Case Studies

Don’t just take our word for it. Have a look at the case studies below in which businesses, employers and people who have trained with us offer their feedback on our training courses.

The Humber Digital Skills (HDS) Project

Project Overview

The HDS Project, spanning from April 2021 to December 2023, has been a remarkable success. It engaged 422 participants and significantly benefited numerous employers by upskilling their workforce.

The HDS Project received £482,991.64 in co-financing from the European Social Fund (ESF), as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) Growth Programme in England, with The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) serving as the Managing Authority for the England ESF programme.

Challenges and Adaptations

Launched during stringent COVID-19 restrictions, the project initially struggled to meet its KPIs. Access to businesses for employee skills analysis was limited, as many SMEs were hesitant to facilitate training due to remote working mandates. Recruitment challenges and reduced salary costs were notable issues. However, as the economy reopened in late 2021, the demand for digital skills training surged, driven by structural changes from remote working and the need for business sustainability.

Engagement and Impact

Despite early setbacks, the project successfully engaged a diverse range of SMEs across the Humber Region, providing essential digital training. It fostered strong relationships with employers and local stakeholders, ensuring ongoing engagement with digital technologies.

Employer Participation: A total of 211 employers participated, including:

151 micro-businesses
44 small-sized businesses
16 medium-sized businesses

Industry Breakdown:

14 SMEs in Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
2 SMEs in Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries
22 SMEs in Accommodation & Food Service Activities
8 SMEs in Administrative & Support Service Activities
10 SMEs in Construction
5 SMEs in Education
1 SME in Financial & Insurance Activities
24 SMEs in Human Health & Social Work Activities
5 SMEs in Information & Communication
8 SMEs in Manufacturing
33 SMEs in Other sectors
25 SMEs in Professional, Scientific & Technical Activities
50 SMEs in Wholesale & Retail Trade

Strategic Partnerships

The project collaborated with business groups like E Factor and the Humber Local Digital Skills Partnership, enhancing visibility and access to employers. It was prominently featured on platforms such as the National Employer Training (NET) website and the Humber Workforce website, part of the HUMBER Growth Hub. Roadshows and employer events across the HUMBER LEP further boosted engagement.

Participant Feedback:

“I feel like I have progressed my Excel knowledge and there are key elements in the course I will use in my day-to-day job.” – Employee at Robson Refrigeration Ltd

“I am now more confident in running reports, helps analyse reports for KPIs.” – Employee at Advantage Finance

“I’ve gained greater confidence in using social media, resulting in more visits to our business website, brand awareness, and increased sales.” – Employee at Achtis Ltd

“The tutor is fantastic and extremely knowledgeable. The course was very insightful – Thank you.” – Employee at De Fontenay Limited

“The information I have learnt has been invaluable in my work environment. Thoroughly enjoyed this course and was surprised how easy it was to work through, although Daryl did make this simple and enjoyable for me.” – Employee at Scaffolding Supplies Ltd

Training and Qualifications:

Digital skills training was in high demand, with the project offering courses in social media, marketing, Canva, Excel, PowerPoint, GDPR, and more. Over 457 accredited and non-accredited qualifications were issued at Levels 2 and 3. The project emphasised sustainable development and equitable access, including for participants from deprived areas, those with disabilities, SEND, and ethnic minorities.

Conclusion:

Despite the challenging economic and social environment in early 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the HDS Project gained significant momentum, benefiting a large number of participants and employers. It notably supported female participants, reflecting the Humber LEP workforce composition, and facilitated career progression through essential digital skills. The project’s success has established a blueprint for future digital skills training initiatives.

Skills Bootcamps

“It has made me appreciate how to fulfil my role more effectively whilst having the empathy to support and develop those around me.”

We’re thrilled to share this testimonial from Emma Brook at Partner AP Robinson & Co LLP. She has completed our Skills Bootcamp in Mental Resilience, which has given her the skills to better fulfil her role.

“My professional skill set has transformed significantly.”

We’re thrilled to share this testimonial from Richard Matthews at Brackenborough Lakes Resort. He completed our Skills Bootcamp in Leadership & Management, taking his skills back to the hospitality industry to help his team!

Alhaji Kinteh

“I wanted to do Security because the course is flexible and fits in with my college course. I really enjoyed the course because it has helped to develop my skills and I feel that my English has improved. I have also developed my knowledge on physical intervention and through the employability section I can identify potential risks and hazards.”

Steven Sherlock

“The course was fantastic and I would recommend this to anyone who wishes to find skills they never knew they had. The team here are amazing, fully supportive and go above and beyond to get you where you need to be.

This course has prepared me to move into employment with one of NET UK partner employers if I am successful at the interview stage.”

Janice Durham

“I just wanted to thank you for an inspiring course that I attended with you. It was a pleasure to sit in your class, you drew us into the scenarios and made light of what is an extremely difficult job. I hope for the students that follow us on this path that they don’t have to go through two weeks of not learning with you (teacher).”

Cromwell Banqueting Suite

“I would definitely say it has improved staff morale, and refreshed knowledge that we need them to have in customer service and team leading. There is also an improved confidence level in staff.”

“Our assistant manager has completed a business management qualification to aid in her duties and she has progressed onto an accounting course.”

Oakland Hall Hotel

“The organisation itself is now more confident in the aspects that ESF has provided training for.”

Oakland Hall Hotel

“Following the food hygiene training, our newly promoted sous chef, James Faulkner achieved a very good hygiene rating for the hotel in the head chefs absence.”

“Front of house staff now have essential knowledge regarding customer service which has impacted the hotel in a positive way through excellent customer feedback.”

Teresa Webster-Henwood

“I have learnt what makes a successful manager and leader.”

“Knowledge and practical activities on the course have given me the confidence to run a project. The theorists we studied and resources given is going to allow me to also employ an employee with confidence and has shown me what’s important to remember as an employer/leader.”

“I’ve taken a lot away from the courses and intend to continue to improve in my approach to managing projects and also employees.”