Last updated at 16:48, Thursday, 28 August 2008

BUSINESSES in Tynedale could benefit from free, publicly funded training schemes over the next two years.

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC), the Government agency responsible for education and training, has £1 billion available to spend, and wants to get every employee in Britain trained to at least NVQ level two standard by 2010.

The funding comes from the European Union, and is being passed down through the LSC to organsations like Hargreaves Training, which is administering the training.

“This means employers and employees alike can benefit from free training, and there is no limit to the amount being handed out,” said James Milligan of Hargreaves Training.

“The more free training we distribute around the North-East, the more we can receive and distribute from the Government.”

The courses cover a wide range of industries, and are available in the categories of storage and warehousing, carrying and delivery of goods, driving goods vehicles, traffic office management and fork lift truck driving.

Hargreaves also offers NVQs in customer service, IT and team leadership, for frontline staff who deal with customers and manage employees.

The training benefits employers through having more efficient, motivated and enthusiastic staff, better employee retention and ultimately better productivity – issues that can help keep a business more competitive.

Another huge advantage for companies can be cross-training, explained Mr Milligan.

“Many companies are, for example, having warehouse workers trained in fork lift truck operations, carry and delivery of goods and driving large good vehicles.

“This has led to massive annual savings for companies as they have cut the need for expensive replacements from agencies to cover regular staff who are maybe sick or off work; issues that all lead to the one concern every business has: enhancing profits.”

Anyone wishing to find out more about the training can contact James Milligan on (01434) 608410, or james.milligan@hargreavestraining.com.

First published at 15:36, Thursday, 28 August 2008
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk