Train to Gain
The recession has left many businesses and employees experiencing great economic hardship. Train to gain helps combat these challenging times.
What is Train to Gain?
Train to Gain is a government initiative that helps businesses of all different shapes and sizes to get the training they need to succeed and grow.
Train to Gain aims to meet the needs of employers across the length and breadth of the country, by improving the skills of their workforce which ultimately will improve how well the business performs.
As well as this it aims to encourage all businesses and individuals to value the benefits that learning and different skills can bring, unlocking employees potential and increasing company productivity in the process.
There is a massive range of training covered, including basic level skills, to level two( equivalent of five good GCSEs) and level three( two A-levels) qualifications and other higher level skills such as leadership and management.
How does it work?
Just contact a skills adviser from Business Link or a college or training provider who will then give you expert, one-to-one advice on what train to gain can do for your business.
They will:
• Help you identify the skills your business needs.
• Create a training package tailored to these needs.
• Find funding for your investment.
• Find a local training provider.
• Evaluate the training.
Basically they will take on much of the hard work for you!
If you wish to access Train to Gain via a college or training provider rather than a Business Link Adviser, you can use the online search facility ‘The Employer’s Guide to Training’, to find out all the places that have a Train to Gain contract and how you can get in touch with them.
To contact a Business Link Adviser call 0845 600 9 006 or fill in a form online at www.traintogain.gov.uk.
How will it benefit my business?
Training will have a huge impact on your staff and is an essential part of any business. Times are tough right now, and a skilled work force will ensure a boost in productivity and a reduction in recruitment costs.
Trained staff who know what they are doing will be much more positive about the job at hand, and have more motivation knowing that the company has invested time and money in their skills. Training can give your employees the skills and awareness to do their jobs effectively, and the ambition to drive your business forward.
Train to Gain isn’t just about large businesses. Small and medium sized businesses are the top priority and it is easier than ever for them to carry on training and developing their staff.
How can I get funding?
Your independent Business Link Adviser or college or training provider will be able to give you detailed information about the funding you are entitled to, and suggest other sources of funding for your training. Funding is available for:
Level two qualifications (equivalent to five good GCSEs)
Train to Gain provides funding for literacy, numeracy and English language skills. There is also funding available for a number of additional level two qualifications.
Contributions to Level 3 qualifications (equivalent to 2 A-levels)
For employees who already have Level two qualifications, Train to Gain will contribute towards the cost of a Level three qualification and for those employees who don’t have a Level two qualification but have the skills to progress straight to Level three, full funding will be provided. Employees who are aged 19-25 and who aren't already at level three can receive full funding.
Apprenticeship programmes
Funding is available for apprenticeships and advanced apprenticeships.
Leadership and management skills
For businesses in the private sector with five to 250 employees, an in-depth skills analysis is offered for owners and managers, plus a grant support of up to £1000 to develop leadership and management skills.
Contribution to wage costs
For small businesses (less than 50 employees), a contribution to the cost of staff spending time away from work because of the training can sometimes be provided.
