SKILLS OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESSES THROUGH COLLEGE COLLABORATION

Businesses are set to benefit from government-funded skills training designed to boost in-demand skills in the digital and creative sectors. North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) is one of four colleges across Coventry and Warwickshire that are being funded as part of a pilot scheme to reshape technical skills training in the region and provide adults with skills for the future.

Individuals and business owners are being urged to register for course places before the end of the month (31 March 2022*) and they will be able to access the training free of charge.

The courses cover online digital content creation and online office collaboration. Students will learn how to edit photos and videos and create professional content for websites and presentations. They will be taught how to use design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Premiere and Animate from scratch. The online office collaboration course covers making the most of Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Workspace. 

Mark Smith, Commercial Director at NWSLC said, “Since the pandemic began, office-based teams have been using virtual meeting spaces to collaborate more efficiently and there is no sign that this trend will reverse. This course will enable employees to maximise the platforms’ functionality which should help to improve productivity.

“All businesses need to present their products and services using professional digital content. For small businesses without marketing budgets, this course enables employees to learn the skills to create content in-house.” 

These new courses are being delivered by NWSLC as part of the Coventry & Warwickshire Adult Learning Project, a collaboration between North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College, WCG (Warwickshire College Group), Coventry College, and Stratford College designed to deliver skills for the future in the region.

Coventry and Warwickshire Adult Learning (CWAL) is one of 18 pilot groups for the Skills Accelerator programme, which incorporates the Local Skills Improvement Plan Trailblazers and Strategic Development Fund pilots. The Skills Accelerator programme is a key part of the Government’s blueprint for reshaping the technical skills system, ensuring educational provision meets the skills demands of the region.

The four colleges across Coventry and Warwickshire are working with education stakeholders such as the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP, local authorities, and employers to deliver on the region’s skill priorities.

Funding is being used to improve delivery in three key areas including:

• electrification and battery technology
• creative, culture and digital
• construction, transport, and logistics.

New fit-for-purpose training facilities are also being developed at the colleges to enable stronger delivery for the three sectors.

*Subject to space availability. 

To register, complete the online form on the NWSLC website here.