South Staffordshire College helps free spirit to soar

Hednesford-based accountancy practice Free Spirit (UK) Ltd is full of praise for South Staffordshire College after a number of successful courses organised through the College's Workforce Development team.

Karen Stokes is Financial Director of Free Spirit (UK) Ltd, which provides accountancy, payroll and bookkeeping services. Over the past 18 months she has been working with the College's Karen Morris and Mandy Harrison on a series of initiatives designed to improve the business.

In terms of staff training, the College has provided a one-day First Aid Course, enabling the business to satisfy requirements to have a first-aider on site and also taken advantage of the fully funded Adult Apprenticeship programme. In addition, through the "Skills for Work"  centre, the company has just taken on a new employee.

Karen Stokes is particularly enthusiastic about the Business Luncheon Club hosted by the College at Gordon's Restaurant at the town centre campus in Cannock and organised by Karen Morris.

"These events are extremely supportive to me as the owner of a small but growing business and provide a good networking forum. The fact that the event allows the students to have practical experience is good and I have made many contacts via this club. I would have no hesitation in recommending South Staffordshire College to other business owners".

South Staffordshire College works with over 1000 businesses both large and small and currently has around 700 apprenticeships, many of them work-based.

Interested employers can contact the Workforce Development Team by calling 01543 438617.

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