A new initiative designed to support local businesses in developing their workforce is being piloted by Cumbria Adult Learning.
The new “Skills Bridge” programme provides a package of free, tailored training designed to help businesses develop Cumbrian workforce skills, enhance employee wellbeing, and support long-term success.
The accredited courses are delivered directly in the workplace, and each participant receives nationally recognised qualifications, helping both individuals and businesses to grow and thrive.
By delivering fully funded courses, the Council’s Adult Learning Service aims to support the creation of healthy, skilled workplaces where staff and managers work together to continuously improve health, safety and wellbeing, while strengthening overall business sustainability.
Courses available through Skills Bridge include Mental Health and Wellbeing, Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity, and Safeguarding. In addition, training in English, maths and IT is also available to support essential workplace skills.
A number of well-known local employers have already engaged with the programme, including David Allen: Accounts & IT Support Specialists, Windermere Marina, Windermere Lakes Cruises and The Everbright Hotel Group among many others.
Feedback from participating businesses has been overwhelmingly positive, with one employer commenting: “We are now rethinking the way we work.”
Feedback from participants has been excellent, with many praising both the content and delivery of the courses. One attendee described the training as “extremely helpful, fun and informative,” adding that it had provided “a great resource to help better communication and skills at work and at home.”
Another shared how their initial nerves quickly eased, explaining: “I was nervous at first but felt comfortable quickly. I found it easy to engage and really enjoyed the way the course was delivered. I got a lot from it.”
Windermere Marina Village employees recently completed the Skills Bridge Level 1 Mental Health & Wellbeing course which equips staff with the tools to create a healthy workplace culture where workers and managers collaborate to use a continual improvement process to protect and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of workers and the sustainability of the business.
Shona Taylor, Finance Director for the Windermere Marina Village, said: “The Skills Bridge courses are really very positive from the company perspective and hopefully will be even stronger after the courses we are putting on.
“I also think individually staff got a lot out of it. It is so useful to take time out of our working life to consider these matters and can only lead to a stronger team.”
Donna St-Claire, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Senior Manager for Education and Skills, said: “A healthy and skilled workplace is one where staff and managers work collaboratively, using a continuous improvement approach to develop skills.
“By providing flexible, high-quality training tailored to employer needs, our Skills Bridge programme is helping to create stronger, healthier workplaces while equipping people with the skills they need now and in the future.
“It’s fantastic to see our ambitions becoming a reality, with so many businesses already benefiting from this fully funded opportunity.”
Through the Cumbria Adult Learning Service, Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council are committed to supporting local businesses to grow and succeed.
Find out more information about the Skills Bridge Adult Learning programme for businesses or to enquire, contact Victoria Emmett at victoria.emmett@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk or call 07827 282198.