Training academy honoured for job-creating achievements

An ambitious training academy led by an award-winning business outsourcing firm has been honoured by a Birmingham college.

Around 425 people have found full-time jobs with Birmingham-based Sigma Group after receiving expert training in the academy set up by Sigma - in partnership with Birmingham City Council, the Department for Work and Pensions and Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet).

Now, in recognition of the company’s success and long-term commitment to employment opportunities and skills, Sigma’s Chief Operating Officer Mike Harfield has been made a fellow of BMet.

Mr Harfield, pictured with BMet's Cliff Hall and Louise Jones, said: “We have an absolutely outstanding team providing a first-class  programme that builds candidates’ confidence and makes them ready for a career in our business.

“The team has taken hundreds of people and given them rare, hands on opportunities in a professional workplace. I’m really proud to say that the programme has helped to change lives and brought 425 people into new jobs in both Birmingham and Redditch.

“The Fellowship is a huge honour not just for me, but for the whole team involved. It’s a really proud moment for us all.”

Sigma, which has UK offices on Birmingham’s Priory Queensway and in Prospect Hill, Redditch, as well as in Cape Town, South Africa, has seen its staff numbers grow to over 1,000 since being acquired by South African-based Digicall Group in 2016.

Sigma’s clients include major blue chip organisations from the utilities, financial services, retail and telecommunications industries. The company was formed by Mr Harfield and CEO Gary Gilburd in 2011.

The training academy has been in operation since 2016 and was established within BMet’s Greater Birmingham Professional Services Academy. As part of the process, new recruits are provided with the opportunity to study for NVQ level 1, 2 and 3 in Customer Services while working at Sigma. Over 700 people have gone through the training so far.