1. Department for Education & Skills Rosemarie Mears Workforce Development Manager Jill Davies Workforce Development Advisor A Seamless Journey – Working in Collaboration with Workforce Development Advisors

2. Aim of the programme To support the growth of the Welsh economy To support Welsh Government priorities for skills and economic development To ensure high quality information advice and guidance to employers Workforce Development Programme

3. Employer Engagement Business Skills Hotline DfES Relationship Managers Workforce Development Managers Workforce Development Advisors Providing general advice, guidance and information Services and Support Available Investors in People Skills Growth Wales General Discretionary Leadership & Management ReAcT II Jobs Growth Wales Essential Skills Apprenticeships EU Funded Initiatives FE/HE Provision Sector Skills Initiatives

4. Central Point of Contact for Employers providing information, advice and guidance regarding skills and training: Welsh Government support options Funding availability Provider information Access to Workforce Development Programme Delivery of WDP Direct aimed at micro-businesses Business Skills Hotline Number 0845 60 661 60 Email businessskillshotline@wales.gsi.gov.uk Business Skills Hotline

5. Business Skills Team 2012-13 Enquiries

6. Who are we? Operate under contract to DfES Recruited through open tender exercise From a variety of HR, Training and Business backgrounds 57 advisors currently working with 1135 organisations Workforce Development Advisors - Role

7. Who do we work with? Anchor Companies Regionally Important Companies Priority Sectors Inward Investors Companies with credible growth plans Companies with 10 employees or more Predominately trading Business to Business Workforce Development Advisors - Role

8. What do we do? Work on a “one to one” basis with employers. Provide in-depth advice, guidance and information regarding skills and training over a 12 month period Provide constructive challenge and critique Strategic Workforce Development Diagnostic Workforce Development Advisors - Role

9. What do we do? Skills Development Plan Consider all options DfES services and programmes e.g. IiP, L&M, Skills Growth Wales, Apprenticeships, Jobs Growth Wales, ReAcT HE & FE provision Sector specific programmes ESF provision e.g. Skills4Industry, Elevate General Discretionary Funding Review Training provider options, ensuring quality & Value for money Act as an “honest broker” at all times Workforce Development Advisors - Role

10. 2012-13 Workforce Development Advisor Apprenticeship Referrals

11. What do we do? Plan implementation and provide on going advice and support Evaluate the impact on business performance Plan the next steps Workforce Development Advisors - Role

12. A Standard and framework which brings:- - Improved service delivery and business performance - Help with organisational change - Improved employee involvement and performance - Business development and growth - Return on investment through increased efficiency and profitability. Free advice and guidance to help employers work with the Standard 50% subsidy towards the costs of the Assessment Investors In People

13. Our aim is work collaboratively to support the needs of Welsh employers In your groups please discuss the following What actions could be taken by WD Advisors and WBL Providers to support each other to achieve this aim? Activity

14. Any Questions?

15. Thank you