Latest Updates From Surrey Chambers CEO – 27th November 2024

27th November 2024

Skills provision

The last few weeks have been an exciting time for the skills world in Surrey. There were several launches of new facilities and courses, resulting from the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), delivered by Surrey Chambers of Commerce. Following on from the plan, funding was made available by the Department of Education so that local providers could deliver new provision to meet the needs of local businesses.

Group Director of Guildford College, Neil Shoulder, was joined by the Mayor of Guildford, Sallie Barker, to cut the ribbon for the official opening of the college’s Digital Skills Centre.  Supported by £800,000 in funding from the Department for Education’s Local Skills Improvement Fund, (LSIF), the centre features a large state-of-the-art open learning space complete with an 86” interactive screen and 48 high powered lap tops available to support learners work, as well as hi-tech traditional classrooms and two fully sound proofed recording studios. Programmes offered at the centre will include a range of courses and qualifications aimed at all ages, including T-Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), as well as apprenticeships and short courses aimed at local employers in digital and tech subject areas.

Last week I was delighted to open the new Low Carbon Centre at the Brooklands College Weybridge campus along with Dr Ben Spencer, MP for Runnymede and Weybridge. Another project made possible through the LSIF from the Department for Education, it has been developed to offer courses focused on passive technologies such as insulation, building treatments, and air tightness testing. Partnering with industry employers and professional bodies, the Centre will equip the Construction workforce with the skills needed to meet the demands of the green economy. The opening of the Low Carbon Centre was a culmination of many peoples’ work and demonstrates the focus that Brooklands Technical College has on meeting the needs of employers. Following a report on the future needs of green skills, published by the LSIP and Surrey County Council, Brooklands used funding to address the skills shortage in this area, which will massively benefit both students and employers locally.

Solving the recruitment conundrum

Another activity prompted by the LSIP was a collaborative event with Surrey County Council, Solving the Recruitment Conundrum spotlighting innovative strategies to address recruitment challenges by engaging with untapped talent pools, such as neurodiverse individuals, refugees, ex-military personnel, and prison leavers.

The event’s centrepiece was an inspiring panel chaired by Martine Robins of The HR Dept Surrey Hills. The panel included professionals and advocates with lived experiences, highlighting the realities and opportunities within non-traditional recruitment.

In addition to the panel, attendees explored stands from a variety of organisations supporting underrepresented groups, including Surrey Choices, AS Mentoring, the DWP, ALPS, Sensory Services, the Career Transition Partnership, Surrey Youth Hub, Coldingley Prison, and Business Surrey. Solving the Recruitment Conundrum was not just a discussion but a call to embrace diversity as a business imperative. By challenging traditional approaches and fostering inclusivity, organizations can address recruitment challenges and unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth. As businesses, we need to build on these insights to drive meaningful change and create a future where every individual’s potential is recognised and valued.

Don’t miss our Christmas lunch!!

Enjoy a delightful two-course meal, a welcome bubbly, and wine or non-alcoholic options, plus the chance to win prizes in our charity raffle. With Christmas-themed games and entertainment by West End performers, Amy Punter and Dominic Lamb, this is the perfect opportunity to connect and celebrate with other Surrey businesses.
Our Annual Christmas Lunch is very kindly sponsored by Azets.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce can be reached on 01483 735540, info@surrey-chambers.co.uk, @surreychambers www.surrey-chambers.co.uk We are always happy to help businesses find what they need to help them grow and prosper.