Tag Archives: teamwork

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Big Bang Fair South West

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Group science experiment
Big Bang South West © Dan Mullan/Pinnacle

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

There is a little over a month to go before The Big Bang Fair South West takes centre stage in Exeter.  This annual event is now a major feature of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) calendar for schools who come along to celebrate the very best in youth STEM in the region.

The event includes a variety of offers for students that attend including the exciting British Science Association backed, National Science and Engineering Competition.  Students from the area have an excellent track record in the competition with winners at the South West event attending the National finals where they been placed as high as runner-up against thousands of other students.  The projects students present range from the weird and wonderful to the truly mind boggling.  Our judges on the day always come away feeling inspired by the students and reassured we have a lot of talent in the area.

Petroc students hands-on at Big Bang
Petroc students hands-on at Big Bang

But how to keep hold of that talent?  Another feature of The Big Bang Fair South West is the “Career Zone”.  STEM employers attend with fantastic interactive displays helping students understand what their business is about, what sort of career it can offer and what skills the employer is looking for if a student wants to pursue it further.  For many companies this is a brilliant way of raising their profile amongst the next generation.  If you’re not on the high-street it can be hard to get noticed but here every one can been seen and the opportunities become tangible.  From here we are able to identify opportunities in the South West and hopefully keep hold of the talent that might otherwise be lost as students feel the need to migrate.

If all that wasn’t enough students will also attend huge live STEM shows which this year are being delivered by the National Space centre and BAE Systems.  Both shows offer students a unique experience of learning with some of the county’s leading experts in a room full of people that simply love STEM subjects.

The whole event is delivered by Education Business Partnership South West (part of the CSW Group) and hosted by the University of Exeter.  Two thousand of the region’s brightest young talent will be under one roof, can you afford not to support an event like this?

For more information please contact emma.walter@ebp-sw.org  or call 01392 215501.

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“Everyone should do it”

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Host City Ball exeter Jurassic Coast

We are delighted to be able to offer 100 more free customer service courses to businesses in Exeter and the Heart of Devon in preparation for an autumn of international rugby. The original 160 places on customer service courses were booked in no time at all and the feedback was great. Fortunately, the Exeter and the Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board has been successful in securing additional European Social Funding through the Skills Funding Agency for a further 100 people to participate in these courses delivered by Purple Cloud Consultancy. Previously only businesses with less than 250 employees have been eligible for free full funding so we are thrilled that we can now offer 32 places to larger organisations.

The courses 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

In addition to the training each delegate receives:

  • 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. 97% of the first 160 delegates have taken this opportunity.

Delegate feedback from the first eight courses has been very positive:

‘Everyone should do it’ Hotel, Leisure & Golf complex
‘Very thought provoking and made me think how I handle situations and how I can improve’ Holiday Park
‘A very motivating course’ Paintball Venue
‘Really good day – very useful and thought provoking’ Self Catering businesses owner
‘Very helpful, very engaging, we had a most enjoyable and beneficial day!’ Hotel
‘Very good and well presented’ Cruise company

Visitors greeted with world class customer service leave with a positive image of Exeter and the South West and are more likely to return. To find out more please select the appropriate contact below or email helen@purplecloudconsultancy.co.uk .

Business Size No. of places Find out more and book this course
Less than 250 employees 68 https://purplecloudconsultancy.digitickets.co.uk/category/2933
Equal to or more than 250 employees 32 Email helen@purplecloudconsultancy.co.uk .
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REEP Reaps Rewards

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Amy receives her certificate from Exeter City Council Chief Executive
Amy is congratulated by Karime Hassan CE Exeter City Council at St Loye’s Exeter

Further good news! Just three weeks after completing the ten day intensive REEP programme three young people have already started work and continue to be touch with their volunteer mentors. Charlie, 22, from Cowick was the first to be offered an opportunity to work for an IT company in Pynes Hill. Jemima, 19, from Exeter, is now very happily working at a café, where the owners look after her really well. Whilst working, Jemima is looking at ways of accessing University to do a Midwifery course.

On Saturday we heard that Amy who was particularly lacking in confidence has been offered a job in the tourist industry at Crealy which is regarded as the South West’s number one family day out. Amy’s story is particularly inspiring as her first interview with Crealy coincided with day one of the REEP programme and she did not get the job. Her lack of self-confidence was the main barrier. Nevertheless, despite initially feeling crushed by this news, Amy picked herself up and battled on during the next 10 days of the programme, gaining in confidence and learning presentation and interview techniques. At the end of the programme Craig Clews Assistant General Manager at Crealy Park came to the REEP presentation day and was really impressed by Amy. Craig gave Amy his business card so that she could email him and reapply for the job. This culminated in her achieving her goal.

Craig Clews, Assistant General Manager at Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park said: “It was a real pleasure to attend the REEP presentation day and I’m delighted that Amy got in contact with me.  We’re thrilled that she’ll be joining the Crealy Crew. We’re always on the search for new talent, especially those with a ‘Can Do’ attitude and Amy showed just that.  We are fortunate to be able to offer flexible working in a fun environment  at Crealy. New members of the team will join us for our biggest and best year to date.”

Sandra, Amy’s volunteer mentor is particularly delighted that Amy’s determination and goal setting has reaped such positive rewards. Sandra said “Amy was devastated when she was initially unsuccessful at her first interview at Crealy, this shows how empowering this 10 day programme is and how her renewed confidence and skills have resulted in such a positive outcome for Amy”. Sandra will continue to be in contact with Amy as she settles in to her new role at Crealy Park. But the last word, for now, should be from Amy “I’m really excited to have been given this opportunity. Crealy looks like such an exciting place to work and I look forward to being part of the Crealy Crew and embarking on this new adventure.”

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Apprenticeship Summit in Devon Countryside

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Delegates and apprentices at the River Cottage Summit
Delegates and apprentices at the Apprenticeship Summit held at River Cottage HQ

In Exeter and the Heart of Devon, National Apprenticeship Week 2015 started with an Apprenticeship Summit. The summit, held in the very special surroundings of the farmhouse at River Cottage HQ, got underway as the fire crackled and brought some cheer to what was a very grey and misty day. River Cottage apprentices met with the delegates and brought additional delights of their own creation to add to the occasion.

Following a welcome from Chris Griffin from River Cottage delegates got down to work. Briefings from Tony Skeel, (Skills Funding Agency), Cathie Kessell, (Careers South West) and Nigel Howells (SERIO) set the scene. Mark Shepherd, Chair of the Exeter & Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board then chaired a round table discussion of councillors, council officers and representatives from City & Guilds, HOSW LEP and Springboard UK to explore ways to create a local World Class Workforce with a special focus on Apprenticeships.

Ideally apprenticeships are jobs with sustained and substantial training progressing to future-focused careers.  Discussions included improving the perception of apprenticeships, over-coming the barriers for potential apprentices and employers, and working together to bring about change. Mark Shepherd said “Summit output exceeded expectations”.

Hugh Fearnley-Wittingstall welcomed guests to an evening apprenticeship event in the barn and Chefs School following the summit. More in-depth information about the summit and the evening event will be posted soon!

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Not 2nd best – Equal 1st!

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Montage of award winning apprenticeship employers
Local Award Winning Apprentices – The Royal Castle Hotel, River Cottage, South Devon & Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group, Alcoa Power & Propulsion, and South West Water featured in the Express & Echo over recent weeks

Apprenticeships are an investment worth making whether you are the apprentice or the employer. During National Apprenticeship Week, which starts on Monday 9th March, the Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board  (EHOD ESB) together with our partners will be celebrating local award winning apprenticeships and apprentice employers, and raising awareness of the opportunities and benefits, for individuals, employers and our region.

Apprenticeships blend theory and practical experience which is highly valued by employers and gives them the opportunity to nurture home-grown talent and helps with succession planning. Whilst apprentices appreciate the opportunity to develop communication,  team-working and customer service skills, in addition to their cutting-edge specialist skills, along with developing resilience, enthusiasm and creativity.

Why not enter the Express & Echo Business Awards 2015 – Best Apprenticeship Employer category, by visiting:
http://www.exeterbusinessawards.co.uk/how-to-enter-the-awards/.

Or for more local information on Apprenticeships please visit:
https://new.devon.gov.uk/apprenticeships/.

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Welcoming the World

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Visitors on Cathedral Green Exeter with over-sized RWC 2015 ball
RWC 2015 – brings opportunities for a well prepared local hospitality industry

Exeter is hosting three international rugby matches at Sandy Park in September and October, attracting international and VIP visitors to Exeter and the Heart of Devon. Visitors will be greeted with world class customer service from businesses in Exeter and the Heart of Devon thanks to free customer service training courses which are being run from January to May by Purple Cloud Consultancy in partnership with Exeter and the Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board (EHOD ESB).

Helen Jones, training manager of Purple Cloud Consultancy, said: “It is fantastic that we are able to offer these fully-funded courses to businesses to help them prepare for this important event. Excellent customer service gives businesses a competitive edge and is vital for the businesses success and the success of a tourist destination. Those companies who deliver a great service will not only stay in business but they will continue to grow and also benefit the region by creating a positive, long-lasting and welcoming image of the South West.”

EHOD ESB secured full funding for the courses through the Skills Funding Agency from the European Social Fund.  The EHOD ESB hopes that it can secure additional funding to offer more of the same before the first match. With great feedback from the first five courses it is not surprising that all 160 places were filled quickly. Delegates say:

‘Having been on a lot of courses over the years this is by far the best!’ B&B owner
Excellent – so thought provoking’ Holiday Cottages owner
‘This is the best – far better than my extensive customer service training for a large well known reputable department store – I learnt more today in one day than in 5 years of ‘department store’ training!’ Attraction employee

The courses help businesses maximise the opportunities for rugby-related business, understand how to manage super-happy or unhappy rugby supporters and promote places to visit in the area. The vast majority of delegates have taken the option of taking a free City & Guilds Level 2 qualification at the end of the day. Each delegate receives a special Visit Exeter guide, a Host City pin badge, a certificate and a mini-tour of Sandy Park.

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REEP – Outcomes Touch Hearts and Motivate Partners to Do More

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REEP Logo

Nine young people had a chance to shine and the deserved opportunity to get on track. Together with their mentors they are making the transition to work and/or training. But our initial summary evaluation reveals the power of Rugby Empowering Employment Programme (REEP) to motivate and matter extends well beyond the young people themselves!

  • For partner organisations who work with those, not in education, employment or training (NEETs) REEP was motivational. Nine young people started the intensive first phase of REEP Phase and not only completed the initial programme but grew as a result of it. For those partners working in the field the tangible outcomes have already touched hearts and motivated them to do more.
  • Partner organisations worked in partnership throughout planning and delivery, and continue to do so. These relationships were fundamental to REEP but have benefits beyond it. ‘We’ understand each other better, our strengths, constraints, offering and our willingness to make a positive difference.
  • REEP Mentors trained through the project are already helping to facilitate the young people in their transition to work or training. The substantial personal and project investment in the REEP Mentors is already making a positive difference and will continue to benefit society in the longer term
  • REEP has an impact at a Strategic level complementing a number of current strategic plans, helping to deliver some of their aims and objectives and to contribute to targets.
  • REEP partners are driven by the moral, ethical and economical imperative to act. They consider the cost of not investing in these Young People, and as the Chief Executive of Exeter City Council said at the celebration event “Every individual matters”.
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“Every Individual Matters” Karime Hassan

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REEP mentees and mentors celebrate with Karime Hassan
Young People and Mentors celebrate with Karime Hassan after receiving their certificates

Nine unemployed 17-22 year olds have completed the two-week Rugby Empowering Employment Programme (REEP) set up to inspire and boost the prospects of 16-24 year olds struggling to find work. The trainers used performance coaching techniques to build self-esteem, self-confidence, motivation, communication and presentation skills, along with team work, and setting and achieving action plans and goals.

Sandra Sampson, Director of Motiv-8sw who have been running the programme, said: “The turnaround in just two weeks has already shown how you can make a positive difference, building the confidence and motivation of young people who might have got stuck in a rut or experienced difficulties in the past. From being shy, unsure or not wanting to engage through to standing up and presenting to a room of business leaders, is fantastic.

Karime Hassan, Exeter City Council Chief Executive and Growth Director, was at the celebration event held at St Loyes Foundation in Exeter, on Friday 13th February. Karime said: “Well done to everyone who has completed the course. This is an important project and an example of how we can use the Rugby World Cup to inspire and do great things. Every individual matters and it’s wonderful to see the confidence and skills amongst the young people, and their desire to take the next positive step in their lives.” Representatives from local organisations and potential employers were also at the event.

Charlie Houlden, 22, from Cowick, said: “The course leaders have been great. They know how to motivate and really got everyone to open up. I want to get into IT and have managed to get an interview lined up. The course has been good for me already.”

Jemima Marshall, 19, from Exeter, said: “The course has been really amazing and beneficial to me. I have been unemployed for four months, and was disillusioned with my career and life, and felt pretty low. I want to go to university and study midwifery and now I know what I need to do, including taking some short courses in science before I apply. I’ve got to know everyone on the course and it’s been amazing to watch people change and their confidence grow.”

Each young person who has completed the programme, has been paired with a mentor to support them as they progress, by seeking job or training opportunities in the coming months.

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Meet the REEP Mentors

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REEP mentors meet for training

Volunteer mentors have participated in three really inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable training sessions at Exeter Saracens Rugby Club. Sandra Sampson of Motiv8-SW said that the mentors “have really put 100% into this and are very excited about meeting their mentees in February”. Volunteer mentors have been carefully matched with their partner mentees and will be at least in weekly contact with them. The role of each mentor will be to support one young person through the transition from the REEP two week intensive programme to employment, education or training over the coming months.

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REEP Teamwork in Action

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Participants engaged in teamwork exercise

During week one practical activities, similar to those used for building teams in business training, and exercises which help individuals discover what they want to do with their lives are empowering young people on the REEP pilot to turn their thinking into action. Week one was an intensive time which stretched participants within a positive and encouraging environment. Already, confidence is improving and planning an achievable way forward is well underway. Specially trained REEP Mentors visited the programme mid week to meet the young people to whom they had been partnered. Meanwhile, the Motiv8-SW team are gathering and collating information about the type of work or training participants would like to do. On Friday 13th February participants will make presentations to potential employers as well as celebrating their completion of this phase of the programme.