The Government has launched a portal aimed at helping businesses access information on developing beneficial staff training programmes in accordance with July's Skills Strategy announcement.
Skills for Employers (www.skillsforemployers.gov.uk) aims to "provide an important signposting service for businesses looking to improve the skills base within their workforce."
Information is provided within three key areas:
Employers can also register to receive business updates as well as network and discuss business related issues within the Small Business Forum section. The aim of the forum is to encourage businesses from a diversity of vertical markets to engage with the DfES, instigate quality discussions about topics and issues relevant to employers, and to raise issues with and obtain advice from, other employers experiencing similar issues.
TrainingZONE says: There's not a lot here that can't be found elsewhere (such as the main DFES site), but gathering it together in one place is potentially a good idea. The training provider section, for example, lists the usual links to New Deal, NVQs, Investors in People, among others, and a number of the links are duplicated in the 'support for training' section.
The forums have actually been in place for quite some time, and at first glance there appears to be lots of activity and postings, although the majority are made by a couple of individuals. It would be interesting to know whether the government makes use of the forum feedback in any way.
