20.05.20
Sheffield Skills Bank launches new C-19 support for business
Businesses and training providers in Sheffield are set to benefit from two new strands of the Sheffield City Region’s Skills Bank programme, launched yesterday (May 19).
Skills Bank, which forms part of SCR’s Growth Hub is supporting those affected by the Coronavirus crisis with new online training programmes, developed for businesses looking to access training to support them through current challenges.
In addition to this, a rapid response offer has also been set up, dedicated to securing training and support for those directly helping the Government’s Coronavirus strategy, such as producing PPE or sanitisers.
The usual programme of bespoke training for business growth will continue operating, but the Bank’s expert advisors will also be available to help with applications or advice on other business support at this time.
Training will include manoeuvring the return to work and changes necessary to day-to-day working, stabilising businesses as they explore increased online methods of operation and communication.
It will also include skills training on entering new markets during this time, for example food producers targeting supermarkets rather than restaurants or launching online platforms.
James Muir, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said:
“We have already seen many businesses across our region leap into action and help support the national effort in battling Coronavirus and supporting our heroic frontline staff.
“Skills Bank is uniquely placed to ensure those businesses who are helping in the fight have the right skills and training. Our rapid response strand is designed to ensure that the process in getting staff trained up isn’t time consuming and delaying the important work at hand.
“The ongoing crisis has changed how all of us work. With these new working ways, it’s important companies are accessing the right training and knowledge to make sure they can operate as best as they can, whether that’s with a shift of focus, with reduced staffing numbers, or working from home.
“As always, we are open and here to help. The Growth Hub’s team of skills and business advisors are working around the clock to help businesses navigate through this crisis; whether that’s with accessing training or understanding which government grant or scheme is the most relevant to their business.
“I would urge anyone who is unsure where to turn, to get in touch with the Growth Hub and get the advice they need.”