3 Responses

1. Local TECs
   Your local TEC is a good place to start. I don’t know if all TECs operate in the same way but my local one, Staffordshire offers an Individual Learning Account which provides people with up to £150.00 per person which can be out towards any job related training. Furthermore I understand that if a company is planning to go down the IIP route it’s possible to get up to 75% of training and development costs. (However I’ve not checked this out yet)

   Also there is free training available for people up to the age of 25 under the modern apprentice scheme.

   Hope this helps.

2. Local Business Link
   Nick, as Linda mentioned earlier, my local TEC provides the same, but also my local Business Link also pay 50% towards the cost of employee’s training. This is spported through a voucher system.

   There is also the Corporate/Enterprise Department of your local Higher Education College, who may be able to provide funding from the Higher Education Council (HEFC).

   Best of luck, let me know how you get on.

   Paul Harrington

3. depends where you’re based – try FE and SRB/regeneration project
   Hi,

   Alongside the other comments, and depending on where you’re based and what sector you’re in, there may be options to work with the local FE college for matched funding training projects, European funds etc. Also depends on how clued up the college is.

   There may be possibilities if your business is working in or near regeneration areas. There are a range of funds which may be utilised as long as it fits the objectives of the projects as well as your own needs. They may not provide a “whole ” business solution though.

   Some advice organisations tend to focus on employers’ needs and only think of certain funds, others such as FE and adult education guidance services know all about funds for individuals.

   Strategies probably need a mix of both!

   For educational advice services and careers services/companies which work with adults in your area, contact Learndirect (www.learndirect.co.uk). Their information is patchy (depends on the databases used) but sometimes useful.

   Hope this is helpful,

   Flick