Boost for Train to Gain

10:48am Saturday 8th December 2007

A MASSIVE extension of the Train to Gain scheme will offer bespoke skills advice and high quality responsive training, according to the Government.

The doubling of funding in the Train to Gain Service is part of an investment programme announced by Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham.

The move will see more than £11billion a year invested in education, employment and training.

Since its launch in 2006, Train to Gain has helped over 8,500 employers and enabled over 35,000 employees in the South-West to undertake training.

A call to the Train to Gain helpline gives employers access to an impartial and independent skills broker to help them identify their skills and other business needs, and source training from a range of available skills solutions to best meet those needs.

Chris Minett, of Train to Gain, said: "The expansion of the Train to Gain service will enable even more employers across the South-West to benefit from high quality training and support "In a climate where training staff really does make a difference to an organisations profitability, this is a positive step towards a thriving region with growing businesses and a skilled work force."

Expansion plans include:

• More funding will be offered for a broader range of skills.

• The funding cap to be lifted for the best providers, enabling them to do more business as their performance improves;
• A boost for SME management training - the budget has increased from £4million to £30million per annum.

• The Learning and Skills Council's National Employer Service will be expanded.