Partner Article

Training academy bridges skills gaps

A training academy in Newcastle is helping hundreds of unemployed individuals enter the workplace.

The North East Contact Centre Academy in the Cobalt Business Exchange has devised a scheme whereby staff can receive a formal qualification whilst also gaining practical skills. So far almost all the students who have completed the course have gone on to a job or further study.

The centre, which is part of City of Sunderland College, is currently working with large employers to identify skills gaps in the workforce so they can ensure that individuals on the scheme have the best chances for success in the workplace.

After completing the course, Helen proctor landed a job at Cobalt-based Santander. She said: “After finishing my degree I couldn’t find a job and was on job seekers allowance. I was told about the academy and encouraged to take the course.

“I really enjoyed it and it gave me the confidence to work for a lare organisation.

The course is free and available to people from a broad range of backgrounds, including school leavers, parents returning to the job market and people looking to move into a new industry.

Alison Rudman, trainer and assessor at the academy said: “This qualification has been developed with the direct input of employers and is very practical, equipping students with customer service skills and demonstrating to employers that they can work confidently in a role.

“I feel proud that we are assisting individuals who may have been made redundant.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .