Boost Your Business for the Future The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) is a vast business that acts as a buttress for an extensive list of organisations. Offering its services to a wide variety of individuals – of all ages, from all communities, and at all levels. Here we talk to AELP Director of Strategy and Business Development, Paul Warner, about the business as it continues to assist thousands of businesses and millions of learners across England. Featured for its incredible values, excellent employees, and immeasurable efforts that have changed the way we see upskilling in the workplace. AELP has been recognised as a giant in its industry. As an invaluable asset to the team, Paul Warner, tells us, “I am currently Director of Strategy and Business Development, having joined AELP in 2003. I am responsible for our business development and project work, including research. Most recently, I authored our latest report ‘Excellence for Learners, Value for Employers’: How independent training providers can deliver the workforce of the future.” He represents the drive of AELP and what it wishes to achieve. Through his guidance and passion we can see the vision that he has instilled in so many people. Another indispensable asset to AELP is the way it, as a business, goes about investing in staff development. Paul believes that upskilling “can bring major benefits to a business and help to fill any skills shortages within the organisation.” Not only is upskilling important but employing new staff with common goals helps the wheel to turn effortlessly. The government’s ‘Plan for Jobs’ ensures a boost of a wide range of programmes that guarantee the development of employees – this can be anything from apprenticeships to skills bootcamps, T Levels, and traineeships. In these ever-evolving times, the right technology is absolutely irreplaceable. Paul says, “As the economy grows and technology advances it is going to be more and more important to ensure employees continue their professional development. Workplace learning is absolutely key to this.” This allows the growth and expansion of success as “matching the type of skills an organisation needs with their local labour market will depend heavily on the sector the organisation is in. Many organisations will already undertake regular assessments of the skills they believe their employees needs compared to the skills its current workforce already has.” By collecting information on what employers and employees require it is possible to maximise productivity. Paul shares, “Independent Training Providers (ITPs) make up the bulk of our membership. ITPs are responsible for delivering 7 out of 10 apprenticeships nationally – as well as adult education, the majority of traineeships and skills bootcamps, and a range of programmes for the unemployed. They deliver consistently high-quality provision and work closely with employers of all sizes to ensure fantastic outcomes for learners. This is shown regularly by Ofsted inspection results, with 80% of ITPs rated as either good or outstanding.” With this information in mind, ITPs are celebrated as they invest in more individual’s futures. Not only do we see changes happening with regards to the UK’s exit from the European Union but we also see the progressive nature of AELP’s “commitment to reaching net-zero carbon by 2050 means that many sectors are currently facing a skills shortage,” Paul adds. By connecting talents of an organisation with their local labour markets, AELP is impacting every industry with one swift move. Current workplaces are in need of talented people that will ultimately enrich the business they work for – as well as a greater influence on the world around us. AELP’s mission is to offer its services across the board to make sure employers and employees can benefit from upskilling and training, so as to weave a cloth of success for all. “Employers must have faith in the training providers they’re working with which is why, in 2018, we launched our Code of Good Governance for independent training providers (ITPs) who deliver publicly funded skills programmes,” Paul enthuses. “This confidence is evident, as over 85% of employers would recommend using an ITP to another employer.” This setup promises accomplishment for employers, learners, and key stakeholders. Finally, Paul shares, “AELP actively supports employers and training providers to understand the challenges we will face in the future. For example, we recently hosted a Green Skills Summit which meant employers and training providers could discuss how we can work together to ensure we have the right skills available to decarbonise the economy.” This rich background of knowledge innovates and nurtures more people to be the best they can be. AELP’s services and strengths include: • Tailored, accurate guidance on policy development with clear interpretation that outlines government funding methodology and procurement procedures. • A coordinated programme of support to assist employers and their designated provider in preparation for Ofsted Inspection visits, funding audits and other process requirements • An ‘employer community’ where you can share ideas and experiences on how to develop effective programmes of learning and training, in particular through the new Apprenticeship standards. • Access to a programme of CPD support and capacity building for ‘Employer Member’ apprenticeship practitioners, through access to AELP developed resources and materials Employers interested in joining AELP can find out more information about how it can support you by contacting its membership team by email: [email protected] or by calling 0117 947 2090. Contact: Paul Warner Company: The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) Web Address: https://www.aelp.org.uk/ Featured this month
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