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'Train to Gain' roll-out to boost UK business skills

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‘Train to Gain’, a new Government-funded scheme that aims to help businesses get the training they need to succeed, will be rolled-out across the country this month.

For small business owners the scheme includes a leadership and management programme offering formal training and informal support.

An added advantage for small businesses (less than 50 employees) taking part in the scheme is that they may be eligible to receive wage compensation for the time that employees spend in training.

The ‘Train to Gain’ scheme, which is managed and delivered by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) gives employers access to a free Skills Broker, offering independent and practical advice to help match their training needs with training providers.

The key features of Train to Gain will be:

• A free Skills brokerage service targeted at hard to reach employers, to source any training provision they need at all levels

• Fully subsidised training, delivered at a time and place to suit the employer for low skilled up to a first full level 2 qualification, and with support for progression to level 3

• Free information, advice and guidance for employees, accessible through the workplace

• For employers with less than 50 employees wage compensation to compensate them for the time employees spend in training.

As well as the core offer there will be flexible (optional) elements which will include:

• Leadership and management programme for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) offering formal training and informal support (such as mentoring and coaching) up to £1000 for Managing Directors and other senior Directors aiming to help up to 17,000 SME managers by 2007-08

• For the individual - Foundation degrees, Skills coaches and Union Learning Representatives, Skills Passports.

More than 6,000 employers have already been helped by the new national training programme in the build up to the full national roll-out of the scheme across England this month.

Speaking on the scheme, Secretary of State for Education and Skills Alan Johnson said, “Train to Gain puts employers at the heart of the drive to close skills gaps and boost productivity. Training providers will ensure that top quality training is adapted to the needs of employers and their staff and is delivered in a targeted and flexible way within the workplace, from basic reading and maths up to key technician level and beyond.”

David Way, National Director of Skills at the LSC added, “Train to Gain is the most important service available to employers today, putting the strategic needs of the business at the heart of decisions about training. All employers, big and small, have a chance to define the skills and training needed, address skills shortages using the help and guidance of a specialist advisor.”

You can find out more about the scheme and how it will work in practice on the Train to Gain website.

Posted September 20, 2006