Tag Archives: exeter

Uncategorized

Ben Bradshaw backs BEEP

Leave a comment
BEEP & Ben Bradshaw
Ben Bradshaw MP finds out about BEEP. (L to R Sandra, Matt, Llewellyn, Ben and Aaron) Photo: Matt Austin

Ben Bradshaw, MP for Exeter, met with young people and their mentors and employers at an event hosted by Everys Solicitors in Exeter to learn more about the Business Powering Employment Programme (BEEP). He said “It was great to meet Aaron and Matt and find out how BEEP is helping them. It’s really fantastic that they have moved into work and training and are doing so well, as they continue to receive support from their mentors”.

Mentee Matt Baker, 20, from Exeter, said: “The mentoring has been brilliant for me. I meet with Llewellyn quite regularly and it’s pushing me forwards. I’m at Exeter College, and know what I want to do next, to get the qualifications I need to help students with learning difficulties. I’ve got short term and longer term goals and that’s thanks to BEEP. It would be great if the programme keeps growing so more people can benefit.”

Llewellyn Nicholls, Head of Business Development and Marketing at Everys Solicitors and Matt’s mentor, said: “It’s been hugely rewarding being a mentor to Matt.  He has developed hugely over the past few months. His initial goals have now been realised and he’s firmly on the career ladder. His determination has really shone through.”

The programme (initially called REEP) used Rugby World Cup 2015 legacy funds and generous support from Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board partners but is now being expanded to support more young people across Devon. Support from businesses across Devon is needed if the programme is to reach its potential. Companies can support BEEP through a range of partnership opportunities, including sponsorship and mentor training, which supports the personal development of employees through becoming a mentor.

Ben Bradshaw said “It’s important now that companies get involved and support, because these are our future employees and have so much to offer if we can work with them and help them develop the skills and confidence to move forwards in their lives.”

Sandra Sampson, Director of Motiv-8sw, who has been helping to run the programme said “It’s transforming. Often the young people have been out of work or education for some time, have lost their confidence and are at a low ebb. The programme is already delivering fantastic results, genuinely helping to turn people’s lives around, but we really need to scale it up so we can help more.”

BEEP helps young people learn through performance coaching techniques and then on-going support from a mentor. Over 95 per cent of those who have been on the programme have gone on to secure work and training opportunities. As well as making a huge difference to the life of a young person, the programme provides benefits for mentors. BEEP delivers training to all mentors, equipping them with transferable skills which can be used in the workplace.

Organisations interested in getting involved and supporting the programme, should contact Sandra Sampson at Motiv-8sw on 01392 873939 and sandra@motiv-8sw.co.uk or visit BEEP.

 

Uncategorized

Tap into Top Talent

Leave a comment

BSc Digital

Employers are invited to attend a free Business Breakfast taking place on Friday 11th March 08:00-09:30 supported by Santander Corporate & Commercial Bank, at Pynes Hill, Exeter, on behalf of the Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board.

The Business Breakfast will provide information and advice to employers on the benefits of tapping in to top talent through the Higher and Graduate apprenticeship route and is part of the National Apprenticeship Week 2016, which runs between 14th and 18th March.

This event will be beneficial to employers who are looking to grow their own top talent, as well as those who have already benefitted from employing Intermediate and Advanced level apprentices and would like to explore Higher or Graduate apprenticeships. Businesses which operate in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Knowledge Based Industries (KBI) are encouraged to attend, as are those who are interested in finding out about the new Degree Apprenticeships at the University of Exeter. The Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board encourages high quality apprenticeships across all sectors and levels, with particular interest in technical and higher entry level apprenticeships.

Simon McGinnes from The University of Exeter, will talk about the exciting new initiative of Degree Apprenticeships in Digital and Technology Solutions. Also included on the agenda are presentations from successful apprentice employers and the opportunity for a question and answer session within an expert panel discussion. Representatives from the local Apprenticeship Ambassador Network will be available to provide more information and insights during networking time.

The introduction of the apprenticeship levy from April 2017 will encourage employers to think more about benefitting from apprenticeships. Funding opportunities for employers and apprentices have changed with the Government making a significant contribution to Graduate apprentice tuition fees.

Apprenticeships are fast becoming an alternative route into gaining knowledge and skills for the workplace. This increase in work-based learning is growing noticeably, Exeter College anticipates that apprenticeship enrolments are set to exceed those enrolling into ‘A’ Level routes.

All of these interesting and timely topics will be discussed at the event, which is free to attend and includes breakfast and corporate hospitality.

Places are limited to 40 and businesses who would like to take part should register here or contact the Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills for further information by emailing oenone.thomas@exeter.gov.uk or ringing 01392 265344 by 4 March 2016.

 

Uncategorized

Support BEEP remember RWC 2015

Leave a comment

300915 RWC exeter princesshay street art FX24165 (1 of 1)

(Blog post original Exeter City Net)

Up for grabs are banners, flags and bunting used to decorate the city during the Tournament in September and October when Sandy Park hosted 3 pool matches.

All proceeds of the sale will be split between the Lord Mayor’s charity, the Exeter Foundation, and ‘BEEP’, Business Empowering Employment Programme, a successful Exeter Rugby World Cup 2015 legacy project which attracted the attention of HRH Prince Harry when he visited Exeter during Rugby World Cup 2015. BEEP makes a positive difference to the lives of young people between 16 and 24 years who are struggling to take their first steps on the career ladder.

Councillor Rosie Denham, Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, said: “This is a great opportunity for the residents of Exeter to claim a piece of Rugby World Cup 2015 memorabilia and donate to a worthwhile local cause. Some of the items are one-off or very limited stock, so we are expecting them to sell out very quickly. The City Council raises money on behalf of the Lord Mayor’s Charity each year and we felt it appropriate to share the proceeds of the sale with one of our most successful Rugby World Cup legacy projects, the BEEP programme which has already seen a number of young people successfully employed as a result of the training programme.”

Some items are very low stock so people are being asked to order early to avoid disappointment. All items are pre-used and will be in post-display condition; therefore some items may be slightly marked or environmentally soiled. Lamp post banners do not come with fixings for hanging.

Exeter city dressing can be viewed and purchased from http://www.jumblebee.co.uk/rugbyworldcup2015exetercitydressing

Due to the size and weight of the items, this is a cash-only and collection-only sale. Pre-ordered items via the website are to be paid for upon collection from Exeter City Council, Civic Centre, Paris Street, Exeter, by prior arrangement only (see website for details). The sale ends at 12pm on 14 January 2016.

Uncategorized

Welcome to Exeter RWC 2015 Host City

Leave a comment

We are delighted to be able to share a flavour of over 1500 hours of training in less than 3 minutes! Please enjoy finding out more about this collaboration between Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board and Purple Cloud Consultancy following our successful bid for European funding. Just click the link:

Welcome to Exeter Video

81 tourism and hospitality organisations from Exeter and beyond took the opportunity to prepare to give a world-class welcome to the expected 165,000 RWC 2015 visitors by participating in a fabulous free day of training.

216 delegates enrolled on 16 courses held at Sandy Park to help their help businesses:

  • Maximise the opportunities for rugby-related business
  • Understand how to manage super-happy or unhappy rugby supporters
  • Promote places to visit in the area
  • Gain a competitive edge

Each delegate received:

  • A mini-tour of Sandy Park
  • A special Visit Exeter guide, a Host City pin badge and a certificate
  • The option of taking a free City & Guilds Level 2 qualification at the end of the day.

By all accounts RWC 2015 visitors from home and abroad have enjoyed their stays!

Uncategorized

“firsthand knowledge will enhance the service”

Leave a comment
Promoting RWC 2015 coming to Devon
Promotion of RWC 2015 in Devon

This pilot RWC 2015 Event Customer Service Training for Hospitality and Tourism sectors was highly successful. It received very positive and complimentary delegate feedback, exceeded targets, was within budget and developed a model which could be adapted for training in preparation for other significant events in this region and beyond.

Some learning points from the pilot are listed in the table below. We also carefully reflected on other areas including how to reach participants, the information required by Europe and the Skills Funding Agency on the application form, the “Logo Conundrum” (the Catch 22 of logo compliance) and collaborative working. The evaluation report is available in full below.

Learning Point Reason
Use the event venue or location if possible for the training It forms an important part of the learning
Encourage the event venue or location to positively support and engage with the training Ultimately the venue or location will benefit from the training and a positive relationship would add value to the programme
Encourage accreditation, make it free but not compulsory To reinforce value to employers and encourage individuals especially those attracting priority sector payments
Integrate event resources in to the programme delivery To acquaint the delegates with the material and demonstrate its usefulness
Use networks and multi-media for recruitment To reach a broad spectrum of potential delegates and reach those with which you do not currently network
Mix cohorts from different organisations For mutual benefit and more interesting discussions
Invest time in clarifying the funder’s requirements for paperwork at the outset despite the pressures to start to recruit In order to minimise irritation to delegates and work load of training organization

Some interesting facts and figures:

Participants 256
  •  Funded
 231
  • Non-funded
 16
  • Non-eligible
 9
Percentage of target achieved (excluding non-eligible) 109%
City & Guilds Level 2 taken 203
Percentage of delegates undertaking accreditation 79%
Courses delivered 14
Businesses trained 80
Businesses with 1 or 2 delegates 55%
Mean rating of trainers 97%
Mean rating of overall course 91%

Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board and Purple Cloud Consultancy worked well together. Our approach leveraged our capacity to use networks, to quickly formulate the bid for the second tranche of funding and most importantly to access the initial funding opportunity and deliver excellent customer services training to the local hospitality and tourism industry. We would like to work together again!

You can read the complete  RWC2015Customer ServiceEvaluation here.

Uncategorized

“Everyone was a winner today!”

Leave a comment
During the Big Bang South West event at Exeter University on the 25th June 2015 - Photo mandatory by-line: Gary Day/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - VAT Reg: 183700120 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - 25/06/15 - Exeter University, Exeter
Future Scientists at Big Bang SW 2015 (c) Pinnacle

Alex Ledbrooke from Education Business Partnership South West and member of the Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board writes –

This year’s Big Bang South West Fair at the University of Exeter celebrated the very best in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

The event attracted nearly 2,000 eager students from across the region to participate in one of the largest events of its kind regionally.

The emphasis was on interaction and the chance to explore the wide range of careers and opportunities in the field of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

More than 50 industry experts volunteered to judge nearly 100 student projects with the very best projects being selected to represent the South West at the prestigious finals of the National Science and Engineering Competition to be held at the Big Bang UK in March 2016

A huge interactive exhibition hall with more than 80 local, national and international organisations, including Western Power Distribution, the Met Office, South West Water, TDK, and AnTech Ltd were on hand to share their expertise and inspire those attending.

In addition, nearly 1000 young people took part in a ‘Mega Class’. Led by the National Space Academy and sponsored by Western Power Distribution.

The Big Bang Fair South West highlights to us all that STEM offers an exciting wealth of opportunities, not just internationally but also here in the South West too.

Nationally and locally businesses are facing skills gaps. Today was about recognising and celebrating the talents that exist in the South West and helping students to recognise the opportunities available to them. I’d like to thank everyone who attended, the companies that played such a vital part in making in an important aspect of regions annual calendar, and to all the winners and the teams that competed – everyone was a winner today.

The 10 project winners from the region going through to the finals of the National Science and Engineering Competition in March 2016 can been seen here

See this years photographs and project video here

Uncategorized

EUROPEAN STRUCTURAL & INVESTMENT FUND UPDATE

Leave a comment
Invitation:

Find out about the latest round of calls for the European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF) at our update and networking for collaboration event:

Date: Tuesday  21st July 2015
Time: 09:00 for 09:30 start – finish at 12.00 noon
Venue: Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter, EX1 1BW

Purpose:

This free event is an opportunity to hear about the latest round of calls, the realities of running European Funded programmes and it will provide an opportunity to meet with potential partners.

Booking:

Booking is essential. Please book on this link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/european-structural-and-investment-fund-esif-update-tickets-17443174003

Agenda:
09:00 Arrival, registration and refreshments
09:30 Welcome and housekeeping Mark Shepherd, Waitrose – Chair and/or Kay Eldergill, Met Office – Vice Chair of Exeter & Heart of Devon Employment & Skills Board (EHOD ESB)
09:40 Working together to build a World Class Workforce Cllr Rosie Denham, Exeter City Council – Economy & Culture
09.55 European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF):

  • Overview
  • Update
  • Q&A
 Heidi Hallam, Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP) – Partnerships Manager
10.20 Refreshments
10.40 Big Lottery

  • Overview
  • Update
  • Q&A
 Catherine Stevens, Big Lottery Fund
11.00 The reality of running ESF funded programmes George Curry, Westward Pathfinder – Chief Executive
11.15 Final questions and comments Mark Shepherd or Kay Eldergill
11.25 Collaboration exchange
12.00 Finish
Uncategorized

Prevent Duty – Home Office Training in Exeter

Leave a comment

Rod Davies from Dorset & Somerset Training Provider Network has let us know that a new law will come onto the statute books in July which will require educational establishments to put structures in place to ensure, amongst other things, that learners on their programmes are not radicalised. The aim is to improve how local government, the health service, schools, universities, Further Education, Work Based Learning and others work together to prevent people being drawn into terrorism.

The provider response to this duty will be inspected under the new Common Inspection Framework by Ofsted and in some cases is already being considered at inspection. This duty is considered significant and is a must for all providers. It will be looked at as a part of safeguarding and as one secondary school has already discovered failure to address it can result in a grade 3 or 4.

The Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network would like to invite two delegates from each organisation, a strategic leader and an organisation champion to an event to support implementation of the duty. The event venue details, description and outcomes are below:

Event Description  

Date: Tuesday 1st September 2015
Time: 09:00 to 12:30 hours
Venue: Flybe Training Centre, Exeter
Trainers: The Home Office

Prevent is about stopping people being drawn into extremism and becoming terrorists. The workshop builds our understanding of how young people can become radicalised and be vulnerable to extreme views and actions which could lead to acts of violent extremism. Practitioners working with young people may well become aware of changes and signs that might indicate the early stages of vulnerability to extremism. Extremism in itself is not illegal but practitioners need to be aware of potential signs that may be part of a pathway to terrorism.

Event Outcomes

  • Gain an understanding of the Prevent agenda and be able to identify your role within it
  • Recognise signs that a Young Person may be vulnerable to radicalisation
  • Receive a clear picture of the risks and threats both nationally and at a local level
  • Develop knowledge and confidence to discuss grievances
  • Gain a raised awareness of the key issues and how these can be tackled by all agencies Increase your agency’s capacity to prevent violent extremism.

Places are limited to 50, to book a place on the event please contact Rod Davis r.davis@dstpn.co.uk by 24th July 2015.

Uncategorized

REEP to BEEP

Leave a comment
Llewellyn Nicholls (right) celebrating with Matt (right) his mentee
Llewellyn Nicholls (right) celebrating with Matt (left) his mentee (c) Archant

The Rugby Empowering Employment Programme (REEP) is currently making a positive difference to the lives of young people between 16-24 years who were struggling to take their first steps on the career ladder. Following an intensive 10 day programme young people benefit from on-going mentoring from trained volunteers. REEP has undoubtedly changed the life chances of those involved for the better. We know that mentoring young people can be a challenge and requires constant commitment. Each volunteer is trained in mentoring in order to play their vital part. Our mentors come from different employment and skills backgrounds but they are unified in their desire to give something back, to learn and practise something new, and in their conviction that “every individual matters”. We also know that employers value these transferable mentoring skills too. We are therefore delighted to be working with our current mentors as they work on REEP and use their mentoring skills in a wider context.

James Bogue Active Devon
Llewellyn Nicholls Archant Publishers
Dan Pritchard Astley Media
Scott Walker Devon Community Foundation
Victoria Hatfield Exeter City Council
Mike Blakeley Exeter College
Sam Hyde Met Office
Tim Baker Midas
Sandra Sampson Motiv-8SW
Austin Woodin Former Royal Marine
Chris Shrimpton Retired teacher

REEP will soon become BEEP (Business Empowering Employment Programme). As the RWC 2015 Legacy funding comes to an end we will be launching BEEP. We would love to hear from businesses who like to become involved and to benefit from BEEP too. Contact Sandra Sampson of Motiv-8SW on 0844 848 9594 to find out more.

Uncategorized

REEP attracts attention

Leave a comment
Ed receives his REEP certificate from Dr Phil Norrey
Ed with Dr Phil Norrey (c) Archant

Every Individual Matters

On Friday 22 May, Dr Phil Norrey, Chief Executive of Devon County Council, presented REEP certificates to four young people, and Mark Shepherd, Chair of Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board (EHOD ESB), commended the individuals and the Motiv-8sw team.  They echoed the message “Every individual matters” which had been the theme of Karime Hassan, Chief Executive of Exeter City Council, at the REEP 1 celebration event held just three months earlier.

Teamwork and goals

Motiv-8sw’s team, Kieron Yeoman (Training Director) and Royden Scott, are “special” former Royal Marines who connect, care for and challenge young people, boosting their confidence and skills. This helps individuals to focus their ideas and to make positive steps towards employment. Together with trained volunteer mentors they build a strong, long-term support framework tailored to the individual’s needs. Mentor Tim Baker from Midas is partnered with Matt C, while Mike Blakeley from Exeter College mentors Ed. They were all there to celebrate at the event on Friday along with parents, project partners and employers. Over the coming months everyone, especially the young people themselves, will be digging deep and working towards their identified goals. Initial thoughts on possible destinations include:

Ed Ethical craft creative business, possibly Exeter Maritime
David The Royal Navy
Matt B Teacher or Teaching Assistant in a secondary school
Matt C Retail and in particular Tesco

REEP attracts attention

The REEP success story is attracting attention. ‘Inside Out’ BBC Spotlight’s current affairs programme has been following REEP 2 and REEP 1 participants on their journeys. They are hoping to broadcast their documentary in September. Journalists from Archant are currently researching a piece to a similar deadline and their photographer joined in the celebration on Friday too.

Win, Win, Win

Despite current high levels of employment, Young People on REEP 1 and 2 tell us that there are more individuals who can benefit from this programme. Reaching these young people is a challenge in itself. Regardless of a referring agency’s criteria, we have been able to offer free REEP places. However, #RWC2015 Legacy funds which have largely funded REEP 1 and 2 ends with these four young people; it has positively changed the lives of those it has touched through REEP. Sandra Sampson, Director of Motiv-8sw who has been leading the programme with the EHOD ESB said: “REEP is a Win, Win,Win”

WINNERS
Businesses and mentors Young People

Community
Mentor training and practice contributes to CPD and brings about better business performance. Mentees may become future employees and/or customers. Gain confidence, skills and a desire to make positive steps in their lives and gain employment. Caring and thriving communities value every individual. Young positive people who are working contribute to their communities and in time become role models for their own families.

Huge return on Investment

Oenone Thomas, Partnerships and Projects Manager Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board (EHOD ESB), said “Whatever your perspective the ‘Return on Investment’ is huge. We like to focus on the human cost and the Social Return on Investment but we are acutely aware that those contributing towards programmes like REEP need to justify their decisions in terms of financial returns on investment and value for money too. We value our employer partners who are motivated by more than their Corporate Social Responsibility policy, especially those who are embedded in their community and have a fundamental connection to the interests and motivation of their people, as well as their careers”.

REEP to BEEP

Soon REEP will become BEEP (Business Empowering Employment Programme). As well as a new logo, we are designing a new business model to continue the vital and extremely rewarding work which is centred on “Every Individual Matters”. The lives of thirteen young people and those working with them have been changed for the better. Please contact Sandra Sampson on 0844 848 9594 to find out more about BEEP if you want to make a positive difference to someone’s life.