Julie Tegg is Gloucestershire College's Director of Employer Training & Apprenticeships, and is currently observing the FEP Board with a view to join as a new Director. As this National Apprenticeship Week comes to a close, Julie has written a piece on the value of apprenticeship placements in the Forest of Dean and just how important they are in creating thriving businesses and communities.
With National Apprenticeship Week being celebrated from 5 to 12 February, it presents a fantastic opportunity to explore how apprenticeships can create valuable pathways for Forest of Dean communities to skill up and embark on rewarding careers across various industries.
With Manufacturing and Engineering being the largest sector represented in the area followed by Hospitality and Tourism, there are on average 796 new job postings every month, yet, one of the challenges the area has been facing is around filling in those skills gaps and providing opportunities to keep young people living in the Forest.
While addressing skills gaps traditionally emphasises education, the role of employers, irrespective of their size, should not be underestimated. Businesses often invest significantly in recruiting skilled staff but there is potential to shift focus towards cultivating these skills in-house.
Apprenticeships through a tailored approach, can emerge as a significant asset in employers' skills development strategies. They are designed to facilitate the growth and retention of talent aligned with business objectives but also provide continuous access to the latest industry knowledge and skills, ensuring businesses stay ahead in a competitive marketplace.
GlosCol catering students
In the Forest of Dean we have a number of training providers providing excellent facilities to improve skills locally, including AccXel and Gloucester Engineering Training. Gloucestershire College has one of its campuses located in Cinderford, close ties to Forest of Dean employers, and has been delivering apprenticeship and skills training to some of the finest local companies, including Lucozade Ribena Suntory, Beverage & Food GB&I, Millhall Consultants, The Speech House Hotel, Simplicity in Business, Forest Holidays and many, many others.
The Speech House Hotel, a family run business that offers accommodation and a wedding venue nestled in a tranquil forest environment strongly believes in benefits of apprenticeships.
“We have an industry wide skill shortage in hospitality, which is one of the reasons why we’re extremely passionate about investing in young talent from the Forest of Dean. Through working with the local colleges, we offer a range of apprenticeships in the hotel, and have recently seen one of our apprentices go on to win Young Chef of the Year at the Gloucester Foodie Awards. Our core business values include developing young talent, and this is one way we can achieve this.” – said Naomi Hands, Director, The Speech House Hotel
One of the apprentices we will be celebrating during NAW is Craig Fletcher. He graduated from Gloucestershire College with a Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management and has been working for Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I. He is a great example of a transformative power of apprenticeships.
“I left school without any qualifications", said Craig.
“I like the challenge and wanted to prove to myself that I can make it. I definitely recommend apprenticeships. I enjoyed the course content, and if you have the backing from your company, it works seamlessly. My apprenticeship has already opened a few doors for me, and I have now been seconded to a big project.”
Craig Fletcher, an ex GlosCol apprentice & current Suntory employee.
The Forest of Dean employers, training providers and the government need to work together as one team to be successful in inspiring the next generation of Forest talent and providing pathways into skills training and careers, be it in Engineering, Hospitality &Tourism, IT and Cyber, Professional Services or Healthcare, to ensure that the area thrives from the innovation and diversity of local communities.
As Anthony Denning, Technical Development Manager at Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I rightly put:
“Businesses have a choice to build, buy or borrow skills, and as with many businesses in the UK, recruiting to fill vacancies by “buying” skills has been challenging, especially for rural areas such as the Forest of Dean. It’s so important to build skills in the local the area. Apprenticeships have been developed by businesses alongside learning providers to close the skills gaps, and the best bit is being able to earn while you learn, utilising local providers to develop skills within our business and support employment in the local community.”
“There’s no necessity to have to move away to develop skills, and then potentially be drawn away from the Forest of Dean."
“I’ve grown up in the Forest of Dean, and have worked here all my life. I love the changes in the season, the uniqueness of our communities, and the wildlife. The Forest of Dean has such a diversity you can never get bored of, its home”, concludes Anthony.
We wish all Forest of Dean employers and their apprentices a happy National Apprenticeship Week. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and will continue to support them on the journey to realise their full potential.
#NAW2024
By Julie Tegg, Director Employer Training & Apprenticeships, Gloucestershire College
employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk
0345 155 2020