Training for success with Train to Gain
19 April 2007
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Training is vital for the success of your business, but it isn't always easy for companies to find the time, resources or the funding. On the other hand, if your employees' skills aren't updated regularly, your company might lose its competitive edge.
 
Train to Gain, the Learning and Skills Council's new, free and impartial Skills Brokerage service aims to tackle this problem, and help businesses in England find the training they need to succeed.

A recent survey conducted by the Small Business Research Trust suggests that awareness of this scheme among small business owners is still very low.

Levels of awareness of the Train to Gain scheme:

Micro businesses (0-5 employees) - 17.7% aware of the scheme
Small businesses (6-49 employees) - 33.4% aware of the scheme
Medium businesses (50-250 employees) - 40.8% aware of the scheme

The same survey also discovered that levels of formal training within smaller businesses were low.

Training undertaken in smaller businesses:
 
On the job only - 49%
Mix of internal and external - 30%
Formal external - 9%
Formal internal - 12%

The Train to Gain service is free to all employers and some training may also have subsidised funding from the Government – for example, Skills for Life and first full level 2 qualifications, Apprenticeships, Advanced Apprenticeships and some Level 3 training.

For more information call 08000 15 55 45 or visit http://traintogain.gov.uk

Working closely with a highly experienced Train to Gain Skills Broker, you can provide quality, affordable training for your employees. Together you can quickly:
 
Identify the skills your business needs
Your Train to Gain Skills Broker works with you to carry out a free review and analysis of your business needs to assess what skills your business needs now, and what it might need in the future, based on a clear understanding of your business goals.

The Train to Gain local and regional network of Skills Brokers is trained by the Learning and Skills Council. These specialist advisers have a proven track record of providing effective services to business. Access to a wider network of business support services can also be provided.

Pinpoint the right training
Your Skills Broker makes training recommendations based on their skills analysis, explained in Step 1. These will help you:

- pinpoint the type of training that best suits your needs
- select the right Training Providers (all Train to Gain Training Providers meet national quality standards)
- choose how and when the training is delivered
- determine which qualifications your employees will benefit most from
- If you wish to establish the provision available you can visit the Employer's Guide to Training Providers. Alternatively find a skills broker in your area.

Agree a tailored training package
Together with your Skills Broker and the Training Provider you select, you can agree a training package.
 
Find available funding
Your Skills Broker can recommend the best ways of funding your training, explaining all the funding options available to you. Train to Gain provides some funding itself. This might include:

- Contribution to wage costs may be available for companies with fewer than 50 employees with eligible qualifications.
- Funded programmes access to funding to help employees gain their first full Level 2 qualification and Skills for Life first numeracy and literacy qualification, plus programmes such as Apprenticeships, Advanced Apprenticeships and NVQ Level 3 and above, such as higher education.

Review the progress you're making
Your Skills Broker provides continual support and reviews of how your training is progressing.
 
More information
For more information call 08000 15 55 45 or visit http://traintogain.gov.uk