CI Business Solutions

Growing your BusinessAbout CI Business SolutionsCI Business Solutions – What we offerTraining/CPD – Develop your workforceCourse Types and Training MethodsCustom TrainingBusiness Training Advice and AnalysisPartnershipsWork With UsOffer a Work PlacementOffer an Industry PlacementContact CI Business SolutionsEmployer Enquiry Form

CI Business Solutions





CI Business Solutions is the B2B arm of Colchester Institute, providing high quality training solutions for your business needs.

We provide a wide range of an extensive range of continuous professional development (CPD) courses and training across a multitude of industries, and can help you or your business increase productivity, profits and workforce skills. These range from apprenticeships to flexible online training, whilst bite size and short courses are available to suit organisation needs. Part-time day release and evening further education courses are available for those already working in their chosen industry and trade sectors.

Everyone has different training requirements. We understand that, and will provide you with advice and guidance to help you identify your training needs. We work with a wide range of businesses and companies from all sectors, whether they are self-employed/individuals, SMEs’ or large organisations, to offer employers training and development opportunities including Apprenticeships and work experience placements.

We provide:

Colchester Institute has recently obtained University Centre Colchester (UCC) status for its Higher Education building/provision. Our Degree level Management and Leadership courses are developed with employers and can be studied part-time, fitting around employees work commitments.

Business Training and CPD

Continuing to be efficient and productive in the workplace is essential across any industry sector in order to produce and maintain an effective workforce. At CI Business Solutions we are committed to providing high quality solutions to meet the needs of employers and their workforce. Our wide range of training caters for every business, and can help you increase both your productivity, profits and workforce skills.

All businesses and employers have different training requirements and each employee has their own training needs. CI Business Solutions understands that, and we can provide you with advice and guidance to help you identify your needs. We can also make employers aware of any funding initiatives that you may be able to access.

Whats in it for me? Benefits to your business:

~ Improving employee skills adds value to businesses by supporting development and growth

~ Enhancing the professional development of your workforce increases employee motivation and career development

~ Supporting the personal development and professional training needs of your workforce boosts employee well-being and staff retention

Search for training

Course Types – Choose the Right Training Method

Maintaining the refinement and development of your own skills, or that of your staff through training, is integral for maintaining the progression and effectiveness of individuals across all industry sectors. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is the commitment to lifelong learning and achieving by which individuals can enhance their employability and career prospects, therefore ensuring they remain competitive and continue to be effective, proficient and knowledgeable in their employment field and industry sector.

Choosing the right course is essential for your satisfaction and the success of your business. As we offer a variety of course programmes we would like to describe your options so you can choose the right one for you and your organisation.

Open Courses
Short training courses open to anyone who would like to attend; developed in a diverse range of subject areas. Courses are held regularly throughout the year on specified dates.
Bespoke Courses for Employers
Either tailor your personal requirements or start from scratch to create your perfect bespoke training programme. This option is particularly cost effective if you want to train a number of staff at the same time.
Coaching
Including executive coaching, life coaching, business coaching, personal coaching: options available to help you achieve your personal or professional goals.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships can help businesses across all sectors by offering a means to harness new talent. An Apprenticeship course is an excellent way of gaining qualifications and workplace experience.

CI Business Solutions offers access to Colchester Institute Apprenticeships Scheme.

Many industries are suffering from skills shortages, making it difficult for employers to find qualified staff. By taking on an apprentice you can train the candidate to suit the needs of your business, whilst Colchester Institute can provide the training and assessment to meet the required national standards.

 Benefits for Employers:

  • Improved Productivity – Apprenticeships equip young people with the skills and knowledge to do their job more efficiently and make a contribution to your business from day one. As motivated employees, apprentices work harder and more effectively for your business.
  • Motivated people – Apprentices are motivated individuals who are keen to learn. By offering Apprenticeships you will find it easier to recruit and retain able staff.
  • Relevant training – Apprenticeships are designed by businesses in your sector to meet the needs of your business. This means that the training is always relevant and tailored to the needs of your sector by people who genuinely understand what you do.
  • Avoid skills shortages – Apprenticeships allow you to invest in your business’s future. By taking on an apprentice you keep abreast of new technology and remain competitive in the market place.
Part-time (Day-release and evening)

Part-time (Day-release and evening)

Colchester Institute offers a range of professional courses across a variety of sectors. Part-time day release and evening further education courses are available for those already working in their chosen industry. Continuing to be efficient and productive in the workplace is essential across any industry sector in order to produce and maintain an effective workforce.

Part-Time Courses

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Degree (Higher Education) Courses

Degree (Higher Education) Courses

We offer a unique vocational learning experience, with practical and theoretical teaching embedded in our flexible full and part-time programmes. Our courses are designed with employers’ needs in mind and incorporate industry visits, guest lecturers and work placements. Flexible delivery provides the opportunity for students to fit their studies around employment or other commitments.

Workplace NVQs

Workplace NVQs

NVQs are National Vocational Qualifications for candidates who wish to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed at work. NVQ course programmes provide a mixture of practical and theoretical studies in realistic working environments.

Work Place Learning – gain a qualification on the job! No need to attend the College.

CI Business Solutions offers National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) as a part of Work Place Learning Scheme (WPL). The courses are delivered on the job and you can apply for funding to help you cover the costs of training.

Work Place Learning (NVQs) and Work Based Learning (Apprenticeships).

Work Based Learning (WBL) consists of NVQ (or a similar qualification), Functional Skills and Technical Element
Work Place Learning (WPL) consists of NVQs only (no need to attend the College)
Courses we offer as a part of the WPL Scheme

Experienced Worker Practical Assesments (EWPA) NVQs

CI Business Solutions offers EWPA experienced worker route NVQ’s in Brickwork, Electrical Installations and Carpentry or Bench Joinery. Successful completion of the 2 day assessment results in an NVQ Level 2 in your chosen trade.

It is essential that you are either employed or self employed and are covered by Public Liability Insurance.

You should have a minimum of 5 Years industry experience.

Bespoke Courses and Training Solutions

Do you have a group of staff members requiring training?

Do you find it difficult to send staff off-site?

CI Business Solutions has the answer…with our flexible training programmes.

Either tailor your personal requirements or start from scratch to create your perfect bespoke training programme. This option is particularly cost effective if you want to train a number of staff at the same time. With our flexible delivery at your premises or a venue of your choosing you can be sure we will help you make the most of your budget.

We also offer businesses a selection of custom training opportunities with flexible delivery. These range from industry certification to accredited professional programmes of study, which can either be tailored to meet your personal requirements or created from scratch in order to create your perfect bespoke training programme.

We understand that every business is different and that you may require a course to meet needs unique to you and your business. Choose to tailor a standard course to your personal requirements or let us work with you to create your perfect bespoke training programme incorporating your policies if required.

Popular existing training, which can also be adapted to your needs, include:
  • Management Development Programmes
  • Team Leader Development Programmes
  • Mediation Skills
  • Chairing Meetings
  • Minute and Note Taking
  • Bid Writing
  • Formal Writing
  • Online Marketing for Real Results
  • Invisible Sales
  • Build Effective Marketing Communications
  • Maximising Sales from Trade Shows and Exhibitions
  • International E-Commerce Success
  • Audit Training
  • Project Management
  • Sales Development
  • Appraisal Training
  • Managing Sickness Absence, Performance Management & Appraisal SkillsObjection Training
  • Networking Masterclass
  • The Art of Communicating to Win
  • Managers/Directors Short Sharp Shock
  • Debriefing Training
  • Values and Attitudes
  • Management Development Programmes
  • Team Leadership Skills
  • 1:1 Coaching
  • HR
  • Excellent Customer Service
  • Telephone Handling
  • Safeguarding Coaching
  • Presenting Short Training Briefings
  • Stress Management
  • Managing Stress and Pressure
  • Managing Difficult Conversations
  • Resolving Conflict
  • LinkedIn, You and Your Business

Business Training Advice

Our dedicated Business Training Advisors will take the time to understand your exact requirements. They will work with you to help identify the training needs and skills gaps within your organisation and will co-ordinate the training delivery and evaluation process. As part of our commitment to quality we also believe it is fundamental to evaluate your training, making sure it has a positive impact and adds value to your business.

Free Organisational Needs Analysis

During this process we will take time to:

  • Understand your business goals, aspirations and challenges
  • Clarify your objectives in developing your staff
  • Review existing practice
  • Assist you in identifying existing and potential skills gaps or areas of improvement
  • Agree the best solutions for your organisation to maximise your potential

Creating Successful Partnerships

Our courses have been developed to identify the ideal training programme to meet priority areas of employment and skills gaps in a variety of industry sectors.

We also offer businesses a selection of bespoke training opportunities with flexible delivery.  These range from industry certification to accredited professional programmes of study, which can either be tailored to meet your personal requirements or created from scratch in order to create your perfect bespoke training programme.

We want to continue to work in partnership with businesses to provide exceptional training and development opportunities for both our students and your staff.

  • Short courses/CPD
  • Company training programmes – tailored/bespoke
  • Mandatory/compliance training
  • Coaching
  • Consultancy
  • Apprenticeships
  • Work experience placements
  • Talent Management
  • Venue Hire
  • Sponsorship from businesses
  • Employer forums

Work with us – In partnership with businesses

CI Business Solutions is the commercial arm of Colchester Institute and has delivered high quality business training solutions for over 25 years to local, national and international employers. We are recognised by employers for our importance to the region’s economy.

We have an established reputation for delivering high quality, innovative training solutions that are responsive to our customers business’ needs.

In addition to meeting your learning objectives, we ensure that all training is delivered to an excellent standard by experienced, enthusiastic and highly credible trainers who are supportive of all our learners. Programme topics range from health and safety, trade specific training to business management.


The department of education (DfE) have made a commitment that all 16-19 year old students following a technical education route will be entitled to a quality industry placement to arm them with the relevant skills they need to give them the best possible opportunity to enter skilled employment.

Why is this happening?
Industry placements are gradually being introduced to replace ‘work placements’, will be a mandatory part of new T levels being introduced over the next few years, which are designed to support entry to skilled employment in technical occupations at level 3 and above. A substantial, high quality placement with an external employer will be an essential part of each T level.

How is this different to work experience?
Work experience typically involves a student shadowing you for 1 to 2 weeks and most likely not necessarily having studied a relevant course to your industry. Industry placements will be for a minimum of 45 days with students who are studying an industry related course and after a period of induction, they can add value to your business.

What are the benefits to my organisation/business?

  • A step into apprenticeships: A fantastic opportunity to get to know your potential apprentices of the future and ensure they are the right fit for your organisation.
  • Additional resources to help during busy periods
  • The second year students chosen by tutors are high achieving in qualifications relating to your industry and work ready
  • You will become a recognised *Industry Placement Employer*
  • No obligatory cost to your organisation. It is at the employer’s discretion if they want to pay the student or compensate for expenses such as travel

Want to know more?

If you are interested in becoming an Industry Placement Employer, please submit your contact details, including company name and industry sector using the below form.

Our team will then work with you in order to assess your business needs and find the most suitable industry placement options for you.

Industry Placement Enquiry Form

 

Our Address

CI Business Solutions,
Colchester Institute,
Sheepen Road,
Colchester,
Essex
CO3 3LL

Contact Details

Telephone01206 712727
Fax01206 563351
Emailbusiness.solutions@colchester.ac.uk

Opening Times

Monday -Thursday08.15 – 17.00
Friday08.15 – 16.30
Terms & Conditions

Please read the Terms and Conditions of the booking page.

1. Terms of payment
Payment should accompany all applications for courses or assessments. If payment is not enclosed it must be made in full prior to the start of any course or assessment. The CI Business Solutions reserves the right to re-allocate a course place to another delegate or refuse admission if payment has not been received. Cheques should be made payable to Colchester Institute Enterprises Ltd. Credit card payments are also accepted.

2. Transfer fees
If a delegate wishes to transfer a booking there will be an administrative charge of 25% of the course fee. This charge will be applicable each time a transfer takes place. If a transfer is then cancelled at any time, the full course fee remains payable.

3. Cancellation fees
If a booking is cancelled the following scale of charges apply. If the cancellation is made within a period of 21 to 7 days prior to the course 50% of the course fees are payable. Within a period of 7 days prior to the start of the course 100% of the course fees are payable.

4. Delegate substitutions
Delegates can be substituted at any time without extra cost, unless examination entries have already been made to an external examination body in which event additional examination fees and in some cases late entry fees will be payable.

5. Cancellation of courses
CI Business Solutions reserves the right without liability to cancel a course at any time in which event a full refund of any fees paid will be made.

6. Changes to course content
CI Business Solutions reserves the right to change the course content, without prior notice, to accommodate up-to-date information or alternative speakers other than those advertised.

7. Liability for property
CI Business Solutions does not accept responsibility or liability in respect of loss or damage to any property brought to the premises of CI Business Solutions or any other premises used by CI Business Solutions for a course. The delegate or delegate’s company should arrange appropriate insurance.

8. Liability for accidents and damage
A delegate and sponsor shall indemnify CI Business Solutions for the negligent or criminal damage to premises, or property brought to the premises of CI Business Solutions or any other premises used by CI Business Solutions for a course. CI Business Solutions does not accept liability for damage caused as a result of the negligent acts or omissions of CI Business Solutions, its employees or agents save for its statutory liability for death or personal injury.

9. Copyright
CI Business Solutions, its printers and publishers reserve proprietary rights on all course notes and study material provided for a delegate and no part of the course notes or study material may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise or stored in any retrieval system of any nature without the written permission of CI Business Solutions, its printers and publishers.

All bookings (whether written or verbal) are subject to the above Terms and Conditions and constitute a legally binding contract under English Law.

Travel Directions

CI Business Solutions is conveniently located in the North of Colchester, within easy reach of the A12. It is situated on the Colchester Institute Campus, Sheepen Road, which runs off Colne Bank Avenue (The Avenue of Remembrance), and West Way.

By Rail

CI Business Solutions is a 10 minute walk away from Colchester’s North Station. This is on a direct line from London Liverpool Street (50 minutes), Norwich (one hour) and Ipswich (19 minutes). There is a taxi rank located outside the station.

By Car

If travelling on the A12 via Chelmsford in a northerly direction, take the A134 exit sign-posted for Colchester Central. At the roundabout take the second exit and at the next roundabout take the third exit onto Westway. At the next roundabout take the fourth exit onto Sheepen Road and CI Business Solutions is the first turning on the left past the retail park.

If travelling south from the Ipswich direction on the A12, take the A1232 exit, go straight over the next two roundabouts, down Ipswich Road to a further roundabout. Take the third exit onto Cowdray Avenue. Go through the traffic lights, over one more roundabout and then at the second roundabout take the first exit onto Westway and at the next roundabout take the fourth exit into Sheepen Road, as above.

By Bus

There is a frequent bus service which runs from North Station to near by Colchester Institute. For further information on local bus routes click here.

On Foot

Centrally located, Colchester Institute is a 10 minute walk away from the station and the town centre.

Car Parking

Limited on-site parking is available in the student car park. A permit system along with daily charges is applicable, but there is no guarantee of a parking space. There are several public car parks close to the College.

For more information on these car parks please visit Colchester Borough Council’s website.

Employer Enquiry Form
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