In their work across Sussex, the Colleges identified that businesses in Adur and Portslade are benefiting less than other areas do from opportunities to upskill their workforce. Initially the project will focus upon the two main employment sectors in the areas: Retail/Customer Service and Manufacturing/Engineering.

The Colleges aim to raise awareness of the wide range of grants and support services available to develop and train staff whilst helping businesses to grow and develop with a wide choice of training opportunities and support from business experts.

The training on offer also covers areas such as: Leadership & Management Development, Professional Development for Employees including specialised short courses plus support for businesses’ Recruitment & Growth Strategies with a focus upon supporting businesses to recruit local, job-ready young people as Apprentices. Dedicated staff from both colleges will be contacting local businesses in the area and providing information on the wide variety of opportunities that the Colleges offer together with advice on how businesses can support local schools and colleges prepare the workforce of the future.

Phil Frier, Principal of City College, says, “The project aims to simplify the approach to businesses in the Adur and Portslade area by offering one point of contact for each sector. We hope that this will encourage businesses to engage with the opportunities we can offer their existing staff as well as thinking about employing local, recently trained and job ready people as business conditions begin to improve. Its important to both Colleges that we reach out to all businesses and by recognising this area as a joint focal point of activity for 2010/1, we hope to ensure that this area has as many opportunities to benefit from skills training as possible.”

Sue Dare, Principal of Northbrook College, adds, “Through partnership collaboration, Northbrook and City College are in a unique position to develop and offer training opportunities for the Adur and Portslade business community at a time when economic pressures are at their highest. Investment in future skills training is crucial if business growth and employment are to be supported which will enable local businesses to respond positively to proposed economic developments for the area.”