Developing staff is vital - and the businesses that bring people on are being recognised with the Education in Business Award in the Suffolk Business Awards.
This award is open to businesses of all shapes and sizes that are committed to skill development for the benefit of the local community, which is something that Viv Gillespie, principal at Suffolk New College, and Phil Stittle, executive director of business development at West Suffolk College, believe is crucial.
“We know from being the preferred training provider for many local businesses that the local community already benefit from business investment in education by creating skilled workers who are employment ready,” said Ms Gillespie.
Mr Stittle, who will be co-judging the award, added: “Local communities are vital for employers as they supply a significant amount of the workforce needed. Indeed, growth is an important component for regional areas to remain viable, engaged and provides much needed support for community. “
The judges will be looking for an organisation that is going above and beyond their business needs to equip people with the skills of the future, putting into place practices or procedures to enable the next generation to succeed.
“All businesses need to ensure their staff are skilled and given the opportunity to build on their skill set, to ensure they stay competitive in their field and continue to develop and grow,” said Mr Stittle. “As technology moves so fast, it’s always important to reflect and ensure that all staff have the appropriate skills to take your business to the next level.”
So why is it important to recognise businesses that embrace education? “Shaping and investing in your workforce does not only provide your business with a strong foundation for the future but it also supports the development of problem solving, creative teamwork and communication skills which are essential for today’s business landscape,” said Ms Gillespie.
“Showcasing the work you are doing and getting the recognition and praise for it is one of the main reasons for entering this award. You may also inspire others to review and develop education within their own organisation.”
Enter the Suffolk Business Awards at www.suffolkbusinessawards.co.uk
Meet the sponsor
Suffolk New College
Suffolk New College offers the broadest range of courses across the county with campuses at Suffolk Rural in Otley for land-based provision, at Ipswich, and ‘on the Coast’ at Leiston and Halesworth.
The college focuses upon providing a curriculum that meets the needs of students, employers and the wider community. The offer takes into account the needs of providing a skilled workforce for the future through short courses for industry, apprenticeships and higher education, as well as programmes for adults and young people.
West Suffolk College
West Suffolk College is a dynamic college offering industry-focused training and skills development. We are one of the country’s leading apprenticeship providers with over 1,750 trainees being trained at any one time.
We offer a range of higher education study choices and flexible degree options via WSC University Studies, with over 13,000 students studying across our three campuses: University Studies, Built Environment and Arts, Humanities and Heath, as well as at our learning centres across the region.
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