Interview with Heidi Oliver, Business Development & Partnerships Director, SS&L
Tell us a little about SS&L.
At SS&L, we believe learning has the power to change lives. We’re a Community Interest Company (CIC) based in Somerset, so people always come before profit. Any surplus we generate is reinvested into supporting learners, employers and the communities we serve, helping more people gain the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to succeed.
As a fellow Somerset SME, we understand the challenges local businesses face because we experience them too. We know that investing in people needs to deliver real value while fitting around the demands of running a business.
That’s why we work alongside employers to create flexible, personalised apprenticeship programmes that help people build confidence, develop skills and contribute to long-term business success.
How have you supported businesses connected with Hinkley Point C?
One partnership we’re particularly proud of is our work with Somerset Larder, where we’ve delivered the Team Leader Level 3 apprenticeship to help develop existing staff into confident leaders.
Rather than delivering a standard programme, we worked closely with the business to understand individual roles, strengths and development needs, ensuring every learner received support that was relevant to both them and the organisation.
Reflecting on the partnership, the SS&L team said:
“Somerset Larder’s commitment to developing its people has been clear throughout our work with their Team Leader Level 3 cohorts. Working closely together, we’ve taken the time to understand individual roles, strengths and development needs, ensuring each learner receives training and support that is relevant to them and the business. By investing in leadership skills across the organisation, Somerset Larder is creating opportunities for staff progression, strengthening team performance and supporting sustainable growth. As a Somerset SME ourselves, we’re proud to work with local employers like Somerset Larder who recognise that their people are their greatest asset.”
It’s a great example of how investing in learning can strengthen businesses from within while creating meaningful opportunities for employees to progress.
How can SS&L help businesses in the Hinkley Point C supply chain?
The businesses supporting Hinkley Point C are preparing not only for today’s opportunities but also for long-term growth. Developing skilled, confident people is a key part of that.
Our apprenticeship programmes have been carefully selected to support the skills many employers need, including business administration, project management, marketing and people management.
Current programmes include:
· Level 2 Administration Assistant
· Level 3 Business Administrator
· Level 4 Associate Project Manager
From January, we’ll also be offering:
· Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer, including an AI module for modern marketing
· Level 3 HR Support
· Level 3 Safeguarding Support Officer
Whether someone is starting their career or progressing into a new role, apprenticeships provide practical learning that can be applied immediately in the workplace, helping both individuals and businesses grow.
What makes SS&L different?
Being both a Community Interest Company and a Somerset SME gives us a different perspective.
We know every business is unique, so we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We build long-term partnerships, taking time to understand each employer’s ambitions and tailoring learning around the needs of both the business and the individual.
Our learners are supported every step of the way, helping them develop confidence as well as new skills.
That personalised approach recently helped us achieve Somerset’s highest apprenticeship achievement rate, alongside a 100% apprenticeship pass rate, reflecting our commitment to helping learners and employers succeed together.
What message would you like to leave with Hinkley Point C suppliers?
Every successful business is built on its people.
Whether you’re developing future leaders, strengthening your existing workforce or preparing for new opportunities, investing in learning is one of the most effective ways to build a stronger, more resilient business.
SS&L Account Manager, Tracey Matthews, said:
“Somerset’s SME community is at the heart of what we do. As a fellow SME, we understand the pressures businesses face and the importance of investing in people in a way that delivers real value. We work closely with employers to tailor apprenticeship opportunities around both individual development and business needs, helping teams build confidence, develop new skills and grow. Our apprenticeship programmes have been carefully selected to support businesses like yours.”
As a Community Interest Company, we’re proud to support employers across Somerset and the South West. Together, we can help more people realise their potential while building stronger businesses and stronger communities.
www.sslcourses.co.uk
0330 332 7997