MPSF supports sustainability and leadership skills with UWE

The Mayoral Priority Skills Fund (MPSF) provides flexible grant funding to meet current priority skills gaps in the region. These priorities have been identified through robust intelligence gathered showing there are gaps in current provision and there no other current funding available to meet this need.

MPSF funded the University of the West of England (UWE) to deliver The Skills Pathways Programme in response to the need for modular and stackable training for SME employees.

This modular training addresses various sector specific skills needs including Leadership, Sustainability, Digital and Collaborative Working. The aim is to focus on the challenges and opportunities SME employees currently experience at work, this flexible programme is tailored to meet their needs, develop new skills, add value for business organisations and boost economic growth in the West of England region.

We spoke with three learners who benefitted from the experience. Each person had access to 1-2-1 support from a Learner Engagement Lead, access to e-learning materials and attendance at live training sessions, either online or in-person, to help embed new skills and knowledge, as well as support from a specialist mentor to apply learnings to the workplace.

What attracted you to this programme? What challenges were you looking to address?

Learner 1 - “I am a qualified architect, but I am looking for a specialism and was interested in expanding my knowledge in the retrofit sector. I was looking for a course that would suit my company’s project portfolio, generate new project opportunities, and provide me with a qualification/competency and skillset to run retrofit projects. ”

Learner 2 - “I wanted to build the confidence to take on more responsibility within my role, diversify my audience by not just talking with businesses, but also more senior leaders, stakeholders and partners across the LSIP and take on event management when my manager goes on Maternity Leave. Also, as a member of the internal EDI steering group, I wanted to show more active involvement in evoking change within the organisation.”

Learner 3 - “Working for a startup heat pump company, I am keen to better understand both legislation and regulation surrounding installs. Since starting the programme, I realised I also wanted to build confidence in my current work environment and be more myself (the environment has changed significantly since I joined). I also wanted to learn more about managing a healthy work-life balance, preventing burnout and setting boundaries for myself (including personal expectations).”

Person holding heatpump

What new skills and knowledge has the programme provided for you?

Learner 1 - “Through the programme, I have increased my knowledge in the areas of sustainability and retrofit. I gained valuable insights through discussions with my mentor and self-reflection using the Growth Action Plan. These conversations provided a deeper understanding of key topics and helped me apply new perspectives to my professional development. The programme also encouraged a more structured approach to goal setting and career progression, which will continue to benefit me moving forward.”

Learner 2 - “An increased level of confidence and understanding of how to be inclusive in the workplace, specifically looking at access riders for employees and events. I have also learnt how to have better 1-2-1 meetings with my manager and have felt confident to discuss future skills development opportunities. The training provided tips on productivity and time management and how to successfully manage and support hybrid team members, giving me new ideas to try out and share with my team.”

Learner 3 - “I now have a greater understanding of Retrofit legislation in terms of translating documents and approaching problem properties with a new sense of consideration. In the Embedding Inclusive Practices module, I found the exploration into terminology very useful. The exercises were helpful to check in with myself. I also gained skills in dissecting and setting smart goals. Through the Overcoming Challenges module, I have learned new ways of quantifying what I want (goal setting).”

What learning have you applied, or are you planning to apply, in your workplace?

Learner 1 - “The induction and needs assessment module, as well as the resources like the Action Plan have set me up well to continue my reflective journey and career development. I didn’t have as much time to dedicate to the programme as I wanted to, but I will be returning to these materials to develop a structured ’roadmap’ for myself. Working with my mentor, I am now looking at how to make the most of professional networking opportunities using AI and digital tools – to ’market’ myself using LinkedIn, for example.”

Learner 2 - “I have discussed bringing in access riders and communication passports for employees and events, and have created an AXS passport for myself. I have developed a better understanding of my own communication needs and have updated my communications passport at work to reflect this. Since the programme, I have shared knowledge about inclusive practices with the HR manager, and have brought more inclusive communication practices, such as providing policies in alternative formats, to the attention of the HR team and Head of Responsible Business”

Learner 3 - “In terms of goal-setting and time-management, I am now able to take my expected project outcomes and set realistic timeline standards that reflect my level of skill and available time. I have learned more about work practice reflection reports, and have taken a look back on a previous project focusing on the elements that when well, what could have been improved and how. Recently, I have been having conversations with colleagues about Inclusive Practices, seeking to change the workplace culture to fit better with individual needs and help overcome potential divides or barriers, such as generational differences.”

Person holding heatpump

What impact / solutions have you seen as a result of the training?

Learner 1 - “Initially, I felt the timing of the program might not be ideal, but it turned out to be the opposite. While on a scheduled break from my job, the programme provided a valuable way to stay engaged with my industry, connect with others, and deepen my knowledge through reading and discussions. More importantly, it gave me the opportunity to reflect on my goals and career path. During the course of this programme, I redefined what success means to me—it is not about completing more modules, but about focusing on meaningful development in the key areas I could truly commit to.”

Learner 2 - “I feel I have become more aware of my own needs, and have also tried to consider solutions as noted above so that the access requirements do not fall on the person with access needs to handle or rectify. I have become more considerate and aware of accessibility and inclusivity and feel more comfortable to discuss this with colleagues. We are working on event access riders and looking at the accessibility of our offices and recruitment processes. Things are feeling more positive and like they are going in the right direction. Since completing the course, I have had discussions with female leaders and shadowed my head of department at an in-person stakeholder meeting. Conversations with the Learner Engagement Lead and Specialist Mentor have given me confidence to do things I would not have done otherwise.”

Learner 3 - “I have gained a holistic perspective on my career path, and have a greater understanding of what structures to follow and what support to expect from the wider workforce. This has really changed my own experience engaging in my workplace, and with my team. With the mentoring, I have been empowered to voice my perspective not only on role specific topics but wider culture, such as work-life balance and boundary setting. I have been reassured about my career choices so far; I am more aware of my environment, and what I can do to improve or change myself, and in the workplace for the positive.”

Why would you recommend this course to others?

Learner 1 - “Since participating in this program, I became more open to mentoring opportunities, both as a mentee and a mentor, inspired by the positive experience I’ve had. I am also actively exploring ways to further develop my skills and progress in my career, building on the insights and confidence gained through this programme.”

Learner 2 - “It is fully-funded and flexible enough to fit around my current role. I have gained some invaluable new insights on managing hybrid teams and inclusive workplace practices, giving me the practical tools and knowledge to discuss issues and make changes within my company. The course has also given me a boost of confidence to explore further development opportunities with my manager and gain more clarity in my career path and next steps.”

Learner 3 - “It provides a comprehensive look at further careerfocused learning. It does take time, more than might be expected, but when you find that time it is worthwhile. The support from the Learner Engagement Lead enabled me to make module choices that were of most importance and relevance to my role and development goals."