Somerset Skills and Learning (SS&L) is dedicated to changing lives through learning. SS&L offers a wide range of programs and services aimed at enhancing skills, boosting employability and fostering personal development.
Each year SS&L provides approximately 200 apprenticeships, 100 qualifications and 100 pre-apprenticeships across Somerset. Its community programme reaches approximately 3,000 residents of Somerset.
Delivering online and face-to-face provision, SS&L works with employers to meet their specific needs in apprenticeship programme design and delivery.
Focusing on three areas, business, schools and early years for apprenticeships and a range of sector specific qualifications. The employer engagement team makes regular visits to businesses to understand their current and future training needs.
SS&L also runs an extensive programme of community-based short courses and workshops that allow individuals across Somerset with a focus on supporting people back to work, family learning and wellbeing. These workshops and short courses play a significant part in one of SS&L’s key aims of building better communities.
There is also an extensive pre-apprenticeship programme for 16-19-year-olds to support them into work or further education. The programme focuses on English, maths and employability skills along with valuable work experience. The aim is to help young people have the best chance at succeeding in their future careers.
SS&L, which is a not-for-profit community interest company, will be offering bootcamps focusing on the early years sector starting in January. They will be run and developed in conjunction with SS&L’s early years setting Little Discoveries.
Working with employers has enabled SS&L to adapt both content and delivery methods to meet the changing needs of employers.
Kathryn Baker, CEO of SS&L, said: “We are immensely proud of the impact SS&L has on our community. Our passionate staff are the heart of our success, and their dedication to our learners is truly inspiring.
“Each member of our team is committed to bridging the skills gap, ensuring that our training and apprenticeship programs are not only tailored to meet the needs of local employers but also empower individuals to achieve their full potential.
“Together, we are changing lives through learning, equipping people with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in today’s dynamic workforce.”
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