HR Industry News

Obsession with Level 2 training holding back scheme

— 23 August 2007 —

A multi-million pound scheme to improve skills in the workplace is being held back by an obsession with Level 2 training say businesses leaders.

According to the CBI, the Train to Gain scheme is being hindered by the way skills brokers are selling the services to businesses.

CBI head of pensions and employment, Neil Carberry, is reported as saying that too much emphasis on Level 2 training by brokers is getting in the way of offering effective advice.

In essence, Train to Gain is a good programme but it requires proactive brokers, explained Carberry. He does not want them just selling Level 2 training and not thinking about Levels 3 and 4.

Firms think more in terms of competency than levels, he added.

With a budget of £400 million this year, Train to Gain is seen by the government as a vital part of the solution to the national skills crisis and involves brokers going into companies to offer free advice on training schemes that will suit their needs.

Ceridian’s Head of Training and Development Amanda Young added, “Unfortunately the funding has recently changed, so the government will only fund under 20’s, and the availability of funding for over 20’s almost never covers level 2. Level 2 is a solid base for anyone to prove that they can do their job, and I agree that this should then be succeeded by further levels depending on the candidate’s role and experience.”

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