Better Business / Member profile
Western Training Provider Network joins the Better Business Network
The Western Training Provider Network (WTPN) have joined Bristol 24/7’s Better Business network, a network that supports businesses to thrive whilst creating positive impact.
WTPN are a not for profit membership community of training providers, charities, colleges, awarding bodies and a university that deliver employment related skills training and education to West of England residents and businesses.
The courses and training members deliver can be life changing, from elementary maths courses for adults that can make a huge difference to understanding bills, to degree apprenticeships that can save school and college leavers a fortune in university fees. What’s more, the apprentice gains an Honors degree whilst in work.
“Joining the Better Business Network seemed a natural choice for us” said managing director Alex Richards. “we are celebrating turning 20 this year and have always operated in a sector that creates a positive impact, it’s part of our DNA.’
Along with the support service for its members, the network is funded by government both national (Dept for Education) and local (West of England Combined Authority) to deliver apprenticeship advice and guidance to businesses, schools, students, parents and teachers through their West of England Apprenticeship Service.
The fully funded programmes of support for businesses are always well received by the business community, as they are designed to take the time and complexity out of apprenticeship research. The WTPN expert staff advise and guide so an employer can discover and train up talent from the local community, or develop existing staff.
“There are over 700 types of apprenticeships, it can get confusing without an impartial guide”, explained Alex. “We also delivered apprenticeship impartial advice and guidance sessions to over 15,000 local students last year and our apprenticeship levy share scheme has distributed over £3m of unspent apprenticeship levy from large generous employers to smaller businesses to help pay any training costs. The impact and reach we have with our apprenticeship support programmes really does make a difference.
“We know that better businesses want to create employment opportunities and harness local talent as well as develop their existing staff, and so our team believe that by joining Bristol 24/7 better business network we will make connections and meet like minded employers and can give something back, through guidance, support and funding.”
Main photo: WTPN
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