By 2030, based on latest government figures, there will be just over 4.2 million pupils in our nursery & primary schools. They require ‘bedrock’ early-years education – and that’s where Showcase Training, one of Fareham Innovation Centre’s resident occupiers, comes in.

Formed in 2015, the same year purpose-built Fareham Innovation Centre opened its doors, Showcase Training entered the market as an Early Years training provider for nursery schools, with a clear vision to deliver qualifications of the highest possible standards.

Vocational qualifications

Registered employers involved with the immense responsibility of running Early Years settings require qualified staff; Showcase Training specialises in apprenticeship courses with vocational qualifications that provide operators with peace of mind.

Rated a Good Provider by education standards watchdog Ofsted, the company has not only increased the volume of qualifications but extended geographically as well. Expansion meant the company, with 18 staff, needed a large serviced office – Fareham Innovation Centre proved the right fit.

Taking up opportunities

To date, tens of hundreds of clients have successfully qualified in three core courses – *Level 2 Early Years Practitioner, Level 3 Early Years Educator and Level 5 Early Lead Practitioner. Organic growth has also come from outbound marketing, with a magazine, newsletters, podcast, blogs, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram reaching potential employers and engaging with apprentices past, present and future.

Having moved to the centre in August 2022, Showcase Training took up the opportunities provided to occupiers with complimentary on-site sessions on marketing.

Marketing skills

The centre’s Innovation Director, Anna Bravington, provided advice and guidance on marketing, reinforced with workshops presented by All Star Marketing Club.

Ellen Roberts, Director of Operations at Showcase Training, said: “We’ve thrived on the internal opportunities facilitated by the centre, from the marketing bootcamps and networking to introductions.

“For example, the centre put us in touch with a local authority, and, on the back of that, we’ve started to work with a college on entry routes into Early Years.

Business community

“That would not have happened with the centre, which is like having another member of staff. They facilitate a lot of opportunities for us.” Showcase Training also contributes to the strong sense of business at the centre, including hosting a charity bake sale for Solent Mind – £226 was raised for the mental health support charity within hours.

Like various other resident occupiers, the company does business with others at the centre, including IT through Solent Way Computers and mobile phones with Connection Technologies.

Under one roof

When it came to an awards ceremony for clients of Showcase Training, the centre’s conference suite, The Bridge, was hired, providing logistical convenience and free on-site car parking for everyone. Likewise, when there is an in-person staff meeting, the company utilises one of the meeting rooms, with air conditioning, wireless phone charging and a bright environment.

* Level 2 involves trainees working and interacting with children on a day-to-day basis, supporting the planning and delivery of activities.

Level 3 is for highly trained professionals who play a key role in ensuring that children learn and develop and are kept healthy and safe.

Level 5 regards working directly with young children, skilfully leading and managing day-to-day practice in the setting.

                                                                                                                                   The team from Showcase Training.                                                                                                             

Thinking of renting a space at Fareham Innovation Centre? Click here for availability or contact our Centre Director, Stephen for more information at sbrownlie@oxin.co.uk