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.
New one stop shop Business Growth Service roadshow kicks off to support firms in the North East
Small Businesses across the UK will benefit from a new support service, bringing together central, devolved, and local support in one place for the first time.
Communications for Small Businesses: Webinar Series
Communications, marketing, PR – these can be complicated to navigate as a small business. But Hey Me is here to help. Our communications workshops have been specially designed to help small businesses just like yours reach your target customers and increase your potential for growth.
Fully Funded Automation & Efficiency Webinar Series
Step into digital with Data Stream's Automation & Efficiency Webinar series. Designed to support small businesses make day-to-day work smoother. This series gives a balanced overview of everything needed to streamline everyday work, through a well-rounded introduction to the digital tools and techniques that make running your business smoother and more managea
Strive Live Start-Up Incubator: Expression of Interest
Interested in joining a future cohort of Stive Live Start-Up Incubator? Find out more about the programme below, and register your interest to secure the first places when dates are confirmed.
Christmas crafters urged to check tax rules
People making money from Christmas crafts, seasonal market stalls, or selling festive items are being urged to check if they need to tell HMRC about their earnings. As the festive season approaches, HMRC's Help for Hustles campaign is reminding anyone earning extra income from activities like making Christmas decorations, upcycling furniture for seasonal sales, or running market stalls, that they will need to tell HMRC if they earn more than £1,000.
Steps into Digital: Voucher Scheme
Benefit from a bespoke approach to digital transformation, accessible and manageable to all at any level. Providers will collaborate with business's on a one-to-one basis, delivering tailored support that aligns with specific digital needs and objectives.
Self Assessment deadline is 100 days away
More than 3.5 million people have already filed their Self Assessment tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year and with 100 days to the 31 January 2026 deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding those yet to file to do it early.
Discover Digital workshops in Harrogate
Step into Digital this November, with workshops designed to take you from your 🟢 First Step into Digital to your 🟡 Next Step into Digital. Each full day workshop will take place at Co-Lab Harrogate
Innovation Supper – Apply to pitch
As part of this year's York Business Festival, York Business School and the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub are delighted to bring you the third Innovation Supper. The idea is simple, we host a relaxed evening with a light supper, and charge a small entry fee. In return, local entrepreneurs pitch their ideas, and the audience votes for their favourite. The winning idea takes home the proceeds to help bring their vision to life.
Unity Racing Secures Third in World STEM Finals
Students from Scarborough UTC’s Unity Racing team have achieved remarkable success at the STEM Racing World Finals (formerly F1 in Schools) in Singapore. The team secured third place globally and won the prestigious FIA Scrutineering Award.
UK Small Business Commissioner to launch York Business Festival 2025
York Business School at York St John University is delighted to announce a packed programme of events for York Business Festival 2025. Alongside invited expert speakers and hosts, the Festival is a showcase of the support that York Business School and the wider University offers to local businesses and social enterprises.
Export magic as York business nears 1 million sales milestone
A York-based business owner is set to export 1 million drinks to the US this year and wants more of the region’s businesses to follow in his footsteps. Phil Pinder from the Potions Cauldron will be one of the experts taking part in the export roadshows this month, organised by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. The team will visit venues across two weeks including Tadcaster, Harrogate, Scarborough, York, Catterick and Skipton.