This autumn saw the introduction of virtual workshop-style events specially designed to support our Centres. A series of four events during November and December gave Centres the opportunity to hear about updates regarding specific qualification sectors by our Product Development Team, as well as new information concerning delivery and assessment from our Compliance and Regulation Team.

These interactive sessions encouraged participants to network with other Centres, hear from industry experts, and participate in an ideas exchange. Some highlights from these sessions were…

Session 1

The first session, hosted by Relationship Manager Kaye Jackson, focused on our qualifications in the automotive and fabrication and welding sectors. We were joined by Steve Purnell from Lincoln Electric, leaders in the fabrication and welding industry.

Speaking about his experience working with our team on Lincoln Electric’s partnership with Skills and Education Group Awards and their endorsement of our new fabrication and welding qualification suite, Steve noted, “We have to start building that new generation of welders… we wanted to work with an organisation which shared the same values, to support the industry.”

We then heard from Aslam Vaid from The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), who shared a case study regarding his experience in working with us for his automotive provision. Aslam said, “Skills and Education Group Awards are very open, supportive and allowed for us to solve problems together.”

Session 2

This next session saw our qualifications in animal care and land-based and environmental studies take centre stage, with the session hosted by Relationship Manager Melody Coomes. We welcomed Barbara Houlding from K9 Hydro Services, Darren Campini from Leeds City College, and Keely and Dave Dowson from Treelife Arboriculture Consultancy Ltd, all with inspiring stories to share.

Both Barbara and Darren praised our animal care qualifications: “Skills and Education Group Awards have designed a suite of qualifications that streamlines learner progression and gives people opportunities,” said Barbara.

Session 3

Covering the largest amount of sectors, it was safe to say that this session was ‘jam packed’! Relationship Manager Nigel Taylor hosted this workshop which included updates regarding our qualifications in complementary therapies, counselling, education and skills, languages, preparation for work and life, and youth and community sectors.

Firstly, we heard from Peter Bodicoat from Leicestershire County Council, which delivers a variety of our languages qualifications, and Esther Horner from Kinetic Youth, a social enterprise which delivers several of our youth work qualifications.

Shortly after, Phillip Smith from Southport College shared his experience of the college delivering our counselling qualifications. “Skills and Education Group Awards offer a clear and robust pathway for someone who wants to get in to Counselling”, Phillip commented.

Lastly, we heard from James Smythe from The Sheffield College about working with us on the development of our new digital skills qualifications to support learners with working and staying safe online. “It’s been brilliant, over the last few weeks and months, the work we’ve been able to do together has been fantastic,” James said. “Skills and Education Group Awards are proactive, supportive, responsive and collaborative.”

Session 4

Our final session, hosted by Relationship Manager Bernadette Done, focused on our qualifications in the creative and design and fashion and textiles sectors. We were joined by Nathan Daniel from John Leggott College, who expressed his enthusiasm for the positive impact that completing our creative and design qualifications has had on his students.

Jennifer Holloway, CEO for Fashion Enter, Fashion Capital, and FTA London, also shared her thoughts on our comprehensive fashion and textiles qualification suite: “Skills and Education Group Awards is the only awarding body that we have found that is industry focused and has the right qualifications for the technical skills we require from Level 1-5.”

Finally, we were delighted to hear from John West from UK Fashion and Textiles Association (UKFT) who spoke about our partnership with them over the years and our continued commitment to the fashion and textiles industry: “The industry is thankful to Skills and Education Group Awards for their support over the last 15 years, especially during this challenging year.”

To view our recorded sessions, visit the Skills and Education Group YouTube channel.

We hope to make more events like these available to our Centres in the New Year.