversity.

All courses are bookable via Eventbrite and subject to eligibility, they will be fully funded.

Short Online Professional Development Courses Events | Eventbrite

Level 2 online Qualifications

West Suffolk College offer a broad and exciting range of qualifications online. All courses are funded by the UK Government so if you’re eligible you can study for free. Take a look at our different course options below to find the perfect one for you. These are self-directed, independent study courses with assessor support and guidance.

There is a wide range which include:

• Digital Marketing
• Principles of Customer Service
• Mental Health First Aid
• Information, Advice and Guidance
• Understanding Nutrition and Health
• Creating a Business Start-up
• Understanding Climate Change and Environmental Awareness
• Principles of Team Leading
• Environmental Sustainability.

All courses are bookable via Eventbrite and subject to eligibility, they will be fully funded.

Level 2 Online Qualifications | Eventbrite

Lifetime Skills Guarantee Level 3

Getting the right skills, for the right jobs, to the right people.

The guarantee aims to transform the skills system so everyone, no matter where they live or their background, can gain the skills they need to progress in work at any stage of their lives. It will also ensure employers have access to the skilled workforce they need, and more people are trained for the skills gaps that exist now, and in the future.

Adults who take up the free courses have the potential to boost career prospects, wages and help fill skills gaps, while supporting the economy and building back better.

We offer a broad and exciting range of qualifications online. All courses are funded by the UK Government so if you’re eligible you can study for free:

• Leadership and Management (ILM)
• CIPS – Procurement and Supply
• Environmental Sustainability
• Understanding Mental Health
• Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning
• Understanding Autism
• Understanding the Principals of Dementia Care
• Diploma for the Children’s Workforce (Early Years Educator)
• Diploma in Adult Social Care
• Counselling Skills.

Lifetime Skills Guarantee Level 3 Events | Eventbrite

All courses are bookable via Eventbrite and subject to eligibility they will be fully funded.

For further assistance please contact: adultskillsinfo@wsc.ac.uk