Press Release – 18 February 2020
Suffolk Business Hub re-launches with myth-busting apprenticeship masterclass for businesses looking to expand or upskill their existing workforce.
Proving that apprenticeships are relevant for a variety of professions, as well as people of all ages and abilities, a recent graduate struggling to make a break, yet very keen to get into teaching, explored higher level apprenticeships as a stepping stone. In order to gain an understanding of what the job involved and to strengthen their CV with experience and a relevant qualification they completed a yearlong teaching assistant apprenticeship in a Suffolk school. They are now employed full time in their chosen profession’.
Suffolk Business Hub is kicking off a revitalised programme of events with a free apprenticeships masterclass on Thursday 12 March from 9.30am – 12.00pm with presentations from an expert panel followed by a question and answer session.
Programmed in response to feedback from local businesses and a recent survey conducted by the East Suffolk Partnership which unearthed the many challenges around recruitment, staff CPD and upskilling to meet marketplace demands, this event will show there are more answers linked to apprenticeships than most people realise.
The masterclass will be led by Jenny Stockman, Rural Apprenticeships and Mentoring Manager for Seckford Springboard, part of the Seckford Foundation, which currently provides mentoring, grants and apprenticeship opportunities to young people across Suffolk.
The handpicked expert panel will include an apprentice, Josie Finch from NALEP Enterprise Advisor Network and Paul Wright from Apprenticeships New Anglia. Following the receipt of a £1 million European Social Fund grant, Apprenticeships New Anglia provide support for small and medium sized employers across the region to recruit talented young apprentices, with full support offered from recruitment to completion of training, as well as advice on accessing relevant funding and resources.
With its base at the Technology Centre in Framlingham now at full occupancy and keen to establish and grow in the area, the need for reforming the network and connections of Suffolk Business Hub was self-evident.
A revitalised programme of relevant, interesting and practical topics has been planned for 2020 based on feedback from businesses about what they needed to be included to benefit their business.
Other events on the Suffolk Business Hub programme include Mental Health at Work and Make Your Business Greener.
Annabel Leggett, Events Co-ordinator for Framlingham Technology Centre said: “Apprenticeships – Myths, Mechanics and a bit of a Masterclass is a fantastic way for Suffolk Business Hub to re-launch its events, allowing local businesses to learn and develop opportunities for apprenticeships in the county. I look forward to welcoming local businesses to connect with the expert panel and find out more about the support on offer for businesses looking to recruit apprentices.”
Jenny Stockman, Rural Apprenticeships and Mentoring Manager for the Seckford Foundation said: “There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding modern apprenticeships so I am excited by this opportunity to bring together experts on the subject and meet with businesses of all sizes at this event to share the facts about how training or recruiting through apprenticeships can really strengthen prospects for any business. From funding to recruitment, training providers to apprenticeship standards and levy to levels and ATAs, the team will simplify it all with relevance to your business.”
Apprenticeships – Myths, Mechanics and a bit of a Masterclass is on Thursday 12 March, 9.30am – 12.00pm. Tickets are free and need to be booked in advance by visiting https://www.framlinghambusinesscentre.co.uk/events/apprenticeships-myths-mechanics-and-a-bit-of-a-masterclass/
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For more information contact:
Charlotte Flight
Marketing and Events Co-Ordinator – Seckford Foundation
cflight@seckford-foundation.org.uk
Tel: 01394 615099 / 07464980389
Notes to editors:
About Seckford Foundation
The Seckford Foundation promotes and supports the education and care of the young and the elderly in and around the town of Woodbridge and the county of Suffolk.
Originally founded with a gift from a prominent Elizabethan lawyer, Thomas Seckford, the Foundation is committed to:
- Enabling older people to lead safe, secure, independent and fulfilling lives and caring for them when in need
- Helping younger people to achieve their potential and to lead financially independent and productive lives
- Strengthening the communities in which those we support live, ensuring no-one suffers through rural isolation
The Foundation encompasses the following organisations:
- Seckford Care (The Seckford Almshouses and Jubilee House)
- Woodbridge School
- Seckford Education Trust
- Seckford Springboard
For more information visit www.seckford-foundation.org.uk