York, North Yorkshire and East Riding employers urged not to miss out on free skills training
Employers across York, North Yorkshire and East Riding are being reminded that it’s their last chance to take advantage of free training and support through the Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) Programme before the it ends in March 2023.
Since the SSW programme began in April 2019, 588 businesses and 2,030 employees have been upskilled through bespoke, flexible training designed to fill their individual skills gaps, increase productivity and encourage business growth.
Following completion of the training, 98% of employers surveyed said that they would recommend SSW to other businesses and 92% agreed that the training has resulted in improvements in key areas of their business.
Several employers also reported an increase in turnover, including one employer feeding back that they expected to see a £60k increase in year one of the business.
The training is delivered by Calderdale College working in partnership with specialist local and regional training providers and is made possible through funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
Helen Howland, Head of the Skills Support for the Workforce Programme in York, North Yorkshire and East Riding, said: “No matter what sector you operate in, skills training is proven to bring a whole host of benefits to your business. Whether you want to boost employee morale, introduce additional revenue streams or enter into new markets, our specialist providers will work with you to identify the training solution that will best help your business to achieve its goals. Best of all, we’ll do it completely free of charge!
“We appreciate how difficult it can be for businesses at the moment, so we want to urge them not to miss out on this fantastic opportunity to build resilience, boost their reputations and ultimately support the regional economy by driving inward investment throughout York, North Yorkshire and Tees Valley.”
The Skills Support for the Workforce Programme is supported by the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Andrew Leeming, Head of Strategy at York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Skills Support for the Workforce continues to be a hugely valuable service, giving local people the expertise they need to succeed and our businesses the ability to grow and create more good-quality jobs. The testimonials speak for themselves, and I’d call on any firm that has identified skills gaps to take advantage of the programme before it’s too late.”
The SSW programme is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) – an EU established fund to help local areas stimulate economic development through skills and job creation. It includes team working and vocational qualifications and technical skills support, as well as specialised courses across the region’s key priority sectors, including: Bioeconomy, Food Manufacturing, Construction, Engineering, Voluntary and Community, Visitor Economy and Health and Social Care.
To apply for free training through the Skills Support for the Workforce Programme, get in touch: https://ssw.fundingunit.org.uk/contact-us/.
For further information on skills programmes and support, visit our Skills Hub or contact us today.
A record 299,419 returns filed in the first week of the new tax year
Self Assessment customers can submit their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year between 6 April 2025, the first day of the new tax year, and the deadline on 31 January 2026.
Fabrication flourishes with support from City of York Council
Fabrication, a social enterprise, independent shop and creative workspace, recently celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of their newest creative spaces.
Steps into Digital Program: Expression of Interest
The Steps into Digital Program is launching soon, register your interest using the form below to stay updated with key details and expected launch dates. The SPF funded digital program focusses on strategic, guided steps toward adopting the right digital tools and practices for your business. Emphasising a supportive, paced approach to digital transformation, the program is accessible and manageable to all at any level.
Work with the Growth Hub: LEAD and Steps Into Digital Programmes
The Growth Hub are now planning our programmes of support for local businesses for the year, and are again looking to work with expert providers to deliver this support. These programmes are funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) Two opportunities to work with the Growth Hub are now being launched:
Innovation Supper - Funding Opportunity
York Business School, Patch York and the Growth Hub are delighted to bring you our first ever Innovation Supper. The basic idea is that we provide some supper, and charge a small entry fee, we then invite local community projects to pitch for the proceeds and hold a vote to select the winner - It’s that simple!
Unlock Europe: UK Export Academy
Unlock Europe is a UK Export Academy webinar series designed to help businesses thrive in the EU. It covers market research, regulatory frameworks like GPSR and CBAM, VAT, the TCA and Rules of Origin, with deep dives into key sectors.
Gateway USA: UK Export Academy
Gateway USA is a UK Export Academy webinar series designed to help businesses gain the knowledge and tools to succeed in the US market. Whether expanding for the first time or looking to optimise US operations, Gateway USA provides expert insights.
Grant Programme Launched for Aspiring North Yorkshire Social Enterprises
As part of our wider programme of support for Social Enterprises, the Growth Hub are excited to launch a Micro-Grant programme, in partnership with Social Vision. This builds on their previous experience delivering a similar programme in Selby.
Growth Hub launches programme of support for North Yorkshire Social Enterprises
York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub are proud to launch a programme of support for Social Enterprises in North Yorkshire. Working with delivery partners Community First Yorkshire and Social Vision, January will see the start of a programme designed to help North Yorkshire’s social enterprises to start, grow and prosper.
Business Essentials Webinar Series: Learn, Grow, Succeed
These free online sessions cover fundamental aspects of running a business, from tax-deductible expenses to company structures and employing people. Each session is packed with everything you need to navigate the complexities of business management.
Making Values Pay: Webinar Series
Join us for our latest online workshop series Making Values Pay to see how embracing purpose-driven practices can help your business thrive. Explore how embedding good business practices can help you win work, tell your story, and build an engaged workforce.
YorkshireX: AI Adoption Programme
Research from the British Chamber of Commerce tells us that although over 40% of companies believe AI will increase their productivity, only 25% are actively using it. This AI Adoption programme is here to help fill the gap.