Train to Gain is a new service to help businesses get the training they need to succeed. It offers employers impartial advice and easy access to quality training, matches training needs with training providers and ensure that training is delivered to meet employer’s needs.

The range of government subsidised training and qualifications available through Train to Gain include Skills for Life qualifications, first full Level 2 qualifications, Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships as well as NVQ Level 3 and above.

David Greer, Director – Skills for Employers at the Learning and Skills Council, said:

“Skills training has never been more important for businesses with skills gaps costing a typical 50-employee business an estimated £165,000 in lost revenue each year.”

“The Employer Training Pilots have already helped 250,000 employees and 30,000 employers across England get the training they need to succeed and we look forward to helping even more businesses with the launch of Train to Gain.”

The key features of the service are:

• A free Skills Brokerage service targeted at hard to reach employers, to source any training provision they need at all levels.

• Fully subsidised training, delivered at a time and place to suit the employer for low skilled up to a first full level 2 qualification, and with support for progression to level 3.

• Free information, advice and guidance for employees, accessible through the workplace.

• For employers with less than 50 employees to have the possibility of gaining a contribution to wage costs to compensate them for the time employees spend in training.

As well as the core offer there are flexible (optional) elements which include:

• Leadership and management programme for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) offering formal training and informal support (such as mentoring and coaching) up to £1000 for Managing Directors and other senior Directors aiming to help up to 17,000 SME managers by 2007–08.

• For the individual – Foundation degrees, Skills coaches and Union Learning Representatives, Skills Passports.

Both the training and the skills advice offered through the service will be impartial, flexible, responsive and offered at a time and place to suit businesses.

Train to Gain is funded by the Department for Education and Skills and delivered by the Learning and Skills Council.

For information on any of the above contact the Learning Skills Council on telephone: 0151 672 3418, or alternatively visit the Train to Gain website

Visit the Business Link website and click training so as to access our Training Directory, this will allow you to find an online course, search a national database of courses or find a workshop/seminar in your area.

We are fortunate in Knowlsey to be close to two prestigous centres of excellence in Liverpool University and Liverpool John Moores University. Both Universities offer a range of business support and training that may prove invaluable to your organisation.

Liverpool John Moores University provides a number of a key business solutions designed to support and facilitate enterprise on Merseyside. Key Services include;

• Consultants - As consultants LJMU are able to offer diverse services including; Product development, Marketing, Strategic Analysis and I.T.

• Research - As providers of support for research; LJMU are helping to harness new technology and increase the potential of new products.

• Training and Education - Various qualifications can be studied, including degrees, postgraduate courses and professional qualifications.

• Continuing Professional Development - A programmee designed to enable employees to develop and enhance vocational and professional skills, providing structured staff development.

• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships - Practical support and expertise for companies that wish to embark on business improvement and development projects.

• Facilities and Service Hire - There are meeting and conference facilities available, with internet access, audio visual equipment and video conferencing.

• New Business Incubation and Support - Can provide a support network for new business, the network provides access to facilities, equipment, grants, funding, and support and managemnet expertise.

• Graduate Recruitment and Student Placements - Undergraduates and Postgraduates can undertake placements as part of their studies.

GIEU placements provide the opportunity to employ the skills of a committed and enthusiastic graduate to help develop a key area of your business, at a fraction of the cost usually associated with recruiting a graduate.

The programme offers you:

• An additional graduate resource to undertake a specific project without depleting your existing staff resources

• The opportunity to develop and grow a key area of your business

• A cost effective method of evaluating a prospective employee

• The programme offers you:

Knowsley is fortunate to have a range of training organisations in the Borough, including Knowsley College, Partnership for Learning and Mercia Training Partnership.