For some time now the Goverment have been offering funding to companies under the Train To Gain scheme, so many questions are being asked about this initative like what’s in it for me, how much can I get, what can the funding be used for and how much work do I need to put in up front to claim this free cash.
All of these questions tend to put companies off goverment funded schemes as there seems to be so much red tape that we ask ourselves “is it really worth the hassle”. Well I can tell you the Train To Gain scheme most definetly is and all these questions can be answered by organisations that are there to help you at NO cost.
What’s it all about:
Train To Gain Skills audits are being used within the private, public and voluntary sectors to Identify a number of areas for development such as:
- Increase LSC (Learning and Skills Council) learner numbers – from Skills for Life through to Level 3.
- Provide data to both the LSC and Central Government by identifying the realistic number of New Apprenticeships that may actually be available in the public sector.
- Easily and quickly collate learner/employee data so that providers (whether this is the LA or not) can maximise similar skills/training cohorts across multi-sites at times to suit.
Using the Train to Gain service, getting valuable skills for your employees is simple. Just contact a Skills Adviser from Business Link for expert, one-to-one skills advice. They will help you organise a full training package tailored to your business.
How does the Train to Gain service work?
Train to Gain is the national skills service meeting the needs of employers of all sizes and in all sectors to improve the skills of their employees as a route to improving their business performance. The service offers skills advice on everything from basic skills through to leadership and management training.
The service aims to encourage all employers to realise the benefits that learning and skills can bring whilst recongising that different sized businesses or businesses from different sectors face different challenges. The service therefore recognises this and is tailored to meet these needs. For example, those employers with 5,000 or more employees will receive advice from a specific service that advises national employers- the National Employer Service.
Who provides this skills advice?
The Train to Gain service offers access to skills and training advice via three different routes:
- Business Link Advisers
- Colleges
- Training providers
Whatever route you take, they will introduce you to reliable, local training provision and support.
Why do I need advice from a Business Link Adviser, college or training provider?
Organising and implementing training can be challenging and time-consuming for employers. An independent Business Link Adviser, or college or training provider takes on much of the hard work – identifying quality courses, helping you schedule your training and/or business support to minimise disruption to your business.
What support will the Business Link Adviser give me?
Your Business Link Adviser will arrange to visit your office at a time that suits you. They will:
- Identify the skills that your business needs
Works with you to identify skills that will make a real difference to your business – now and into the future.
- Ccreate a training package that is tailored to your needs
Your Business Link Adviser identifies the training and other skills that will drive your business forward, and the employees who will benefit most.
- Find local training providers
Your Business Link Adviser identifies training providers that can work with you to meet your needs. If appropriate, they’ll source local providers who can work on site – minimising disruption to your business.
- Find funding to complement your investment
Your Business Link Adviser will provide advice on financing your training. If you’re eligible for partial or full funding or subsidies, your independent Business Link Adviser will help you access the support.
- Evaluate the training
You want the best value for money from your investment. Your Business Link Adviser evaluates your training programme, making sure it has had an impact on your business success.
Can Business Link Advisers recommend sector-specific training?
Train to Gain works with the Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) to identify the specific skills needed for each business sector. Your Business Link Adviser will have the expertise to offer sector-specific skills advice.
Can I access Train to Gain via a college or training provider, rather than using a Business Link Adviser?
To access the Train to Gain service you can use any college or training provider which have been contracted by the LSC. If you already have an established relationship with a training provider or if there is a training provider that is local to your business that you would like to use, you can access The Employer’s Guide to Training, which is an online search facility to find out if they have a Train to Gain contract and how to get in touch with them.
Conclusions:
In this climate every little helps but you may be surprised to learn just how much is available and how this improved learning will benefit your business long term. For more information on Skills audits contact us at http://www.surveysuite.co.uk/skills_audits/
01273 669 710
