The Source Skills Academy in Sheffield is passionate about bringing out the best in people.
It has been helping businesses to increase the talents of their teams since 2003 and is proud to sponsor Skills Focus, a monthly spotlight on training and apprenticeship news and funding to help you develop your staff.
You’re never too old to take up an apprenticeship, says The Source
Age is just a number at The Source Skills Academy.
Some 30 percent of its apprentices are over 25 and two per cent are over 50. They are studying for apprenticeship standards from level 2 to 5 in subjects including supply chain warehousing, customer service, team leadership and health care.
Richard Willis, business development manager, said: “Apprenticeships are open to all ages and are a great way for companies to offer professional development to existing staff.
“They are a cost-effective way of updating workforce skills and can assist with your succession-planning. Large companies can utilise their levy funds or take advantage of up to 100 per cent government funding.”
After years of mentoring young apprentices, Ryan Moore, export manager for Albion Valves in Barnsley, decided to become one himself at the age of 39.
“I’m always looking for ways to increase my skills and my apprentice’s tutor, Adrian Plant at The Source, assured me I could do it,” said Ryan, who takes care of customers around the world for Albion, one of the UK’s leading valve suppliers.
“With the support of Albion, I took a Level 5 apprenticeship in Operations Management, studying while working in the pandemic.” Ryan passed with distinction.
“It’s changed my view of myself. I wasn’t confident I would get the qualification, but Adrian supported me at every step,” he added.
“I’m now more self-assured and the managerial methods I learned are working brilliantly.”
Homeless charity one of many taking on a Kickstart recruit thanks to The Source
Sheffield charity Nomad Open Doors is one of 150 employers The Source has helped access the Kickstart programme.
Applications have been submitted by its specialist Gateway Team to give more than 300 unemployed young people the chance of life-changing work placements via the scheme.
Over a quarter of approved roles are on target to be filled and a ‘Super-Recruitment event at The Source on June 2 is expected to create dozens more placements.
Kickstart encourages businesses to give six-month placements to unemployed 16- to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit.
The government pays 100 per cent of their minimum wage up to 25 hours a week, plus National Insurance and pension contributions, and gives a £1,500 grant towards set-up and training.
Nomad Open Doors helps homeless people get back on track. It took on a Kickstart recruit as an administrative worker in April.
Karen Awdhall, head of services said: “He has a keen interest in property, so is working for our new trading arm, Four Trees Lettings, which gives us more control over the accommodation clients are placed in. We hope we can make his role permanent.”
For more information,
email Kickstart@thesourceacademy.co.uk
