This is a scheme that can provide you with training for your paid staff. The training offered would to those gaining up to NVQ level 2 for the first time.
The scheme offers a advice re-training needs for your organisations before recommending training suppliers to meet your needs.
The programme is delivered through a range of 'brokers' .There is a specialist broker for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) and also a range of other brokers for the different industries.
So if you think that your training needs are around the issues of management and organisation then the VCS broker would be appropriate.
If however you think that your training needs are more industry specific then you may want to contact one of the other brokers ( e.g. Child Care , Adult Care, Travel and Tourism, Retail services, or Agriculture.) For instance if you think your training needs are in the area of looking after children then you may want to contact the child care broker directly.
However all the brokers will know about each other so you could start anywhere in the system
If you have less than 50 employees (which would be most VCS organisations) then you can get replacement payments to cover the cost of replacing staff away on training.
You must also note that the training under this scheme is confined to PAID employees only. However if you have volunteers who need training they may be eligible on an individual basis for free training for first time training up to level 2 at providers such as Dewsbury College or HTC.
How it works:
Step 1: Identify the skills your organisation needs
Based on a clear understanding of your business goals, your Train to Gain Skills Broker works with you to carry out a free review and analysis of your organsiatioin to assess what skills you have has right now, and what it might need in the future.
All Train to Gain Skills Brokers are trained by the Learning and Skills Council. They are all specialists in training and have a proven track record of providing effective advice to business. If you need it, they can also provide access to a wider network of business support services.
Step 2: Pinpoint the right training
Your Skills Broker makes training recommendations based on their skills analysis explained in Step 1. The recommendation will help you:
- pinpoint the type of training that best suits your needs
- select the most appropriate Training Providers (all Train to Gain Training Providers meet national quality standards)
- choose how and when the training is delivered
- determine which qualifications your employees will benefit most from.
Step 3: Agree a tailored training package
Together with your Skills Broker and the Training Provider that you select, you agree a training package.
Step 4: Find available funding
Your Skills Broker can recommend the best ways of funding your training, explaining all the funding options available to you. Train to Gain provides some funding itself. This might include:
- Free training to help employees gain their first full Level 2 qualification and Skills for Life first numeracy and literacy qualification. This includes all training towards 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, NVQ Level 2 or equivalent (such as Skills for Life programmes) and a wide range of other training for low–skilled staff.
- Wage compensation for companies with less than 50 employees.
- Funded programmes, including for Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships, NVQ Level 3 and above, such as higher education.
Step 5: Review the progress you are making
Your Skills Broker provides continual support and works with you to review how your training is progressing.
More information: http:// www.traintogain.gov.uk
National Help Line- 0845 833 7000
Business Link West Yorkshire is the Broker for the Voluntary and Community Sector and they can be contacted on at their Kirklees Office 01484 438819 (http://www.blwy.co.uk/index.php)
Train to Gain - training for the Voluntary and Community Sector