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Skills Development

L4E Awards Ceremony

In North Norfolk we are encouraging a culture of lifelong learning.  However, we find that there are many unqualified competent people in the workforce.  The advantage to them of gaining a qualification can be gauged in terms of increased confidence and a piece of paper which can be carried from employer to employer as evidence of their ability - transferable skills.  This will help individuals take more control of their personal development.  Employers want people trained to be competent not necessarily qualified - by encouraging the learning culture, the individual will take the final steps to gain the qualification for their own portfolio. 

The North Norfolk Skills Partnership and L4E are encouraging generic courses to be available locally across the District - English, Mathematics and IT. 

The North Norfolk Skills Partnership is supporting a demand led approach by helping to raise awareness about major initiatives such as Train to Gain.  In addition, the Partnership is supporting the development of 14-19 Diplomas and is working with the North Norfolk Business Forum to have Diplomas delivered locally which will produce the skills needed by local businesses. 

 

CASE STUDY

"In July 2006 I successfully achieved a City & guilds Level 2 qualification in Floristry. After gaining this qualification, my confidence went up and I didn’t want to stop at this point. I was inspired to develop knowledge and skills, and I went on for a further 2 years, achieved City & Guilds level 3 certificate in Floristry (Equivalent to A level).

Within 3 years I had acquired new skills, achieved 2 recognised qualifications, gained confidence and made new friends.

After qualifying I decided to use my skills and started up my own business. The main source of my orders are by recommendation. By Christmas 2008 I had delivered a variety of orders to many satisfied customers.

At this point I began to realise I needed to attend business courses and I was put in touch with VBS Project team. I have been lent a laptop which I use for most of my work. Through VBS I can now use email and am in the process of setting up a website. I don’t know where I would be without their support."