Milestone recruitment levels achieved at Sigma Training Academy
An academy for Birmingham jobseekers has provided jobs for 350 people, with a further 300 opportunities soon to be made available. Sigma Financial Group (Sigma) recruited customer advisors for its offices in Birmingham’s Priory Queensway after each person completed a pre-employment training programme.
Established two years ago, the Academy is Sigma’s collaboration with BMet, Birmingham City Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
“The Academy is one of the best things we have done as a company – we’re massively proud of it,” said Mike Harfield, Chief Operating Officer at Sigma. “The milestones we’re achieving in terms of company growth as well as the rate at which we’re expanding are phenomenal and it’s great that we’re keeping all our recruitment local. It’s something our clients admire too.
“We employ people based on their attitude, something which the Academy fully supports. It’s all vital to our continued success.”
New recruits are provided with the opportunity to study for NVQ level 1, 2 and 3 in Customer Services whilst working at Sigma. They can also apply for additional roles in leadership and wider management.
Caren Alderwick, Employer Services Manager at BMet said: “Our Academy model continues to attract and support jobseekers from a range of backgrounds that soon settle into their roles at Sigma. We’ve proved that it’s possible to meet the skills needs of a major local employer and that jobseekers can find sustainable employment. The fact that this is in Birmingham’s growing financial services sector is also significant.”
She continued: “We’ve delivered this training to around 600 jobseekers recommended to us by the DWP and the council. It’s a bespoke course that matches the needs of each individual while focussing on people skills, confidence building and working in the financial services sector. All candidates have been aware of the job opportunities at Sigma and this has motivated them to achieve.
“The majority of programmes have resulted in 80% of people joining the company. A recent programme had 100% success rate which was fantastic. Those that continue to look for work continue to receive advice and support such as embarking on further training and so the Academy still benefits them no end.”
Sigma works in the B2B and B2C sectors with clients including major blue chip organisations from the utilities, financial services, retail and telecommunications industries.
For further information about the pre-employment training programme, call 0121 3621174 or email jobskills@bmet.ac.uk
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