| New project helps improve the skills of the North East workforce |
| Written by Learning Links Europe |
| Friday, 06 February 2009 14:43 |
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A new project to help North East businesses improve the skills of their workforce has been launched by Newcastle-based training company Learning Links Europe.The SkillsWork project offers the region's workforce the chance to work towards NVQ Level Two qualifications in Customer Service, Information Technology Qualification or Business Improvement Techniques. The four month courses are free for people who have not already achieved a level two qualification – the equivalent of 5 GCSEs at C grade or above, and are work-based; therefore time lost by the employer is minimal. Ann Bonney, managing director for Learning Links Europe comments: “This is an excellent opportunity for local businesses to take advantage of the funding available for training their workforce.” “Helping their team work towards nationally recognised qualifications can act as a great motivator and is essential for businesses who want to grow and improve.” In addition to NVQ training, the SkillsWork project offers local businesses support with recruitment, staff retention and staff development. Using specialised profiling techniques the SkillsWork advisors are able to assess workforce training needs and perform individual career healthchecks to make sure people are in the right positions, have the right skills for the job and are enjoying their work. Ann continues: “This is a free service which could really help North East employers. Many small to medium-sized businesses do not have the time or expertise to tackle their training needs in-house, yet a limited budget prevents them from outsourcing this function. “We know that most employers do recognise the importance of developing the region's skills but their fears about losing business hours to training and the costs put many people off. For more information about the SkillsWork project call 0191 245 2252. |