Home > News > September 2006 > 13 September 2006

Train to Gain scheme goes national

Train to Gain, the government's new national training programme begins its phased roll-out across England this month.

The programme provides employers with access to a free skills broker service designed to offer independent and practical advice to match training needs with training providers.

Train to Gain, developed from the Employer Training Pilots, is funded by the Department for Education and Skills and delivered by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

David Way, national director of skills at the LSC said: "The Government's investment in Train to Gain underlines its firm commitment to address skills shortages. Train to Gain is the most important service available to employers today, putting the strategic needs of the business at the heart of decisions about training.

"All employers, big and small, have a chance to define the skills and training needed, address skills shortages using the help and guidance of a specialist advisor."

Alan Johnson, secretary of state for education and skills, said: "Train to Gain puts employers at the heart of the drive to close skills gaps and boost productivity. Training providers will ensure that top quality training is adapted to the needs of employers and their staff and is delivered in a targeted and flexible way within the workplace, from basic reading and maths up to key technician level and beyond.

"Education does not and should not stop when people leave school or college - people must be able to tap into education throughout life, whether it is academic, trade, basic or vocational. That is why we have made record investments in education and are putting millions into Train to Gain over the next few years."

Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown said: "If Britain is going to succeed in today's global economy, it is vital that we are world leaders in education and continuously develop the skills of our workforce. That is why we want to give every schoolchild the opportunity to learn a trade and get practical work experience so they are ready to enter the jobs market when they leave school or college. And we want to give every adult the opportunity to learn new skills or train for a new career. Working together, government and business can create the high-tech, high-wage and high-skills jobs of the future, and ensure we have the people ready to fill them."

Up to 50 skills brokers are expected to operate in each of nine regions across England, together with partners such as Investors in People and Sector Skills Councils.

External link

For further information on the Train to Gain programme, visit: www.traintogain.gov.uk

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