The Training Standards Council (TSC) says that not enough work is being done by training providers to make training schemes accessible to all.

The TSC says that although care is taken to comply with statutory requirements regarding equal opportunities, opportunities for increasing inclusion in training and employment are being lost, because it's not just a case of creating an open-door policy - more outreach work is needed.

The TSC says that although widening publicity to attract a range of clients is important, training providers should take steps to forge links with local community groups, so that when training schemes are recruiting trainees they are better placed to offer these to those who might benefit. It adds that training providers are often unaware that there are funds available from TECs and from the European Social Fund and the Single Regeneration budgets to support projects relating to broadening equality of opportunity.

Chief Inspector David Sherlock says that it's particularly important that training providers recognise the importance of their role in enabling people to change their lives through learning, as the government's policies place a heavy emphasis on this: "Many people who choose work-based training do so because they are not well served by formal education. Among them are people who lack basic skills and people who are discriminated against but who have much to offer in a technological society. (training providers) must show that work-based learning transforms lives."