Published: March 8th, 2016
Employers in the Marches will be able to search for apprenticeships and training courses in one place for the first time thanks to the launch of a new online resource.
The Employer Skills Search has been developed by the Marches LEP and Marches Growth Hub, working with the Marches Skills Provider Network, to support businesses looking to develop the skills base of their staff.
The skills portal – www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/skillssearch– is a new microsite within The Marches Growth Hub that allows employers to search for training courses and providers, as well as learn more about apprenticeships and other vocational training courses.
Professor Ian Oakes, Chairman of the Marches Skills Board, said it was the first time that all training providers supporting employers across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire can be searched in one online resource.
"We are confident this will be a great asset to businesses across the Marches area as this easy to use search will help employers find the right training for their workforce. From basic level courses and bespoke training options to adult and advanced apprenticeships, more than 1,000 courses are available in this region.
"Improving the skills of your workforce can bring big benefits to your business."
The launch of the skills portal comes ahead of a series of events being held in the region to promote apprenticeships, with National Apprenticeship Week from March 17. More information on these can be found on the Marches Growth Hub website.
The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership launched The Marches Growth Hub last year to streamline how businesses access support to help grow their enterprises.
The business friendly website – www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk– provides a gateway to information on finance and funding, networking and events, advice and support, employment and skills, supported by a dedicated telephone line – 0345 6000 727 – and three physical hubs where employers can get face-to-face advice.
The skills resource features an interactive search using keywords to specify what courses or training are required and at what level. Users can also search by region, county, nationally or by occupational area.
The Employer Skills Search also hosts information on all colleges and training providers in The Marches, along with frequently asked questions and higher education options.
Prof Oakes added: "Like The Marches Growth Hub, the Employer Skills Search is a ‘one stop shop’ for any employers who are looking for business support, and in this case, information on training in the Marches area.
"We have to thank all the training providers, both private sector companies and colleges, and universities for working with the LEP and the Marches Skills Provider Network for working so hard to develop this fantastic new resource."
To use the Employer Skills Search go to www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/skillssearch. To access The Marches Growth Hub visit www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk or call 0345 6000 727.
