Back from down under, Michael is eager to "make a difference" in Warwickshire

"There is such an amazing diversity of businesses in Warwickshire and it is so rewarding to help them bridge the skills gap."

Michael Sharman has brought a big passion for education and desire to help business fill their skills gaps to his role as business skills advisor at Warwickshire County Council

Michael has joined the Economy & Skills team, based at Barrack Street, Warwick, but is rarely office-based as he gets out and about supporting business of all sizes and sectors.

Having returned from the trip of a lifetime to Australia, he haspicked up his career back in England and is delighted to have done so in Warwickshire. Before travelling, he gathered experience in a number of sectors, spending some time working in construction and facilities management including at his own former primary school.

He also achieved a Distinction in Level 3 Business Administration and gained qualifications in the built environment at Leicester College but was always drawn to return to the skills and education sector.

Michael said: "I really enjoyed working in the school so when I saw a vacancy connected to the education sector at Warwickshire County Council, I applied straight away.

"The variety of the job appealed to me. There is such an amazing diversity of businesses in Warwickshire and it is so rewarding to help them bridge the skills gap. I am really looking forward to making a difference within the community."

Michael can certainly vouch for the value of apprenticeships having served one at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College. There he worked as a Business Engagement Advisor, dealing closely with all types of business from SME’s to global organisations - a role which revolved very much around bridging the skills gaps across the whole of the UK and finding appropriate training solutions.

"I really enjoyed that role," he said. "I also worked alongside learners to help find them decide on their future career-path and advise them where possible.

"During my time with NWSLC I also completed a Business Administration Level 3 Apprenticeship, during which I learned about the organisation as a whole and effective ways to communicate.

"My primary focus now is to support businesses across Warwickshire with the support they need. As part of my role I will be completing a Business Skills Analysis that would give me more of an indication as to the actual business needs as well as documenting findings and building a skills support plan.

"The focus of my role will be to build a strong working, professional relationship with further education providers who offer a variation of courses along with employability programmes and schools.

"I will also be building relationships with the county’s local partnerships which include Coventry and Warwickshire growth hub and Coventry and Warwickshire chamber of commerce."