Home > News > March 2005 > 23-Mar-2005

Learning the lessons of Employer Training Pilots

Employers want flexibly delivered, high-quality training, subsidised as far as possible, according to a new report on the Learning and Skills Council’s Employer Training Pilots.

The LSC say the results of the second year evaluation of the scheme will be a key element in determining the National Employer Training Programme to be outlined in the government’s skills white paper. (View related news story)

Over 130,000 employees and 18,000 employers have now taken part in the employer training scheme, which is available in 20 different areas throughout England. The evaluation set out to establish what attracts both employers and learners and the factors driving the high-levels of satisfaction.

"The report reinforces the view that employees just want to be given the opportunity to improve their skills. However, smaller organisations often find it difficult to find the budget to enable them to do this," said David Way, Skills Director at the Learning and Skills Council.

"Employer Training Pilots have demonstrated that with the right support, all employers will provide their staff with training and high-quality, subsidised courses that can take place on-site or out of hours are particularly important."

The evaluation of the pilot schemes show that 70 per cent of the companies taking part have less than 50 employees, with a quarter having less than 10 employees. Over two-thirds of those taking part in the scheme will complete their course or qualification.

"It is critical that we all continue to learn from this employer feedback and build on it with the national programme. To date Employer Training Pilots have reached one in eight of eligible employers. There is still a huge appetite for training out there, but to reach the remaining employees it is important to listen to what they are asking for," said Way.

Ivan Lewis MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Adult Learning & Skills said: "We are delighted with the success of the Employer Training Pilots. Learners have acquired new skills, feel more confident and are better equipped to do their job, while employers reap the benefits of a more motivated workforce.

"We have learnt much from the approaches tested through the pilots and this will inform the development of the National Employer Training Programme. By working in partnership with providers, employers, unions and learners we can deliver the skills Britain needs to compete in the global economy.”

External link

Visit the LSC website for more information about the Employer Training Pilots Year 2 Evaluation Report.

Please note: Training Reference is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites.

Training and development books

Discover books on a variety of training and development topics at the Training Reference Bookshop

Source suppliers

Visit the Training Reference Directory to view supplier details for a wide range of courses, products and services.

Sponsored links

Back to top