Category Sponsors

Sponsorship of 'Award for Skills Development'

How the Learning and Skills Council is meeting the needs of businesses

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) aims to make England better skilled and more competitive. We are responsible for planning and funding high-quality education and training and we pride ourselves on working closely with businesses to ensure this training meets their needs effectively.

Research shows that a lack of basic literacy, numeracy and communication skills can cost a medium-sized business over £150,000 a year. Furthermore, a failure to invest in staff skills results in higher operating costs, lost orders, poor customer service and a loss of business to competitors. Contrary to popular belief, staff turnover is also much lower for employers who train as employees appreciate investment in their training and development.

Skills also have an impact on productivity and performance across all levels of an organisation, including senior management. A survey last year found that poor management costs the British economy £56 billion a year - more than five per cent of the entire economic output.

The LSC's sponsorship of the BCC's 'Award for Skills Development' allows us to highlight and recognise companies that are serious about their responsibility to invest in staff training. The LSC is working with colleges and training companies to ensure they are providing the types of training employers want and we fund a range of initiatives that organisations can take advantage of:

Employer Training Pilots
Available in a third of England and to-date over 18,000 employers and 130,000 employees have taken part. They offer flexible, high quality and subsidised training depending on the company size and the pilot area.In his pre-budget report in October 2004, the Chancellor announced an extension of the pilot scheme nationwide. This will form part of the National Employer Training Programme, which will be available from April 2006.

Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs)
CoVE status is awarded to providers who are meeting the skills needs of employers and business in a particular sector. This includes providing training out of normal working hours and using the latest industry standard equipment. CoVEs work closely with other providers as well as Sector Skills Councils andtheir local LSC to improve the level of training provided to employers in that area.

Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships provide a mixture of on and off the job training that leads to a nationally recognised qualification, relevant key skills and a technical certificate, where applicable. The content of an Apprenticeship is decided upon by the relevant Sector Skills Council and to work effectively, they require commitment from the apprentice, employer and training provider.

Leadership and Management
This scheme gives up to £1000 for skills assessment and training to directors of businesses employing between 20 and 250 employees, which can be used towards any type of development activity. This could mean job shadowing, coaching or mentoring, or even membership of a professional body.

Employer Skills Offer
A way for new employers to engage in workforce skills development. We hope that through the Offer, 66% businesses will commit to the Investors in People standard and it also enables employers to be referred to other programmes such as Skills for Life, level 2, level 3, Apprenticeships and more.

For more information visit www.lsc.gov.uk www.lsc.gov.uk