INVOLVE, IMPROVE & INSPIRE
Our refined offering is as easy as ABC…
Continuous Improvement
L3 Improvement Technician (inc. Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Qualification)
L4 Improvement Practitioner (inc. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Qualification)
L5 Improvement Specialist (inc. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Qualification)
L6 Improvement Leader (inc. Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Qualification)
Lean Six Sigma Certification is included in the apprenticeship standards at no extra cost, so you can utilize your levy funds for these accreditations.
Apprenticeships are stuck in the past…
Well at least 10 years ago this was true…
People often think apprenticeships are old-fashioned, but that’s not true! Years ago people assumed that only young people could apply, but times have changed…
Over the past decade, the UK has made apprenticeships more open to all ages across all sectors of industries ranging from Level 2 to Level 7.
At Blue Lion, we believe in involving, improving, and inspiring through creativity and continuous improvement!
Our Training Academy offers recognized apprenticeships across the management marketing & media sectors.
What we did during National Apprenticeship Week 2024…
We had an incredible week during National Apprenticeship Week!
Our team had the pleasure of attending the eON Energy 2024 Bright Sparks Festival, which celebrated the achievement of their apprentices. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with a multitude of inspiring individuals, partake in interactive games, and overall, have an unforgettable experience!
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all those who received recognition for their dedication and hard work.
Here’s to continued success and growth for the eON apprenticeship scheme.
Industry news
National minimum wage increase
National Minimum Wage update from 1st April 2024:
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Apprentice wage will increase from £5.28 per hour to £6.40 per hour. This is a significant increase of £1.12 per hour, representing a 21% rise in the minimum hourly rate apprentices are entitled to.
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The new rate is a positive step towards recognising the valuable contribution apprentices make to the workforce. It will help to ensure that apprentices are receiving a fairer wage for their time and effort.
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It’s important to note that this new rate applies to apprentices aged under 19 and those aged 19 or over in their first year of an apprenticeship. After the first year, apprentices over 19 will be entitled to the National Living Wage or the National Minimum Wage depending on their age.
For more information on the National Minimum Wage rates and apprentice eligibility, you can visit the government website – https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
Support for SME’s
The Government will fully fund apprenticeships for SME’s from 1st April 2024 by paying the full cost of training for anyone up to the age of 21 – reducing costs and burdens for businesses and delivering more opportunities for young people to kick start their careers.
This will remove the need for small employers to meet some of the cost of training and saves time and costs for providers like further education colleges who currently need to source funding separately from the government and businesses.
The move is underpinned by an additional £60 million of new government funding for next year, guaranteeing that where there is demand for apprenticeships from businesses, the government will ensure there is enough funding to deliver them.
Age Incentive for 16-18 year old apprentices
There is a financial incentive for businesses to hire apprentices, aged 16-18 as an apprentice within this age range your organization will be eligible for a £1,000 incentive payment from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
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This payment is split into two installments: £500 will be paid in Month 4 of the apprenticeship and the remaining £500 will be paid once the apprentice has completed 12 months of their apprenticeship.
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To ensure smooth processing of the incentive payment, Blue Lion Training Academy (or your relevant training provider) will request your bank details.
For more information on the National Minimum Wage rates, apprentice eligibility, and the financial incentive for hiring apprentices, you can visit the government website –
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/incentive-payments-for-hiring-a-new-apprentice
Levy employers – Funding Transfer Cap increased from 25% to 50%
Under the new measures, large employers who pay the apprenticeship levy will be able to transfer up to 50% of their funds to support other businesses, including smaller firms, to take on apprentices. This will help SMEs hire more apprentices by reducing costs and enabling more employers to get the skilled workers they need while unlocking more opportunities for young people in a huge range of sectors, industries, and professions.
Hundreds of large levy-paying employers have already taken advantage of the opportunity to transfer their unused levy funds to other businesses. As of [December 2023], 530 employers including ASDA, HomeServe and BT Group have pledged to transfer over £35.39 million to support apprenticeships in businesses of all sizes since September 2021.
Taken together, these measures are expected to enable up to 20,000 more apprenticeships, primarily for young people, and is part of our plan to build a stronger economy and deliver a brighter future where hard work is rewarded and young people get the skills they need to succeed in life.
New employers who have joined the Blue Lion Training Academy!
Welcome to Becci Houlston
Becci Houlston here! I am extremely excited to be joining Blue Lion this month as a marketing tutor.
I started my career in apprenticeships back in 2017, and have since completed both a level-2 and level-6 marketing apprenticeship.
I have worked both in-house and agency-side on a variety of marketing projects over the last 6 years, including re-brands, brand awareness strategies, lead generation campaigns and a variety of different on and offline content tasks. In January this year, I kickstarted my own business and now work freelance for small businesses, which I hope will help bring valuable examples to my learners about successful marketing techniques.
Apprenticeships have already taught me so much, and Blue Lion perfectly aligns with my values and will help me continue my advocacy for the career path. So far I have worked on kickstarting new modules for learners and brainstorming content ideas for Blue Lion itself.
I am eager to learn more about Blue Lion and its learners over the coming months, and can’t wait to see my first programme go from its introduction to EPA!
You can contact Becci by emailing, Becci@bluelionta.com
Welcome to Tommy Xiao JI
Embarking on my journey with Blue Lion Training fills me with anticipation and eagerness. I’m Tommy Xiao Ji, a seasoned digital media creative with a rich tapestry of experiences. My story unfolds from the captivating realms of video and photography, where I’ve honed my craft over many years. Through directing and producing music videos and orchestrating photoshoots, I’ve crafted compelling visual narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
My portfolio boasts an array of commercial media projects, collaborating with esteemed clients such as Molson Coors, Nestle, and McCann.
Beyond the confines of traditional media, I’ve ventured into the electrifying domain of live events. From orchestrating lighting spectacles to weaving mesmerising visuals as a VJ, and even igniting the dance floor with my DJ sets, I’ve performed festivals and at events like Hideout Festival and Live Performers Meet Festival.
I’ve embraced the role of mentor and educator, sharing my passion for media through tutoring and workshops. Leading the Burton Photographers Club…
As I embark on this new chapter with Blue Lion Training and apprenticeships, I bring with me a wealth of experiences, a relentless drive for innovation, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of digital media luminaries.
Together, let’s push the boundaries of creativity and inspire excellence in all that we do.
You can contact Tommy by emailing, Tommy@bluelionta.com
Welcome to Angie Ball
I’ve had a 34 year career at Rolls-Royce in Derby and have had the opportunity to work in most functional areas of the business. The most exciting by far was my time in Project Management where I delivered mainly Construction & Process projects. I was also lucky enough to be the Head of Programme Management for a wholly owned subsidiary of Rolls-Royce called Optimised Systems and Solutions (OSyS).
I left Rolls-Royce in 2014 and set up my own coaching business. I love change management and project management coaching. I also have experience in Business Coaching, Career Coaching and Personal Coaching.
I’m keen to join the team at Blue Lion as I have an MSc in Project Management underpinned by the Association of Project Management and lots of experience as well as a coaching background from the last 18 years. My personal tag line is “to help you to be the best that you can be”.
I am a lover of the great outdoors and spend most of my time walking or mountain biking. I’ve also done my share of motorcycling, Jet Skiing, Off Road Driving & Horseriding as well as a dabble in kayaking and indoor skydiving. I love to keep fit and go to the gym.
I sang in a band for 15 years from the ripe old age of 14. I’m now in the process of learning to play fingerstyle acoustic guitar so that I have something to sing along to.
You can contact Angie by emailing, Angie.Ball@bluelionta.com
We launched our Level 5 Audiovisual Technician Apprenticeship Program!
AWARDS & SUCCESSES
BUD TIPS & TRICKS
Example taken from bud knowledge hub
Example taken from bud knowledge hub
PODCASTS
Our sister company, Laid Back LTD, has launch a podcast station!
It’s a place that organizations can utilize to create. podcasts and social media content to compliment her marketing strategy.
You can check out our first trial episode. Becci, our Digital Marketing tutor and Rosie, Digital Marketing
Apprentice from INSTARMAC discussing the digital marketing content and strategy going froward.
Come and join us on this podcasting adventures…
Welfare news
Royal Cancer Diagnosis: A Call to Action in the Fight Against Cancer
In a recent announcement that has reverberated around the world, King Charles III and the Princess of Wales disclosed that they have been diagnosed with cancer. This revelation has brought the harsh reality of this disease to the forefront once again, reminding us that cancer does not discriminate based on status, wealth, or title. It is a formidable adversary that can affect anyone, anywhere at any time.
Cancer is a complex and devastating illness that manifests in various forms, affecting millions of lives globally each year. From breast cancer to lung cancer, leukemia to melanoma, its reach is extensive and its impact profound. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with approximately 10 million deaths attributed to it annually.
While advancements in medical research and treatment have improved survival rates and quality of life for many cancer patients, there is still much work to be done. Early detection remains crucial in increasing the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes. Regular screenings and health check-ups can help identify cancer in its early stages when it is most treatable.
Copyright – 9NEWS
In light of this recent announcement, we urge you to take action:
- Educate Yourself: Learn about the different types of cancer, their risk factors, and the importance of early detection.
- Support Cancer Research: Consider donating to reputable cancer research organizations or participating in fundraising events to contribute to ongoing efforts to find a cure.
- Advocate for Change: Use your voice to advocate for policies that prioritize cancer prevention, research, and access to affordable healthcare.
- Take Care of Your Health: Priorities your own health and well-being by adopting a healthy lifestyle and attending regular medical check-ups.
Together, we can make strides towards a world where cancer is no longer a formidable foe but a conquered enemy. Let us stand united in our determination to eradicate this disease and ensure a brighter, cancer-free future for generations to come!
Pleas find links bellow (this is no exhaustive list)
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/
Copyright – KGW NEWS
Stress Awareness Month
- Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to help calm the mind and reduce stress levels.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Prioritise regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, and ensure an adequate amount of sleep each night. Physical well-being plays a significant role in managing stress.
- Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to additional responsibilities when feeling overwhelmed. Establishing boundaries allows you to prioritise self-care and prevent burnout.
- Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support when needed. Talking about your feelings can provide relief and perspective.
- Take Breaks: Incorporate regular breaks into your day, whether it’s a short walk outside, listening to music, or practicing a hobby you enjoy. Taking time for yourself is crucial for recharging and reducing stress.
While you’re here… check out our instagram!
INVOLVE, IMPROVE & INSPIRE IN MANAGEMENT, MARKETING & MEDIA
Our mission is to Involve, Improve & Inspire adult learners to unlock their true potential in a way that benefits their organisation and helps bridge the gap between left and right brain thinking through learning pathways in Management, Marketing, and Media as an alternative to university & corporate training. Click the button to learn more.
Got an idea or topic you want mentioned? Email us at info@bluelionta.com and you may just see it in next month’s letter.
