5 Responses

1. Funding
   Try your local Business Link, they can tell you what is avaiable. There is a fund called Invest in Skills which allows up to 40% funding on most courses. Also a new fund is becoming avaiable called train to gain, this pays for the time the staff are out of the workplace while training.

   Good luck

   Ginny

2. Sector Skills Councils and Learndirect
   I would also suggest having a word with your Sector Skills Council (if one is up and running in your area – visit http://www.ssda.org.uk to find out), wo may be able to help.

   Alternatively Learndirect may have some information to hand – 0800 100 900

3. You don’t have to do it on your own
   Matthew, if like me you don’t have time to go trawling around funding bodies and sourcing info I would recommend that you contact a company that can do it for you. There are lots of ‘skills brokers’ around who source the funding and match it to your company. I don’t know where you are based but there’s an excellent company in London called Training for Change.

   I am sure if they can’t help you they will recommend someone who can. Ask for Jerome Goodluck, he’s very helpful. Tel: 020 7803 1620

   They have been brilliant at finding me funding and subsidised training for my company.

   Good luck.

4. Try your local Learning and Skills Council, LSC
   As well as Business Links who deal mainly with smaller organisations, try contacting the Workforce development department of your local Learning and Skills Council, LSC.

   Established in April 2001, the LSC is responsible for funding and planning education and training for over 16-year-olds in England.

   There are 47 local LSCs and the workforce developemnt department in particular are tasked with developing the skills of the workforce working, in conjunction with the Sector Skills council and other bodies. Phone 0870 900 6800 to get in touch with your local LSC and find out what they can do for you.

5. Thank You
   Thank you to all who responded to my question. Very helpful.