Top Award for Workplace Training

As an organisation which understands the true value of vocational training, Darlington College Business First recognises that to be successful employers need to continually invest in the skills of their workforce.

 

As well as providing learning opportunities for over 15,000 young people and adults every year, the college works hard to support over 300 employers in the North East.

 

Top of the training solutions for employers are LSC funded programmes and services such as Apprenticeships and Train to Gain, both aimed at increasing skill levels to nationally recognised standards. The Business First team has had many successes in delivering tailored training solutions for local businesses.

 

As well as making a financial contribution towards the awards ceremony, Darlington College Business First will judge the Medium Employer of the Year category. They will present the chosen winner with their award at a glittering Oscar style award ceremony, to be held at The Sage Gateshead on 3 April 2009.

 

Last year’s winner, Heighley Gate Garden Centre in Northumberland, scooped the prestigious award for its positive approach to growing its workforce from within. From its humble beginnings as a smallholding in 1963, Heighley Gate has blossomed to become a thriving 40 acre site employing 190 staff.

 

Ongoing training and development has been fundamental to the success of the business. In particular, every member of staff, from students who work 6 hours per week through to the senior management team, has an individual training plan, which collectively supports the strategic direction of the company.

 

Terry Fennell, director of Business First at Darlington College, said: “Forward thinking organisations know that in order to be successful you need to compete. And in order to compete you need to train your employees.

 

“This award helps to recognise those employers who are leading the field. They are no doubt already reaping the benefits of increased productivity, improved staff motivation, an upturn in profits or even the survival of their business - thanks to effective skills development programmes. This award will be the icing on the cake.”

 

Chris Roberts, regional director, LSC North East said: “There is a wide variety of support available in the North East to help and encourage employers to train their workforce and thankfully, more and more are taking advantage. It has never been more important for employers to train their staff than it is now as it enables them to be in a stronger position once the economic situation improves.

 

“Collectively we are creating a culture of training and development. Young people, adults and employers now recognise the economic and social value of having relevant skills and vocational qualifications. 

 

“Whether organisations have strengthened their business through Apprenticeships, have engaged with Train to Gain, or are involved in skills development with local schools, colleges or training organisations, we want to hear from them.”

 

The Medium Employer of the Year Award is one of 13 awards which will be presented on the night.

 

Other award categories are: Adult Learner of the Year; Apprentice of the Year; Young Learner of the Year; Skills for Work; Personal Achiever; Outstanding Achiever of the Year; Small Employer of the Year; Large Employer of the Year; Workforce Commitment Award; Outstanding Employer of the Year and Pioneering Recruitment.