Take advantage of free skills training

0
1980

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly are being urged to take advantage of fully funded skills training for their workforce before the March 2019 deadline.

The training is delivered as part of a programme called Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW), which Serco’s Employment, Skills & Enterprise business is managing across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

Since the programme launched in September 2016, 2,480 learners from 892 businesses across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly have taken advantage of the funded training available. Serco has just been awarded a contract extension to continue delivering the programme until March 2019.

To deliver the programme, which is co-funded by the European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency, Serco has partnered with expert training organisations to offer local businesses recognised accredited qualifications and bespoke training courses aiming to enhance employees’ skills and increase the competitiveness of the businesses.

Commenting on the contract extension, Rob Matts, Serco’s head of skills support for the workforce, said: “We are delighted that the Education and Skills Funding Agency are trusting Serco to continue making a positive impact to local communities in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

“Skills Support for the Workforce is a brilliant skills training programme which small businesses in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly can take advantage of at no cost to them. Thousands of people have benefited from this programme already and I would urge businesses to make the most of the funding available before March 2019, so that they too can benefit from this investment in vital skills training”.

Paul Massey, LEP board director and chair of the Employment and Skills Board, added: “Skills Support for the Workforce provides bespoke training for employees as well as individuals to meet the skills training needs in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. We are pleased that Serco will continue to manage this programme, promoting a well-trained, motivated workforce and helping to boost the competitiveness of our region and ensure alignment with our employment and skills strategy.”