Training is easiest way for Salford business to grow, says government
A high-profile Government advertising campaign kicks off today to promote the benefits of training to businesses, particularly during tougher economic times.
Throughout November, peak-time television and radio adverts will say that it is now quicker and easier for companies to get the training they need to keep their businesses moving by accessing the Train to Gain service. Train to Gain offers free, impartial advice, support and funding to help companies of all sizes train and develop their employees. It has helped more than 570,000 people improve their skills since 2006 - but the Government wants to make it easier for small businesses in particular to benefit. Last month Skills Secretary John Denham announced that small businesses will be the focus of £350m of Government funds to help them train their staff.
The £2.4 million advertising push will run from November 10 for three weeks and will include slots during major TV series such as Coronation Street, The Bill and Emmerdale. The television advertisement - part of the Learning and Skills Council's ongoing campaign, 'Our future. It's in our hands' - features a "hand ballet".
Skills Secretary John Denham said:
"Investing in training is essential to any business but it is more important than ever in the current economic climate. Research shows that companies that don't train are 2.5 times more likely to fail than those who do.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but don't always have the time or resources to find out about the support that is available to help them thrive. This campaign will ensure no small business that needs support misses out. We're making it quicker and easier to build the skills and expertise of people in the small business community, and making small businesses the focus of a £350m support package.
The key elements of the new Train to Gain package for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are:
* Funding for "bite-sized chunks" - small units or modules of qualifications in subjects known to be important to SMEs, such as business improvement, team-working, customer service, and risk management;
* Extending the successful leadership and management programme so that more SMEs can benefit from it, including companies with just 5-10 workers;
* Relaxing the rules to allow workers to get relevant training at GCSE level (level 2), even if they already have a previous qualification at this level; and more funding for training to level 3 (equivalent to two A-levels).
Over 300 colleges in England currently offer courses funding through Train to Gain. Today also marks the start of Colleges Week, led by the Association of Colleges (AoC) and the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills (DIUS) in partnership with the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). Colleges Week is a national celebration of the role colleges play in unlocking talent in communities, transforming lives of learners and helping local businesses succeed.
Related Links
To see a copy of the television advert click here
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