AN EXPERT provider of apprenticeships, employer-led training and retraining has launched across the North of England.
Northern Skills Group is already one of the largest training providers in its field, and is the product of Middlesbrough College’s acquisition of NECC Training earlier this year.
The new Group – which operates from bases in Durham, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and York – employs a team of 150 training specialists, many from industry backgrounds.
Together they deliver a broad range of tuition and apprentice recruitment – from dental apprenticeships through to CNC engineering courses.
Peter Wilson, Northern Skills Group lead, said the Group’s aims are to support northern businesses in developing their workforces for competitive and sustainable advantage, and give people the skills in demand from industry.
He explained: “We know businesses of all shapes and sizes in the Tees Valley need a skills partner they can rely on to provide sound advice and practical solutions across commercial and technical training.
“Northern Skills Group has the interests of the regional economy at its core. We share the ambitions of businesses going for growth.
“That’s why we build skills training solutions and apprenticeships around companies’ specific needs.”
The team is already working with some of the region’s most high profile businesses, such as Hitachi Rail Europe, SAGE (UK) and ElringKlinger (UK).
Supporting multinationals, owner-managed businesses and individuals alike, the Group has positioned itself to supply consultancy and advisory services as well as practical training provision.
The move is in anticipation of the arrival of the Government’s Apprenticeship Levy in April 2017 – along with substantial apprenticeship reforms.
Peter added: “Understanding the Apprenticeship Levy and apprenticeship reforms is crucial for businesses of all sizes. For firms with a wage bill of less than £3m per year, there may be significant benefits available – and we want them to capitalise on that opportunity.
“We can help businesses to plan their workforce development around the Levy and its implications.
“Apprenticeships are a proven, cost effective way to increase business growth. By investing in managers of the future businesses can bank future productivity gains.”
Northern Skills Group is responsible for 2,000 apprentices across the North East and North Yorkshire.
For more information on how Northern Skills Group can help your business, contact our business advisors on 03453 40 40 40 or info@northernskills.co.uk