LSC launches training service to aid skills shortage

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has launched a new training service aimed at helping UK employers cope with the skills shortage.

More than three million employers will be offered free skills guidance through the LSC’s new Train to Gain scheme, including access to skills specialists and a range of government-subsidised training and qualification programmes.

Skills advisers will work with employers to assess their current skills training and offer alternative vocational qualifications for employees, including Skills for Life qualifications, apprenticeships and NVQ Level 3.

The service will be rolled out to employers who are not currently working with training providers to achieve vocational qualifications for the staff across 20 areas in Britain.

David Greer, director for Skills for Employers at the LSC, said: “Skills training has never been more important for businesses with skills gaps costing a typical 50 employee business an estimated £165,000 in lost revenue each year.”

Train to Gain has been implemented to a range of businesses across the UK. The second phase of the programme will be rolled out to other areas with large employers from August 2006.