Staffordshire firm’s training boost from Skills Support for the Workforce

A Staffordshire-based industrial batteries and energy firm is one of the businesses benefitting from the Skills Support for the Workforce programme developed to improve the skills levels of employees working in small and medium-sized enterprises in the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership area.

Skills Support for the Workforce, co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency, provides recognised accredited qualifications and bespoke training courses to enhance employees’ skills, increase the competitiveness of business and boost the local economy.

Qommunicate, part of Serco’s network of expert organisations chosen to deliver the SSW programme in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP, is working with German manufacturer and distributor, Hoppecke, supporting the firm in its ambition to grow its UK market share.

Hoppecke is a well-known brand and market leader for industrial batteries and innovative energy products. The firm’s UK headquarters is located in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and runs distribution and servicing across the country,

Qommunicate is delivering a bespoke training plan that is available to all 60 staff within the business, all completely tailored to the manufacturing industry. Taking into account skills gaps and recognising the results of the Training Needs Analysis, Qommunicate is delivering a selection of subjects including Leadership and Management, Customer Service, Sales, ICT, Health and Safety and Warehousing

This training will help ensure that Hoppecke retains its workforce and provides them with the opportunity to progress within work, and in education and apprenticeships as appropriate.

HR Manager, Lynne Morris commented “Hoppecke has significant growth plans and in order to equip the leadership team to achieve this, formal management and leadership training is absolutely necessary.

“It is essential for the business to maintain a competitive edge. We have selected Qommunicate to join us on the journey because we share common values and they have the knowledge and expertise to support our growth”.

To find out about accessing fully funded training for employees through the Skills Support for the Workforce programme businesses can contact Serco skillssupport@serco.com

And see a video about skills training at Hoppecke here: