An innovative, employer-driven approach to apprenticeship training is proving a big success with companies across the North West.
Part of leading outdoor learning specialist Inspiring Learning, offers a fully accredited 鈥渂outique鈥 programme tailored to the needs of the employer and apprentice, offering training in the workplace as opposed to a college setting - and even residential courses.
It鈥檚 a pedigree (STS is the training arm of Skern Lodge which has specialised in team building and leadership through outdoor pursuits in the South West for decades) that ensures trainers have a wealth of knowledge and experience.
In recent years STS has expanded its apprenticeships to offer, for example, hospitality courses alongside its 鈥渙utdoors鈥 programmes - good news for companies across the region which are clamouring to develop staff with drive and fresh thinking amid a skills shortage.
Head of Skern Training and Skills, Alex Coyle explained: 鈥淲e want to start to help multiple industries, especially given their needs after the pandemic. We have expertise in training and development and are fully aware that many, many SMEs are struggling with staffing issues for which apprenticeships can really support employers grow their own talent pipelines. If programmes are well planned and delivered then everybody knows exactly what is expected, allowing apprenticeships to become an integral part of staffing solutions for employers."
STS, approved by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) as a main provider of levy-funded apprenticeship development courses, offers apprenticeship training to qualify as a Hospitality Team Member Level 2 (GCSE equivalent), Hospitality Supervisor Level 3 (A-level equivalent), Hospitality Manager Level 4, Team Leader or Supervisor Level 3, Operations or Departmental Manager Level 5 (Foundation degree equivalent), Outdoor Activity Instructor (Level 3), Outdoor Learning Specialist Level 5, General Farm Worker Level 2 and Livestock Technician Level 3.
An emphasis on behaviour which permeates the courses, is part of the company鈥檚 holistic approach to training and development.
Alex said: 鈥淪TS have set out to design and deliver our apprenticeship offers just as the trailblazer groups and Government intended, in it being properly employer-led and useful to them. Rather than pulling learners automatically to a central place of training, we try to work directly at employers鈥 locations.
鈥淚t is more meaningful for employers to have 鈥榦ff the job learning鈥 with our trainers delivered at their own location so they can bring it to life properly, as well as working on things that are useful to that company.鈥
Holistic approach to training
STS also enables employers to 鈥渢eam up鈥 with others in similar locations and set up a learning cohort - something that鈥檚 great for apprentices, too.
He added: 鈥淭hey have peers to learn with at the same time, so apprentices don鈥檛 become isolated on their apprenticeship journey. It creates camaraderie and a peer group as they move through their apprenticeships. It also allows them to see how multiple different employers work in their industry. They get that wider view.鈥
STS鈥檚 emphasis on the importance of behaviour is a golden thread that runs through all courses and stays true to its long history as outdoor specialists in developing team and leadership skills.
鈥淲e bring learning to life in a different way,鈥 said Alex. 鈥淪o rather than a classroom or zoom we do face-to-face training as much as possible. Then if we can, we offer added value to our apprenticeships through residential training, where we look at the behaviours that a lot of traditional establishments, perhaps, leave by the wayside when they concentrate predominantly on the knowledge and skills.
鈥淲e are proud of the fact we can offer a proper focus on bringing the behaviours to life in a safe, enjoyable and memorable environment for people to try new ideas.鈥
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