SYMCA Support Helps S4S Team Boost Turnover, Skills, and Jobs in Sheffield
Sheffield-based dental staffing specialists, S4S Team, are a prime example of how the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is actively transforming the region’s economy. Through expert support from two key SYMCA programmes —the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub (SYAH) and Skills Bank—S4S Team has not only streamlined operations, increased turnover, and improved marketing, but has also become a testament to our commitment to building a stronger, greener, and fairer economy.
S4S Team’s ability to build new capacity through apprenticeships, upskill existing staff, improve turnover forecasts, and position itself for ambitious national growth directly contributes to our goal of creating a competitive economy that unlocks growth and prosperity, allowing a region that can survive and thrive.
For over seven years, S4S Team has built a strong reputation as a reliable and ethical provider of high-quality locum dental professionals, serving clients across Yorkshire, the Humber, Midlands, Greater Manchester, and the North East. As the company scales rapidly to meet the UK-wide demand for flexible dental staffing solutions, it faced new challenges—including a need for new staff to support operations, enhanced marketing expertise, and leadership skills. This is where business support from SYMCA’s programmes stepped in, demonstrating how the region is fostering an environment where businesses can grow.
Building Capacity Through Apprenticeships
The SYAH is a free service, and alongside helping individuals also supports employers to make informed decisions about apprenticeships. Firstly, the SYAH team helped Ryan Scott, Managing Director at S4S, define skills needs, identify appropriate apprenticeship standards, and shortlist training providers. As a result, two new apprentices – Stevie and Eddie – joined the business in late 2024 and early 2025. Both are now working towards their Recruiter Level 3 qualifications, whilst playing an active role in supporting operations, onboarding candidates, and coordinating staff placements across the region.
“SYAH’s hands-on support made it so easy to find the right apprenticeship standard and provider,” Ryan explained. “Stevie and Eddie have both hit the ground running – they’re enthusiastic, capable, and already making a big impact on our operations.”
The success of the apprenticeship programme has inspired existing team members to upskill through the same standard, demonstrating how apprenticeships can benefit both new recruits and existing staff.
Strategic Upskilling through Skills Bank
Following their success with SYAH, S4S Team then worked closely with SYMCA’s Skills Advisors which enabled Ryan to identify further key areas where training could unlock growth. This included Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing for a returning team member to drive outreach into new geographic markets and build brand visibility, and an MD-level strategic leadership training for Ryan himself to support sound decision-making, strategic planning, and financial management in a fast-scaling business.
This training was part-funded through South Yorkshire Skills Bank, which provides grants of up to 60% to help businesses upskill their workforce and stimulate growth. The Skills Advisor guided Ryan through the application process, offering practical advice on maximising grant outcome whilst minimising the time investment.
“The training funded by Skills Bank has been pivotal. Improved marketing expertise has already begun to attract new clients and candidates, while my leadership development is helping to futureproof the business,” said Ryan. “Together with streamlined operations now centralised in Sheffield thanks to recent digital transformation, we’re forecasting turnover growth year on year going forwards.”
“We’re grateful for the joined-up approach from the SYMCA Apprenticeship Hub and Skills Advisor service,” concluded Ryan. “Their collaboration saved us time, gave us confidence, and delivered real results. We’re not just growing – we’re growing sustainably, with the right people and the right skills.”
To learn more about how your business could benefit from Apprenticeship Hub or Skills Bank funding support, visit:
• South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub: https://southyorkshireapprenticeships.org
• South Yorkshire Skills Bank: https://skillsbank.southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/