By Graham Watson
This is a bit of a personal article that I hope will tell the story of my first few weeks working in the University. I’ve worked in public services more or less continuously since 1981and in training since 1998, so I’ve seen some excellent training provision but also far more gaps where staff development is almost non existent. From experience I know that this is a common situation across all sectors.
Imagine then my delight in starting a role where businesses and organisations can access fully funded training that can lead to development for staff, a really credible qualification or both. Well that’s exactly what our UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) courses provide.
Before I had started with my training development and delivery I attended the University new starters event. The things that really impressed me were the genuine concern for our students along with a refreshing attitude towards different routes into accessing education and training in Sunderland University.
I’m up and running now having met some customers who need bespoke courses, I’ve designed some sessions and ran a few courses and I realise that I’ve under estimated the effect we are actually having on businesses and more importantly people in Sunderland.
Our customers are surprised that the courses are fully funded and grateful that they can get a product tailored for their needs. Our real impact though is on the delegates who attend our courses. They demonstrate a real enthusiasm and hunger for learning.
Our first Chartered Management Institute accredited Leadership and Management programme is well advanced now with some delegates already completing their assignments. The real music to my ears though is hearing that they report that they are INSPIRED by what we are doing. A trainer really can’t ask for more.
UKSPF funding is currently due to end in March 2025 with no clear indication in the budget whether it will continue in its current form. Let’s just hope that it can continue because what we can all be confident of is that we are really making a difference and having a positive impact for businesses and people in Sunderland.
