Merseyside SMEs can dip into £10m pot for training

Jul 4 2007 by Tony McDonough, Liverpool Daily Post

SMALL Merseyside firms are to get access to an extra £10m to help with training their staff.

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) Greater Merseyside has secured the cash to launch a new phase of SkillWorks.

Yesterday’s funding package, granted by the European Objective 1 Programme, will be used to train small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Merseyside.

SkillWorks has already helped 7,000 businesses in Merseyside to access 60% funding for demand-led staff training and new applicants are already on the waiting list. Each business can access up to £60,000 in funding. The programme is due to come to an end in July, 2008, and so companies in the area are being advised to act fast to benefit from such financial support. A number of training providers have been appointed to provide support to the local businesses.

Businesses unsure of what they require, can now access independent advice and guidance from the LSC’s Train to Gain brokers. A full diagnostic to pinpoint their training needs and suitability for access to the SkillWorks funding is offered.

Helen France, director of area for the LSC, said: “This new funding has given us the opportunity to take the SkillWorks programme into 2008 and build on its previous success.

“It is fantastic news for the business community in Merseyside and we urge businesses that have not already had the funding to step forward.”

The funding can be accessed immediately in 2007. For further information about the SkillWorks and Train to Gain training programmes provided by the LSC visit www.theskillworks.co.uk or call 0808 178 1782. The news comes just weeks after it was revealed Liverpool Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Community College and Blackburne House had secured £4m for SME training.

Those partners have formed Mersey Skills Network, a consortium that will be the first point of call for business training. Companies are urged to apply quickly as the funding offer lasts just 12 months.

Businesses from sole traders to firms employing up to 250 staff are eligible.

tonymcdonough