Eastleigh College has launched its ambitious new Learning and Development Outsourcing guide for employers as part of an ongoing collaboration with Solent University and the University of Portsmouth, with wider endorsement from many business support and networking organisations in the Solent region. The guide streamlines further education and higher education funding options into one concise and easily accessible document, helping to better serve employers across the region.
Nicky Tramaseur, Head of Brand, Engagement and Learner Recruitment at Eastleigh College, collaborated on the project and said: “The launch of the new Learning & Development Outsourcing guide will open up free adult learning opportunities to a new field of learners. Businesses will be drawn from a range of backgrounds and sizes, the common link being able to access clear learning and development opportunities for their staff. Guidance from education providers and excellent support networks such as Business South, The Federation of Small Businesses, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Southampton Chamber of Commerce will help to spread the word in the region.
The guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of education pathways and their requirements, as well as itemising incentives, benefits and commitments for employers. It further specifies any opportunities to upskill across these pathways. The guide has been designed to cater to the needs of learners or employees across all age ranges, whether 16-18 aged school leavers, young adults or senior adults.
One of the highlights is the enhanced skills offerings that businesses can take advantage of. Following the National Skills fund initiative launched last year, providing any adult aged 19 and above with access to hundreds of fully funded Level 3 courses, Eastleigh College has recently joined the Government’s Skills for Life campaign. This extends the funded and fully-funded opportunities available to a greater range of learners, including those younger in years and those studying at different levels.”
Peter Joddrell, Deputy Principal at Eastleigh College, said: “There continues to be a myriad of funding and eligibility requirements that has the potential to confuse and frustrate businesses. We know many businesses in the Greater Southampton region are desperate to fill skilled vacancies, it is hoped the guide will consolidate all the current further and higher education opportunities available and contribute towards meeting the local skills needs.
Feedback of existing resources indicated that employers were missing out on cost-efficient opportunities to develop their staff – highlighting a need to streamline the wealth of information available into one simplified chart. Collaborating with other education providers in the production of this guide has helped expand its value and reliability for employers further still.”
To see the full guide, please click here.
About Eastleigh College
Eastleigh College has a 60 year’ heritage of delivering high quality technical and professional education, training and apprenticeships. Government data ranked Eastleigh College in the top 10 colleges nationally – and the best in Hampshire – for student achievement. It achieved an overall effectiveness rating of good at the latest Ofsted inspection and May 2021 also saw the College recognised as being in the top 50 most inclusive workplaces in 2021.
For more information, please contact BeBetter@eastleigh.ac.uk.
About Solent University
Solent University has industry standard facilities that deliver real-world learning opportunities. Courses are developed in collaboration with industry and professional bodies. No matter the level of student or type of qualification, as a university they focus on preparing people for the future and enabling them to reach their full potential. It is home to Solent Business School and holder of the Small Business Charter (SBC) Award in recognition of its continuing support of students, small businesses and the local economy.
For more information, please contact engagement@solent.ac.uk
About The University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth is a modern, multi-disciplinary university offering practical courses at undergraduate, postgraduate taught and research level across five faculties. Most bachelor’s degrees include a one-year paid work placement and the University is currently ranked 21st in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2020), and is rated highly for student satisfaction and graduate employment.
For more information, please contact info@port.ac.uk
