The School continued its work with employers to raise standards of literacy and numeracy across the local workforce. We were delighted to have the opportunity to devise a customised programme of Skills for Life training for the supermarket chain Booths, which allowed employees at its Lytham store to successfully complete no less than 70 qualifications in Maths and English. The programme has already translated into career progression opportunities for some learners, with others going on to access additional training. Booths has since adopted the programme at its Marton store and now plans to roll it out across all its stores as a mandatory element of its recruitment policy.

Skills for Life training was also customised for the NHS, taxi drivers, care homes and Blackpool Council; subsequently, two of the latter’s Union Learner Representatives were shortlisted for the Centre for Excellence in Leadership (CEL) ‘Learners Leading the Way’ National Award.

The period saw a partnership between the School, IGEN and Job Centre Plus get underway to provide those seeking employment with appropriate skills sets. The Employability Skills Programme, delivered over 13 weeks at three locations across the Fylde coast, presents learners with an exciting opportunity to develop skills in English, Maths, ICT and employability as well as gain experience through work placements. As a result of the programme’s overwhelming success, which enabled many learners to successfully secure employment, next year’s cohort is set to double in size.

“The offer of the Skills for Life qualification has been embraced wholeheartedly by staff. They see this opportunity to gain a national qualification as a worthwhile accomplishment for their future progression within their job, as well as their personal self confidence and satisfaction.”