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Midwife congratulates CareersInc on their successful delivery of Careers Education

With challenges and barriers in the way of fulling your dream career, do you simply quit, or do you face these challenges head-on with some support?

Outwood Grange Academy student, Nafeesa, decided that no matter what, she would stay focused on fulfilling her dream career of becoming a Midwife. Helping her overcome these barriers, Nafeesa received support not only from the school, but additionally from her CareersInc Adviser.

Nafeesa came across CareersInc via her sister, who had recommended their services and highly praised the support she had received. Nafeesa always wanted to be a Midwife and lacked confidence in achieving her career goal. She knew it was a competitive career to get into, and it would be unlikely that she would have a smooth progression route.However, her Careers Adviser, John, pulled out all of the stops to ensure that Nafeesa would reach her full potential in her dream career.

During her sessions with John, they discussed the various options that Nafeesa could consider to enhance her CV and boost her University application. Together, they searched and uncovered a number of work experience opportunities that would assist Nafeesa on her career journey.

Thanks to the support Nafeesa received from CareersInc, she is currently awaiting her start date in October 2020 to join her local hospital as a Midwife. She recently contacted CareersInc to share her success. She said:

“Mr Payley was very supportive and believed in me. For my own reassurance, he even set-up a back-up plan if things didn’t go accordingly. I felt I was able to relieve my personal stress relating to Sixth Form and he was always friendly, understanding and empathetic.

“I believe he is a great asset to the team at CareersInc who goes above and beyond for his students and I am forever grateful for his support. I couldn’t have done it without him!”

John and the CareersInc team were delighted to hear the great news from Nafeesa. They are passionate about helping students achieve their goals and map out their future in terms of careers.

CEO at CareersInc, James Madine, was delighted with the kind words from Nafeesa regarding her experience, He said,

“Everyone in the team works extremely hard and they all share the same passion and commitment as John. They are all prepared to go the extra mile, to support their students, which has been particularly evident during the lockdown when advisers have worked evenings and even weekends to support students when needed. But when a student takes the time to get back in touch and share their incredible success with such kind words about a member of your team, I couldn’t be prouder.

“Nafeesa is just one example of the amazing work from my team and the impact of Careers Education in schools. We all wish her the best of luck in her new career!”

CareersInc are Matrix accredited provider of independent and impartial Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) in schools and colleges, supporting young people, like Nafeesa, to make decisions about their future.

Award winning · End-Point Assessment · Prepare to Achieve · Skills agenda · The Progress Group

Announcing, the winner of Best Health and Social Care EPA Organisation 2020

Prepare to Achieve, a specialist End-Point Assessment Organisation have been named Best Health and Social Care EPA Organisation 2020 – England by Corporate Vision Magazine. The annual awards recognises, congratulates and celebrates those institutions, organisations and agencies who – leading the way with education and training.

After what has already been a successful year for Prepare to Achieve who have enjoyed significant growth, and invested in the development of a new bespoke digital End-Point Assessment (EPA) platform, this award really is the icing on the cake!

Employers and training providers looking to work with Prepare to Achieve at the final stages of the apprenticeship programme, can be certain that as a business, Prepare to Achieve stand out from the crowd. As industry leaders, they continue to keep one step ahead of their competition in order to deliver the best quality service for a simple EPA journey for everyone involved. The research team who made the final judgement on the winners of each category, took into consideration the online reputation, customer feedback, client dedication and innovation, all of which Prepare to Achieve illustrate through their company values and passion.

Lee Evans, CEO at Prepare to Achieve was delighted to receive the award, responding;

“As a specialist End-Point Assessment Organisation, we constantly have our eye on the end result and work hard to continually innovate our delivery. This approach helps to ensure that we provide an exceptional service to our apprentices and their employers and unwavering level of customer care.”

“Recognising the hard work of my team is something which I hold dear, but to have an external organisation recognise and award their hard work as well is even better!

The annual Education and Training Awards also recognised a number of education providers, Adult education institutions and Training centres. You can discover more of the award categories and winners on the Corporate Vision Magazine website.

Since being founded, Prepare to Achieve have continued to go from strength-the-strength. This was particularly evidenced during the recent lockdown when the specialist EPAO adapted their delivery quickly and seamlessly in order to continue to support their clients. This flexible approach resulted in over 150 apprentices via 39 employers being supported with throughout March-May alone. They now plan to build on their successes to-date by launching a new EPA platform and Apprentice Alumni in the coming moving, proving exactly why they deserve to be named Best Health and Social Care EPA Organisation.

Adult Education · Innovative Alliance · Skills agenda · The Progress Group

Times are tough, but Innovative Alliance are here to support job seekers into employment

Supporting adults into employment through education and training is what Innovative Alliance are all about. As the recent challenges of the COVID 19 pandemic continue to impact our economy, it’s perhaps never been more important for individuals to take advantage of the services offered by Innovative Alliance.

It seems as though everywhere we turn during these difficult times, people are facing redundancies and businesses are struggling to retain staff due to financial difficulties caused by the impact of the pandemic. Thousands of individuals from some of the UK’s largest employers including Tui, Airbus and Rolls Royce, are now amongst the competition of people who are currently searching for work.

With that said, Innovative Alliance are using this as an opportunity to equip those whose need it with the skills and confidence they need to get back into employment. This could be anything from learning new skills to pursue a new career, or brushing up on pre-employability training that includes the likes of CV writing, cover letters and sharing interview tips.

Depending on eligibility, courses delivered by Innovative Alliance are fully-funded, therefore there’s no need to worry about costs of training. Whilst some courses are now returning to face-to-face delivery, there are a range of courses still available to study online. Qualifications can be achieved in a matter of weeks, at which point the tutors at Innovative Alliance will help to guide learners onto their next steps wherever possible. This could include further training or employment.

Employers and recruiters from across the North West are working with Innovative Alliance to provide support and opportunities for employment or further training.

Ian Green, CEO at Innovative Alliance spoke to us about how he felt the pandemic had affected the skills demand in the North West and what the training company are doing to help. He said,

“Employers have been asking us for a solution to finding candidates who have basic ICT skills and Business Admin qualifications, so we’ve put together an ICT course and a Business Admin qualification. Employers from the Warehousing and Construction industries have approached us for support in finding candidates with the right knowledge and qualifications to help fill the current skills gap, so we developed our industry-led skills solution.

“I truly believe that we are doing everything we can to support employers to recruit a skilled workforce, but also we’re continuing to lift people back up onto their feet and put them on the right track towards a successful future.”

Innovative Alliance specialise in providing adult education in the North West. Individuals can achieve fully-funded qualifications to support their next steps into employment in industries including; Customer Service, Warehousing and Storage, Construction, Health and Social Care, Business Administration, and Hospitality and Catering. Explore their upcoming courses on their website.

CareersInc support thousands of young people during lockdown

Adult Education · Careers, Advice and Guidance · CareersInc · The Progress Group

Thousands of students supported with careers education during lockdown

As schools across the country had to close their doors and open their online classrooms during the recent lockdown, the team at CareersInc also adapted their delivery, to offer virtual careers, information, advice, and guidance to schools.

The team responded quickly to develop an online solution that would still provide young people with access to their Careers Adviser. And they were overwhelmed with the uptake, working with over 50 schools and more than 3,000 students throughout April and May.

CareersInc are passionate about supporting young people to plan their career journey, opening doors to the variety of options and educational routes that can lead to specific careers. Their virtual service enabled learners from all year groups, along with parents and carers, to book one-to-one online sessions with a Careers Adviser to discuss future career options.

Taking advantage of these online sessions, students used their time to discuss routeways after year 11, higher education options, Careers Guidance and the local and national labour market to name just a few.

CEO of CareersInc, James Madine, is delighted with the outcome of the virtual services launched pre-lockdown. He said,

“The Virtual Careers Advice has been a successful resource not only for learners, parents and carers but for us. It has highlighted the high demand for our services.

When physically in a school, it’s convenient for young people to access their adviser, but for them to go out of their way to book a session shows the positive impact that we’ve had on promoting the importance of careers education and planning their future, no matter what age group.”

Jodie Gregory, Careers Lead at The Academy @ Ridgewood Trust, has also been delighted with the level of support offered during these difficult times. She said “ The CareersInc adviser that works in our school have supported our students throughout the closure of schools, offering 1:1 guidance both on the phone and via email. Our students have really appreciated the support and have often been in touch more than once. The CareersInc service has been second to none and the advisers have been extremely flexible, adapting their normal way of working to ensure our students for what they need, when they needed it. The advisers continue to offer first-class support to our students and have been an asset to the school.”

On average, each CareersInc Adviser supported 6 students per day throughout April and May with Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG). To find out more about their Virtual Careers Advice, visit their website.

Independent Education · Progress Schools · Skills agenda · The Progress Group

Young person flourishes thanks to Progress Schools intervention

A Progress Schools student, who will be known as DD, has recently secured a place at college following the intervention and support received from the independent school provider. DD, who has ADHD and ODD, requires support with focus and concentration which has led to behavioural issues in the past. However, since joining Progress Schools, her behaviour has improved significantly, and, with the support of the Progress Schools Team, she has applied and registered onto a College course starting this September.

When DD first started attending Progress Schools, she struggled immensely to sit through a lesson and completed little work. However, having settled in and adjusted to the change, she soon started developing healthy relationships with the staff team. This was particularly evidenced at the start of the 19/20 academic year when a new Head of School joined. DD initially struggled to adapt to this change, but in time, became more familiar with the new member of staff and eventually responded very well to their interventions.

Fast forward a few months, and despite the challenges caused by the national lockdown, DD has worked hard and achieved several milestones. This term she has gained her Level 2 Maths and English in Functional Skills, which comes after achieving her Level 1 qualifications earlier this year. She has also achieved EL3 in ICT.

DD’s hard work and dedication are particularly impressive when coupled with the mental health struggles she has had during the recent lockdown. A recent survey by YoungMinds reports that 80% of respondents agreed that the coronavirus pandemic had made their mental health worse. However, through the support of her family and GP, DD was able to get the support she needed and access counselling to help her with how she was feeling.

Her Head of School commented;

“DD has shown her maturity throughout this term and has grown, not only academically but in terms of her social and emotional wellbeing. She has shown her ability to work hard and the nurturing environment has assisted her to flourish.”

DD will now be supported during the transitional phase into college by the team at Progress Schools.

Adult Education · Innovative Alliance · Skills agenda · The Progress Group

Building local partnerships to support even more people into work

With their extensive network of partners, Innovative Alliance (IA) supports individuals to take their first steps into employment. Their latest partnership with recruitment specialist LFUK Recruitment Services Limited is set to open even more doors of opportunity for their participants, ultimately supporting them to secure employment or further training at the end of their course with IA.

LFUK are one of Merseyside’s leading recruitment consultancies, specialising in recruitment for industries including; driving, industrial, commercial, and event services. For Innovative Alliance, this means that individuals wanting to progress into roles such as Forklift Drivers, Warehousing Operatives, Stock controllers, and Warehousing shift leaders or similar, can be supported with their job search. LFUK and Innovative Alliance will work together to find employment opportunities for the learner once they have gained their qualification.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Innovative Alliance have adjusted their delivery to incorporate online training. This has enabled individuals to access the various training courses available via IA Online. This includes the Level 2 Principles of Warehousing and Storage course which is now available via online and face-to-face delivery. LFUK will support Innovative Alliance to work with individuals who complete these qualifications to progress into employment.

CEO at Innovative Alliance, Ian Green was delighted to form the local partnership. He said,

“One of the reasons we are looking forward to working with LFUK is because they share a similar ethos to ourselves in that they are passionate about opening doors for people who are looking to get into work.

“Their reputation for providing a high-quality service has led them to provide the recruitment solution for some of the North West’s top businesses. With that said, the opportunities that they will be able to provide for our learners are vital to help rebuild the economy and support even more people back into work, whilst providing employers with a skilled workforce.”

Innovative Alliance have supported hundreds of individuals over the years in securing positive destinations at the end of their training. They hope that partnerships such as this will only help to boost this number, helping all individuals to achieve their potential and secure a brighter future.

Adult Education · CareersInc · Complete Training Solutions · Innovative Alliance · Prepare to Achieve · Progress Schools · Skills agenda · The Progress Group

Nurturing personal purpose at a time of change

Changing lives through education and training is something that resonates with me personally and is a purpose that naturally runs throughout The Progress Group.

The world pressed pause for a while and we took the time to reflect, regroup and restructure. As a business, it’s given us the opportunity to focus on our shared values across our three distinct divisions, as we start a new chapter with our new brand and ambitions.

Having a clear purpose as an organisation is of course important – but at a time when many people are looking for new direction, reassurance and support, the significance of helping to nurture an individual’s sense of purpose is crucial too.

With rapidly rising unemployment, a skills gap threatening to widen and ‘new normal’ ways of living and working to navigate, our sector needs to be there to help people develop the skills and confidence to succeed and thrive.

Today is the UN’s World Youth Skills Day, which makes it more poignant that under 25s are being hit particularly hard in the current jobs market. The government’s latest employment statistics shows the 16 to 24 age group were the only age group to show an annual decrease in employment – down by 25,000.

It’s a similar story when we look at those not in education, employment or training (NEETS), with official figures for early 2020 showing an increase to 771,000 young people across the UK.

This is before we see the full impact of Covid-19 on the jobs market as a whole, but what’s already clear is the need to keep levelling the skills playing field in our society.

The government’s announcement last week to support young people, particularly those on universal credit, is a step in the right direction.

A personal journey

I remember the moment aged 12 when I started on my own journey to finding my personal purpose and the self-belief I needed to achieve it. Growing up on a council estate in Birmingham – on the 17^th floor of a tower block for the first seven years – I desperately wanted to achieve my dream of working in the media, but my teachers at the time dismissed the idea.

It wasn’t until a local arts worker called Harry took the time teach me to how to take photographs that I really started to value myself. Learning this new skill taught me how to think about the world around me, how people are shaped and the breadth of choice and opportunity out there. It gave me the confidence to go to college and polytechnic, and secure an internship at the BBC. Although I moved away from a media career, it gave me skills, as well as a passion for education and training, which has set me on the path to the role I’m in today.

I was lucky to have had support developing my direction and resolve at a young age. Every young person deserves this, so we need to be there for those who don’t – to help people build resilience and strength and provide empathy and understanding to nurture purpose at an individual level.

Where next?

Everyone has their own personal story, whether that’s a child who’s falling behind at school, someone who has lost their job, struggling to get into work or coming out of the justice system. Sometimes they need that extra helping hand of support.

Our teams have been busy keeping education and training services running throughout the pandemic, critically supporting both youth and adult learning. For many the future can often feel uncertain, even more so now than ever before.

But this challenging time brings with it the opportunity to do things differently and harness the changes and opportunities to support the next generation to find their own successful path for the future.

This is something me and the fantastic Progress Group team are committed to delivering on a daily basis – using the power of education and training to change lives.

Adult Education · Innovative Alliance · The Progress Group

Achieving the first steps in to a career in construction

With the annual growth set to increase by a further 3.3% in the next five years, according to IBISWorld, a career in the construction industry holds a promising future.

Adrian Robinson has recently taken his first steps towards achieving his career goals in the sector. He completed the Level 1 Introduction to Construction course with Innovative Alliance. Whilst on the course, Adrian successfully gained his CSCS card. This opportunity allows most principal contractors and major house builders to work on site.

Completing the course in February 2020, Adrian wanted to continue to gain qualifications that would help him to stand out from the crowd. Updating his CV and seeking assistance with his interview skills helped him achieve this. After being unemployed for some time, he knew that the qualifications and experience he would gain on the course would be valuable to both himself and his future employer. Eagar to progress further, Adrian has already signed up to a future course in Traffic Management. Ray became Adrians tutor to assist him in his progression.

“We get learners from various types of backgrounds and their mixed personalities really shine through.” -Ray

Ray, who has a vast amount of experience in the sector and dealing with people from all walks of life, said:

“I love working in adult education, we get learners from various types of backgrounds and their mixed personalities really shine through during the course.

Adrian stood out within his group as someone who was determined to succeed. I was thrilled that he’d enjoyed the course so much so that he wanted to do another one with us. The aim now is to help him complete the next course and support him on his way in to employment.”

When speaking about his experience on the course, Adrian said:

“Ray was a great tutor. When explaining to us, he was clear and always positive. Because of my positive experience, I would recommend the course to anyone. I’m looking forward to starting the next course after enjoying every minute on this one.”

Once he has successfully completed the Traffic Management course, Adrian will continue to be supported by the team at Innovative Alliance. Their extensive network in the sector will assist Adrian with his progression into employment.

Innovative Alliance offer construction courses that are ideal for those who have little or no experience within the sector. For more information about this course, contact info@innovativealliance.co.uk or call 0151 433 7171.

Charitable Giving · Complete Training Solutions · Corporate Social Responsibility · Giving back · The Progress Group

NHS Hero Amongst the Team at Complete Training Solutions

Complete Training Solutions (CTS) are singing the praises of team member, Ken Reed, who returned to the NHS to volunteer as a paramedic during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ken, who has been a medical professional since 1984, spent over a decade working in the oil and gas industry as a medic stationed on seismic vessels, drilling rigs and ships. Ken then went on to continue his work as a medic in the Cayman Islands for five years.

Shortly after returning to the UK, he started sharing his knowledge, skills and experience with individuals who wanted to follow in his footsteps, by becoming an instructor in the medical field. More recently, he has been working for CTS to deliver the likes of First Aid training to individuals looking to work in the renewable energy sector.

Talking of his experiences, Ken said;

“Working in the medical field got right under my skin and I loved it. It’s the best job ever. I even met my wife through my job. I learnt a lot through living abroad because I dealt with a lot of things that you would never normally deal with in England, like treating people with stingray bites! But this knowledge really helped me when I did return to the UK.”

Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ken decided it was time to once again step up and use his knowledge where it was needed the most, and volunteered in the Liverpool City Region as a Paramedic. Since starting his volunteering in April, he’s been working 2 shifts per week with an old partner from his early years in the profession.

Tom Powell, CEO at Complete Training Solutions said, “Everyone at CTS are incredibly proud of Ken’s volunteering efforts. His desire to step-up and give something back is so humbling and inspirational, I have been so impressed by his dedication to his local community.

“Ken has a wealth of experience in the sector, and he really brings the courses to life for our delegates, so I am really pleased to see him use this knowledge and expertise to help our nation during such tough times.”

Ken now plans to return to his day job at Complete Training Solutions to continue delivering high levels of training to their thousands of delegates.

End-Point Assessment · Prepare to Achieve · The Progress Group

Improving End-Point Assessment through bespoke digital technology

Gone are the days of pen and paper, numerous emails and confusing filing systems. The final stage of the apprenticeship journey is now even more accessible for employers, training providers and apprentices.

Prepare to Achieve are taking advantage of new digital technologies to continue to provide a fuss-free service for the delivery of End-Point Assessment (EPA). The bespoke EPA platform has been specially designed for EPA to guide apprentices, employers and training providers through the entire EPA process.

Investing in the platform allows the necessary Gateway requirements to be documented in one place for easy access, in addition to assessment progress charts which allow employers, apprentices and training providers to stay on top of data.

Prepare to Achieve have been pleased to receive positive feedback from our partners about the use of technology, especially the generation of reports to track the progress of apprentices.

Lee Evans, CEO at Prepare to Achieve, said:

“The past few months have proven to us how important it is for employers, providers and apprentices to have easy access to resources and information online. The EPA platform has the features that assist us in providing the best service, and in turn, helping apprentices to complete their apprenticeship journey.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic begun, Prepare to Achieve have used their technology-led approach to EPA to support 39 employers and over 150 apprentices in the adult care sector through EPA.

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