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Employer Guide

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Welcome Supporting your people. Strengthening your business.

At Chichester College Group, our focus is simple: working with employers like you to develop the skills your people need to thrive. We support businesses to upskill and retrain their workforce, helping individuals grow in confidence, capability and ambition.

As one of the region’s leading education and skills providers, we deliver industryfocused programmes shaped in partnership with employers. That means listening to your challenges, understanding your goals, and responding to the skills your business needs now and in the future. By working closely with employers, we ensure every course, apprenticeship and training pathway is practical, relevant and aligned to real workplace demands.

When people are supported to grow, businesses grow with them. Inside this guide, you’ll see how our employer-led approach works in practice and how collaboration between education and industry leads to stronger teams, improved productivity and a more resilient workforce. We believe the most effective training happens when learning and industry move forward together.

We work side by side with you to design training that keeps your workforce ready for change. Whether you’re developing new talent, retraining experienced staff or preparing teams for emerging technologies, our programmes are designed to evolve alongside your industry.

Our facilities give employees the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environments that reflect the modern workplace. From specialist workshops and simulation labs to digital innovation hubs and employer suites, learners train using the tools and technologies they will use every day on the job.

Behind every programme is our dedicated team of expert tutors and support staff. They bring current industry experience together with strong academic insight, delivering training that is practical, engaging and immediately applicable in the workplace.

Thank you for choosing Chichester College Group as your skills partner. We look forward to working with you and supporting your business to unlock the potential of your people.

Our colleges

Chichester College Group is West Sussex and Brighton & Hove’s leading provider

of

education, training, and employability.

West Sussex Hampshire

East Sussex

Our businesses are completely focused on education excellence for students, staff, employers, and communities.

We work closely with employers to support workforce development, from recruiting apprentices to upskilling existing teams. Through a wide range of training programmes and tailored solutions, we aim to be a responsive and trusted partner for businesses looking to invest in their people.

This work is delivered through our colleges and commercial businesses, including Anglia Examinations and First Steps Childcare. At the heart of everything we do is a clear purpose: changing lives through learning.

Our purpose is to change lives through learning. We do this by:

Developing and delivering high-quality training to bring out the best in everyone.

Sharing knowledge and raising aspirations – whether that means taking the next step, building new skills or boosting a career.

Co-creating courses with employers, partners and local communities to address real skill needs.

Creating inclusive, impactful learning experiences that ensure every learner can access opportunities and succeed.

Benefits to business

Partnering with Chichester College Group gives you direct access to emerging talent and future employees who are well-suited to your organisation. This can reduce recruitment time and costs, while allowing you to shape individuals early on to support your long-term workforce planning.

Bring in fresh perspectives

Taking on apprentices and T Level industry placement students introduces new skills, knowledge and ideas into your business. Their up-to-date understanding of trends and innovations can add real value to your team and help keep your organisation forward-thinking.

Develop your existing team

Involving your staff in training and development opportunities can be motivating and inspiring. It supports professional growth by enhancing communication, leadership and management skills and can strengthen loyalty and retention to your business.

Build meaningful partnerships

Collaborating with us creates mutual value, you will gain a voice in shaping local skills provision and benefit from insights into sector developments, including advancements in technology and sustainability. In return, your expertise helps us tailor training to industry needs, contributing to a stronger local economy and helping to address skills shortages.

Strengthen local connections

Engaging with us enhances your organisation’s social responsibility and community impact. Your involvement brings learning to life through real-world insight, inspiring young people and supporting learners, local employers, and your own business.

How can CCG help?

Organisational Needs Analysis (ONA)

Having highly skilled employees who have the relevant, up-to-date skill sets, can significantly boost your company’s chances of thriving. By identifying individual and team training needs, you can ensure that your training investment targets the skills that matter most.

Quality training

We partner with employers across a variety of areas, including engineering, construction, business, digital, creative industries and more. Our training is designed to meet the evolving needs of the UK workforce, from small enterprises (SMEs) to multinationals and government bodies.

Pastoral support

At Chichester College Group, we take pride in delivering a bespoke service. Alongside our friendly, hands-on lecturers and trainers, CCG offers continuous support throughout your employer journey. Before you begin, you will be invited to explore your options with us to ensure our training solutions align with your business needs and to ask any questions you may have.

Funding

There are various options available depending on which pathway you choose.

For more information on funding and grants available to you as an employer, please see contact information on page 26.

For more information and to begin your journey, please contact apprenticeships@chigroup.ac.uk

First hand...

The big thing we’ve all learnt is what huge value they add, and they bring with them a lot of energy and enthusiasm. We don’t expect people to turn up and know everything about the business. We teach them that. But they are a great source of talent, and we need to help develop them for the next generation within the company. We’ve got one young man at the moment, Thomas, who’s been with us now for about a year and a half. He’s done his T Level programme and we’ve taken him on full time. So, he’s a member of staff and we’re going to continue to develop him.”

Diligent Motivated Versatile Strategic Creative

We’re able to work with the college to deliver a programme that meets the needs of Manor Royal businesses, and at the same time saves them money. Staff are getting trained locally and they’re getting to mix and work alongside other Manor Royal companies.”

Steve Sawyer Manor Royal

One of the benefits of working with Chichester College Group has been the amazing communication links we have developed. Whenever we wanted something or we have enquired about something, the response has been immediate and is always constructive and helpful.”

Having an employer who understands the commitment involved – and gives you the flexibility and extra time you need – makes all the difference. The course has opened my eyes to just how expansive HR and business partnering really are, and it’s given me the confidence and skills to progress in my career.”

Doug was a great tutor and offered his experience which added value to the course.”

Brandon Theobold Studied Introduction to Successful Project Management

For eight years, we have been harmoniously developing apprenticeship career pathways and opportunities with Chichester College Group. Together, we are committed to empowering and investing in our future workforce.”

Develop the skilled workforce your business needs

Apprenticeships give individuals the opportunity to develop practical skills, knowledge and experience through a blend of workplace learning and structured training.

We deliver apprenticeships across a wide range of sectors including construction, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing and engineering. Each apprenticeship combines real work with expert training to build job-specific skills and industry-recognised qualifications.

Apprentices work alongside experienced staff, contribute to day-to-day operations and study with an approved training provider. This mix of hands-on experience and guided learning helps them develop the practical competencies employers need.

For employers, apprenticeships offer a cost-effective way to recruit new talent or upskill existing staff. They support workforce development, improve productivity and help you build a strong pipeline of skilled employees who understand your organisation.

The cost of an apprenticeship varies depending on your business, the apprenticeship standard and the age of your apprentice, but most employers can access government funding to support training costs.

Funding

Levy Payer

If your annual payroll is £3 million or more you will pay into the apprenticeship levy which can be used to fully fund an apprenticeship.

Co-Funded

If your annual payroll is less than £3 million or you overspend your levy you will pay up to 5% towards the cost of an apprenticeship and the government will pay 95%.

Every business can be placed into one of three funding models: 1 2

Fully Funded

If you employ fewer than 50 staff and your apprentice is aged 16-18 or 19-24 with an EHC plan you will not need to pay towards the cost of an apprenticeship.

If your apprentice is aged 16-18 or 19-24 with an EHC plan you will be eligible for a £1,000 government incentive.

Step up to the next level

The next level qualification, built by businesses.

T Levels, also known as Technical Levels, offer students a pathway towards developing practical skills and knowledge in specific vocational areas.

Created in collaboration with employers, T Levels help students develop essential employability skills that will contribute to the future workforce.

T Levels bridge the gap between academic education and industry needs by providing a comprehensive two-year programme that combines classroom learning with significant industry experience.

Many employers choose to use T Level placements to:

Develop new talent with the potential of hiring them full-time or as apprentices in the future.

Improve the team’s leadership skills by having them act as mentors or line managers for young students.

Tap into students’ innovative perspectives to introduce new ideas.

Tackle skill shortages by developing the next generation of skilled workers.

Influence the learning pathway for young people entering the industry.

27% of UK vacancies were difficult to fill due to skills shortages — taking on a T Level student can change this

Employer Skills Survey 2024 (Department for Education)

We’re TEF Silver

As a college group we have received the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Silver Award for our overall higher education provision. The award recognises and rewards excellent teaching and student experience at higher education providers in the UK. Silver ratings are awarded for delivering high quality teaching, learning and outcomes for students.

Invest in your team. Invest in your future.

With university-level

courses

Chichester College Group offers a range of universitylevel programmes (Levels 4 and above) designed to strengthen your team’s expertise and futureproof your business.

Our courses go beyond subject knowledge, they build transferable skills, cultural awareness, and personal growth, all of which are highly valued in today’s competitive job market. Whether your employees are starting their career journey or aiming to progress into leadership roles, these programmes provide the tools they need to succeed.

Why employers choose us

Stay local: Flexible learning close to home and work

Outstanding support: Dedicated guidance for learners and employers

High quality: TEF Silver-rated teaching and learning

Employment-focused: Courses designed with industry input

Cost-effective: Affordable options for workforce development

Boost your business with skilled talent

Our strong partnerships with employers ensure that every course aligns with realworld business needs. Whether you’re investing in new talent or advancing existing staff, our programmes deliver:

Practical skills and knowledge relevant to your sector

Industry-led learning shaped by employer feedback

Opportunities for progression into higher-level roles

We work closely with employers to tailor delivery and ensure your workforce gains the expertise demanded by today’s market.

How we prepare your staff for success

Expert-led teaching by industry specialists

Real-life assessments and applied projects

Access to professional networks

State-of-the-art facilities and resources

Flexible learning options to fit around work commitments

For more details or to apply, visit: chigroup.ac.uk/university-level-for-employers

Commerical courses

Chichester College Group offers one of the SouthEast’s most diverse ranges of commercial courses.

Whether you want to master Excel in a day, develop business skills, or gain industryrecognised qualifications like the Level 3 Award in Initial and Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations (2391-52), we’ve got options for you. We also provide gas training, essential First Aid certification and specialist Chainsaw Maintenance & Crosscutting programmes for forestry, landscaping and grounds maintenance professionals.

At our Crawley College site, you’ll find one of the region’s best-equipped training centres, offering NET Achievement Measurement 2 ‘AM2’ assessment courses and testing.

For more information on our courses, visit: chigroup.ac.uk/services/commercial-courses

Free online courses Professional courses

Everyone learns differently, but an online learning course – or distance learning as it’s sometimes called – will give you the flexibility to complete your course around your other commitments.

Whether you’re looking to study alongside your current employment, eager to develop your knowledge or planning to get back into work, you can start by choosing a free online course with Chichester College Group. Our range of nationally recognised courses (called VocationalRelated Qualifications or ‘VRQs’) are a great option for developing your confidence and learning new skills. What’s more, you can study from the comfort of your own home.

From business administration to healthcare, understanding autism or dementia care –we’ve got a huge range of courses to choose from. And because they’re online, you can work towards them at a time to suit you. Our courses will fit around your lifestyle.

By choosing to study with Chichester College Group, you’ll be assured you will receive the best support possible.

To view our full list of courses, access sample content and apply online, please go to: ccg.theskillsnetwork.com

We offer a vast range of courses to help you develop your professional skills, boost your employability and improve your career prospects – from one day skill refreshers to degreelevel professional awards.

These courses are specifically tailored to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required for a particular profession or industry. They cover the full spectrum of professional interests, including leadership and management, IT and computer skills, health and safety, human resources and accountancy.

For those in the construction industry, we are one of the largest providers of trade and construction courses in the SouthEast, so you can keep your skills and essential accreditations up-to-date in a convenient and cost-effective way.

Our range of accredited professional courses are designed to provide the practical skills and knowledge needed to boost business performance and results. Courses include AAT, CIPD and ILM.

To find out more, visit our website at chigroup.ac.uk and search professional courses.

Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology

Leading higher technical skills in Engineering, Digital and Construction

Led by Chichester College Group, we work with major employers to deliver industryfocused higher technical courses and apprenticeships that directly address regional skills shortages across Sussex and Surrey.

Our programmes are designed with employers so that learners gain specialist skills, practical experience and clear pathways to higher technical qualifications and degrees. The SSIoT is backed by leading partners including Roche Diagnostics, Gatwick Airport, Southern Water, Wates Group, Irwin Mitchell, Pearson, Coast to Capital, NatWest and Gatwick Diamond Business.

Benefits to employers

There are many ways in which working with the Institute can benefit employers: Tackle current skills gaps and prepare for future skills needs

Develop and retain local talent, reducing the need to recruit out of the region

Courses and programmes designed by employers, for employers

Industry standard, specialist training facilities

Opportunities to retrain and up-skill existing staff through high-quality provision and assist them to gain prestigious and industry specific qualifications

Attract new talent to the digital, engineering and construction sectors by working with students that are gaining the skills you need

Provide strategic leadership across STEM provision

Education Partners

New SSIoT Hub at Crawley College –now open

The new SSIoT Hub at Crawley College is a £15 million centre for higher technical skills in engineering, digital and sustainable construction. It provides advanced workshops, specialist facilities and dedicated spaces for collaboration, upskilling and employer-led projects. The hub is fully open for teaching, apprenticeships, innovation and employer events, supporting learners and businesses across Sussex and Surrey. To find out more, visit: www.sussexsurreyiot.ac.uk

Unlock your potential with Skills Bootcamps

Your fast-track to career progression.

w Ready to develop sectorspecific skills?

Skills Bootcamps are flexible, intensive training programmes lasting up to 16 weeks. Whether you’re looking to boost your career or make a career change, these programmes are designed to fast-track your career by giving you the skills that employers are looking for.

Designed for adults aged 19+, Skills Bootcamps focus on delivering practical training and support, helping you gain the confidence needed to excel in your chosen sector.

Proudly delivered with:

Why choose Skills Bootcamps?

Industry-aligned training: Developed with employers to meet sector-specific needs.

Flexible and practical: Structured programmes tailored to help you gain real-world experience.

Fast-track career progression: Whether you’re in work or transitioning into a new role, Skills Bootcamps accelerate your career.

Who can join?

Adults 19+ (as of start date)

In work or self-employed professionals looking to upskill or grow their business

Recently unemployed or those returning to work

Adults seeking career changes into a new sector

Adults not already enrolled in formal education

Bootcamps are available in these high-demand sectors:

Business

Digital

Green Technologies

Hospitality & Catering

These Bootcamps are delivered across our colleges: Brighton MET College, Chichester College, Crawley College and Northbrook College. Please check the website for the most up-to-date information.

Upskill your workforce

Give your staff the skills they need to succeed in new roles or advance in their current positions. Enjoy substantial discounts on course fees by referring employees to Skills Bootcamps.

Eligibility criteria apply.

Construction

Early Years

Health & Social Care

For more information or to register your interest, visit chigroup.ac.uk and search Skills Bootcamps.

Venue Hire

Our venues are designed to adapt to your needs – from meetings and workshops to large conferences and events.

The Venue & Events team prides itself on delivering a warm, personal touch so your event feels seamless and stress-free from start to finish.

Explore our campuses to discover a wide range of spaces.

Brighton MET College East Campus:

Located on Wilson Avenue, East Campus offers flexible classrooms, PC/Mac suites and meeting rooms, with on-site parking for visitors. It’s setting on the edge of Brighton’s countryside makes it an accessible and practical venue for training, workshops and community events.

Pelham Campus:

In the heart of the North Laine, Pelham Campus is minutes from central Brighton. Facilities include an outdoor plaza, modern hair & beauty salons, IT suites and creative classrooms. With its city-centre location and mix of professional and training spaces, Pelham is well placed for both corporate and community use.

Brinsbury College

Set in 250 hectares of countryside, Brinsbury College provides a unique rural venue for events. Indoor spaces include a purpose-built conference suite for up to 100 people and the North Heath Room for smaller groups. Outdoors, the campus provides open fields, car parks, and landscaped areas — perfect for exhibitions, marquees, or gatherings. With its working farm, stables, and equine facilities, Brinsbury offers a truly distinctive backdrop that combines professional facilities with a scenic rural setting.

Chichester College

Chichester College is just a short walk from the town centre and five minutes from the train and bus stations, with a large car park and easy access from the A27. The campus offers a wide choice of venues for 2–300+ people, including lecture rooms, conference halls and outdoor areas. A highlight is The Pavilion, a self-contained building with a licensed bar, garden and flexible function rooms.

The college also has a sports centre and gym, making it a versatile setting for both business and community events.

Crawley College

Crawley College is centrally located with excellent transport links. The campus features a modern STEM building with flexible meeting rooms, specialist simulation and immersive suites, as well as our new Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology building. These facilities make it ideal for training, networking or immersive events. In addition, on-site salons and a restaurant add to the range of spaces, making the campus a popular choice for local organisations hosting events.

Haywards Heath College

Just five minutes from the train station, Haywards Heath College combines easy access with modern facilities. Spaces include a sports hall, also suitable for exhibitions, fully equipped dance and fitness studios, music rehearsal rooms, and flexible classrooms and IT suites. The highlight is The HUB Theatre, seating up to 200 guests with professional lighting and sound. A café opening onto green space provides a relaxed setting for events or breakout spaces, giving the campus a balance of professional and informal event options.

Worthing College

Worthing College, near the A24 and A27, offers a range of versatile venues. These include a large exhibition hall for up to 250 people, meeting rooms and a studio for fitness classes. Outdoor facilities feature hard courts for netball and tennis plus a rugby pitch. The campus is well suited to business, community and creative events alike.

Northbrook College Shoreham Airport Campus:

Situated at Brighton City Airport, our Shoreham Campus features spacious hangar workshops and a modern electric vehicle workshop equipped with high-tech diagnostic equipment. All spaces are available for hire, along with classrooms, making Shoreham Airport Campus an excellent training venue for the aviation and motor vehicle industries.

West Durrington Campus:

Northbrook’s West Durrington campus is a hub for creative and performance industries. Facilities include professional music and recording studios, live rooms, control suites and rehearsal spaces. The campus also offers a 160-seat theatre, dance studios, and collaborative learning rooms, all available for hire. Just a short walk from Goring-bySea station with ample parking, Northbrook provides a professional setting for everything from music production to corporate events.

Get in touch

If you would like to know more about our various training opportunities and funding available to you, please contact us via the information below. Our friendly teams are happy to help every step of the way.

T Levels: tlevels@chigroup.ac.uk

Apprenticeships: apprenticeships@chigroup.ac.uk

University-level: he-enquiries@gbmc.ac.uk

Commercial courses: train@ccgtraining.ac.uk

Free online courses: distancelearning@chigroup.ac.uk All information, including course information, stated in this guide is correct at time of publication (January 2026) and is subject to change without notice.

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