Staffordshire University offers free CPD to SMEs

Staffordshire University has launched a new programme of short courses to help businesses upskill and play their part in the region’s economic recovery from Covid-19.

Staffordshire Higher Skills Engagement Pathways (SHSEP) is available to Staffordshire SME’s free of charge through the University’s Innovation Enterprise Zone.

Part funded by European Social Fund, the programme enables businesses and their employees to access bitesized Continued Professional Development (CPD) microcredential courses which will be delivered through the University.

Head of Employer Partnerships and Enterprise, Marek Hornak said: “This is a great opportunity for SMEs to develop their workforce and address any skills gaps head-on. Our microcredentials are designed around employer needs and help employees to deepen their understanding of a subject, with the opportunity to take their learning further. ‘’

“We are delighted to offer a variety of CPD courses in a range of areas including digital, artificial intelligence, cyber security, leadership and management where each SME can upskill multiple employees.”

Under the programme, each staff member is entitled to up to 80 hours of fully funded learning which will be split into manageable modules between four and twelve weeks through blended delivery model. Each course also offers an opportunity for a progression pathway towards a wide range of university courses.

Staffordshire University is also offering Staffordshire based SMEs the opportunity to access a pool of high calibre talent to support innovation, growth and success for their business via 12-month work placements.

To find out more about Staffordshire Higher Skills Engagement Pathways, visit www.staffs.ac.uk/business-services or contact the Employer Partnerships team on 0800 169 2148 or employers@staffs.ac.uk.

Maria Scrivens

Communications Manager

t: 01782 294375

m: 07766 520339

e: m.c.scrivens@staffs.ac.uk

Staffordshire University is the Connected University; connected to the needs of students, academic partners, business and society. Our main city campus in Stoke-on-Trent features excellent learning and teaching facilities and good transport links. We have specialist Centres of Excellence in Healthcare Education at Stafford and Shrewsbury.  

We were recognised with a Gold award in the 2019 Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) for delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for students.  

We were shortlisted for University of the Year at the THE Awards 2020 and were named ‘Midlands University of the Year’ at the Midlands Business Awards 2020. 
 
Staffordshire University has signed up to the Civic University Agreement, pledging to play a leading role in improving the regional economy and enhancing quality of life in local communities. We were recognised in the top 15 for social inclusion in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021. We aim to be a leading university for digital technologies building on our proud computing heritage and in 2019 launched Staffordshire University London’s Digital Institute which is committed to preparing students for careers in new and emerging tech industries. 

We are a Top 250 Young University (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020) and are connected globally, with more than 11,000 people studying Staffordshire University degrees overseas.