HUNDREDS of workforces across Warwickshire are being upskilled thanks to the Skills Escalator Fund.
Over 350 businesses have benefitted from the cash which funds employee training.
Up to £750 is provided per employee and businesses can access funding for up to five employees. They can then train and upskill these staff in a wide range of areas.
This includes courses to develop management. leadership and communication skills, workplace compliance training, such as first aid at work and health and safety courses, and sector specific training, for example, Prince 2, digital marketing and leadership courses.
MV Composites in Leamington is an example of how the Skills Escalator Fund has allowed them to further train their staff and start a night shift at the factory.
Directors Matt Lainsbury and Will Waterman explained: “We needed to start a night shift and as part of this we must have somebody trained in first aid and a fire warden present on every shift. We have spent a lot on the building itself, so wouldn’t have been able to afford the training ourselves, so the grant was perfect and allowed us to upskill our staff and start our new shift pattern.”
WCC’s economy spokesperson Coun Rob Howard added: “The Skills Escalator Fund is a great opportunity for businesses to access financial support to develop and grow their employees and businesses. Creating a skilled workforce is key to help sustain and grow businesses and last year 809 employees accessed training as a result of the fund with a total of 725 gaining certified skills, qualifications and licences.”
The Skills Escalator Fund, delivered by WCC, is funded by UKSPF and in partnership with the county’s district and borough councils.
Contact [email protected] for more details.
