COVID-19: Information from Skills Group

Much has been written and discussed about what ‘normal’ will mean from Monday 19 July; for Skills Group (including its learners, employers and employees) it means that some measures will remain in place. We feel that by keeping the below safety precautions in place, we are helping to protect all of our stakeholders:

  • One-way systems
  • Increased hand-washing
  • Sanitisation of work stations and classrooms
  • Socially distanced work spaces and classrooms
  • Screens at reception
  • Use of face coverings to transport learners and when in close contact
  • Enhanced cleaning routines
  • Reduced class sizes
  • Isolation of close contacts
  • PCR testing of symptomatic stakeholders
  • Blended learning using IT systems
  • Access to hand sanitisers throughout each building

Please continue to report all COVID related concerns to either your trainer/assessor or to Annette Davey on adavey@skillsgroupuk.com.

We are also encouraging all of our staff, learners and employers to continue to:

  • Wear a face covering when entering, leaving or travelling around Skills Group sites
  • Check into a Skills Group venue using NHS Test and Trace
  • Have regular lateral flow testing (twice-weekly)
  • Maintain safe behaviour and practices at all time
  • Maintain social distancing as much as possible

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School