Skills training receives ad campaign boost

11 November 2008

The government has launched a new ad campaign aimed at getting the message across to businesses of the value of skills training.

Throughout November, peak-time television and radio ads will explain that it is now quicker and easier for companies to get the training they need through 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.

In an effort to reach greater numbers of smaller employers, last month the government announced that SMEs will be the focus of £350 million of government training funds.

John Denham, the Skills Secretary, 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.”

The new Train to Gain package for SMEs provides 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.

The leadership and management programme has been extended so that more SMEs can benefit, including firms with just 5-10 workers.

Employees will also be allowed to get training up to level 2 (GCSEs) even if they already have a previous qualification at this level.