SGS College, Gloucestershire Enterprise Limited, University of Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire College, are working together to encourage local SMEs to provide apprenticeships within their business.

To ensure confidence in apprenticeships remains high in light of the levy and declining sign ups, collaboration is the key for the four Gloucestershire institutions. 

As part of the Growing Opportunities for Apprenticeships Locally (GOAL) European Social Funded (ESF) project, partner institutions are actively providing an impartial service to both learners and employers in Gloucestershire. They are raising awareness of apprenticeships, whilst helping SMEs access support from both the National Apprenticeship and Digital Apprenticeship Services.

Mapping of apprenticeship provision within Gloucestershire has also taken place with GOAL identifying gaps and supporting the development of provision to meet these needs - making it easier for businesses to know who offers what.

Additionally, the GOAL project team is giving advice and guidance to individuals seeking apprenticeships, as well as providing learning to participants to overcome any barriers to starting an apprenticeship.

The GOAL project partners believe collaboration between providers is key to increasing business confidence in apprenticeships. The primary aim of GOAL is to help SMEs understand the value of apprenticeships, and to guide them through the process whilst supporting potential apprentices. Ultimately, the project is about making it as straightforward as possible for SMEs in Gloucestershire to take on an apprentice and to help prepare candidates to take up an apprenticeship when one becomes available.

If you are a business still confused by apprenticeships, remember that apprenticeships will benefit your company by boosting the skills of your workforce and helping to improve your economic productivity. Apprenticeships are real jobs with training, which enable staff to gain valuable skills and knowledge in a specific job role, and earn while they learn. Most of the training is on-the-job, working with a mentor to learn job-specific skills in the workplace.

Apprenticeships are a productive and effective way for your business to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.

To get involved in the GOAL project and access this free support, email jill.jones@sgscol.ac.uk , dawn.morgan@gloscol.ac.uk , michaela.cozens@glosenterprise.co.uk  or jminns1@glos.ac.uk  or visit www.achieveyourgoal.org.uk