Many organisations seek innovative ways to equip their teams with the necessary skills to grow and succeed within their company. City College Plymouth offers a wide range of courses which can result in improved employee engagement, retention and productivity.
When city-based charity Improving Lives Plymouth had a requirement for a number of its line managers to be able to develop their skill sets to advance their careers, they took advantage of a Chartered Management Institute Skills Bootcamp offered by the College. Skills Bootcamps are flexible, ten-week courses which help organisations upskill their staff, improving careers prospects for the individual and boosting the capabilities of their workforce. A group of eight senior people from the 80-strong Improving Lives Plymouth staff attended College one day per week focusing on skills, knowledge and abilities to achieve a recognised management qualification.
By equipping managers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in leadership roles, companies can cultivate a stronger, more capable management team. These managers, in turn, can drive employee engagement, improve performance, and contribute to the long-term success of the organisation.
As the Young Adult Carers Project Coordinator for Improving Lives Plymouth, Nicolle Ormston has played a pivotal role in forging a strong partnership with City College. Collaborating with the College’s Business team, she organised regular sessions to engage students in learning about the charity sector, covering topics such as strategy, marketing plans, and industry insights. This initiative proved mutually beneficial: students gained valuable knowledge and real-world experience, while Improving Lives Plymouth received fresh perspectives on challenges like social media engagement. The collaboration was so successful that inspired students even took the initiative to raise funds for the charity.
For nearly 120 years, Improving Lives has supported the physical and mental wellbeing of people across the city. Operating eight projects from its city-centre base, the charity helps carers, individuals with learning disabilities and autism, those with mental health challenges, and veterans of all ages. Through advice, activities, peer support, and mentoring, they empower people to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Founded in 1907, the organisation has evolved with a reputation for excellence, with partnerships playing a key role in its success.
Nicolle said: “City College courses are a brilliant way of doing things, because we can all do our jobs alongside the qualification. The College staff have been fantastic every step of the way – it’s the smoothest qualification we have ever done and was so enjoyable. The people from Improving Lives who went on the course didn’t actually work together beforehand, so this brought us all closer. Since going to Skills Bootcamp we’ve held social lunches as a group – and it’s all thanks to the College.”