Business support agency, Business Link, run the following workforce development initiatives.
The Business Link website carries full details
Train to Gain
Train to Gain is being rolled out nationally by the Learning and Skills Council across England and has been developed from the successful Employer Training Pilots.
Train to Gain will be at the very heart of the implementation of the Skills Strategy over the coming years and it will build on the achievements of the pilots. Like Employer Training Pilots it will offer employers free training for employees to achieve a Level 2 qualification (or a Skills for Life qualification) if they do not already have academic or vocational qualifications equivalent to level 2 (e.g. 5 GCSEs at grade A-C or NVQ level 2).
Flexible Skills Fund
The Flexible Skills fund can support training that is in line with the business needs and objectives. The training and development activity must be of a level 3 or above although not necessarily leading to a qualification. Mandatory or statutory training is excluded.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are work based training programmes designed for current and future employees aged between 16-24 (dependant on availability of Government funding) at commencement of the programme. There are different levels of apprenticeships that allow young people to gain NVQ level 2 or 3, depending on ability.
Investors in People
Investors in People (IIP) is a national standard. It is a business improvement tool that provides a flexible framework to help companies succeed and compete through their people. It makes sure that the skills and motivation of all employees help the business to move forward.
For further information on any of the above projects and eligibility criteria, please telephone 0845 600 9006.