A new European Social Funded (ESF) project is helping to boost a range of industry sectors across Cornwall by giving local businesses the bespoke skills, training and qualifications they need.
Launched by CCB Training, the business skills and training arm of The Cornwall College Group, the new Skills for Cornwall project will support training needs in a range of sectors including agriculture, rural, health, engineering and construction.
Skills for Cornwall is funded by the ESF Business Clusters Project, with its focus on developing sectors identified as priorities by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), offering a range of opportunities to boost local business growth.
Lorna Martin, head of apprenticeships and external engagement at CCB Training, described Skills for Cornwall as “a fantastic opportunity not to be missed”.
“There are two ways for businesses to get involved with the project,” she said. “Firstly, is the £3k of funding available through the Apprenticeship Development Fund. This is aimed at businesses that take on a new or existing staff member to an apprenticeship in either motor vehicle (light & heavy), bricklaying, healthcare or property maintenance. In return, we ask for feedback on ways to develop the apprenticeship.”
This funding is additional to existing Government grants and incentives, and could see some businesses benefit by up to £7k.
Martin added: “Secondly, we are looking for businesses to help us gain further insight on how we can develop the right training and qualifications to best suit our own regional economy.
“Through a series of free networking events with key industry speakers, we’re looking to connect with businesses from the agriculture, rural, health, engineering and construction sectors.
“Your expertise is the type of insight that will enable us to develop new tailored apprenticeships or foundation degrees to meet businesses future needs.”
