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SkillWorks

Demand-led training for small and medium-sized businesses

During difficult times when budgets are tight employers still need to invest in training. SkillWorks can help supplement your training budget by providing funding towards developing the skills of your workforce. Training will not only help your business to survive the economic crisis but also equip your employees with the necessary skills to cope when the upturn comes.

SkillWorks is already one of the most successful programmes co-financed by the European Social Fund. It has already helped more than 7,000 businesses in Merseyside improve the skills of their workforces.

What can the SkillWorks offer my business?

• Up to 60 per cent funding towards training costs.
• Demand-led training - so you get to decide what's best for your business.
• Help in identifying your needs.
• Help in finding you the most appropriate training partner.
• Training at the times and places that fit in with your operating requirements.

Is my business eligible?

SkillWorks is available to businesses in Merseyside with less than 250 employees.*

Where do I get more information?

To learn more about the courses please contact our Employer Services team on 0845 00 66 506 or Email: employer@southport.ac.uk

*Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

The SkillWorks is designed on the understanding that companies know their training needs. The programme aims to develop the skills of the regional workforce by training on demand.

• How do I get Skillworks?
• Who provides the training?
• Is all our training covered?
• What if I need several different people trained?
• Are qualifications involved?
• What do I have to pay?
• Are there limits to the amounts?
• Is there a lot of bureaucracy involved?
• Do you charge for this brokerage service?

Contact

To find out more about how the Skillworks programme can help your business grow, contact our Employer Services team on 0845 0066 506 or email an enquiry.

Please note that the amount of funding available through the programme is limited and will be distributed on a first come first served basis.

For further information on the Skillworks programme, please refer the LSC’s Skillworks website – www.theskillworks.co.uk

How do I get Skillworks?

Following your enquiry, a member of our Employer Services team will arrange to meet with you to learn how your company is structured, and what immediate and longer term strategies are in place to secure the future. During this time we will complete the necessary documentation required to access the funding and agree on a training plan that will fit the needs of your company. This plan is yours – we simply help to produce it.

Who provides the training?

That depends on you and what training your business needs. The training is completely flexible to meet your demands and specialist requirements. We can either provide the training ourselves or, at our discretion, sub-contract specialist trainers of your own choice who meet our quality standards and provide value-for money.

Is all our training covered?

Broadly, yes. The training undertaken must be an identified business need and offer value for money. The main exception is training where a qualification is a statutory requirement. We will clarify this with you during the course of developing your training plan.

What if I need several different people trained?

It makes no difference if you need one employee or your entire workforce trained. Southport College will be responsible for meeting all your needs.

Are qualifications involved?

While training doesn't necessarily lead to a qualification, we do believe that working towards achieving national or industry standards established in formal qualifications can often play a useful part in improving workforce skills. Our Employer Services team will be able to advise you on a range of options and additional support available.

What do I have to pay?

All businesses are eligible for up to a 60% grant. You have to pay your share as a cash contribution and not through, for example, making facilities available or paying salaries.

Are there limits to the amounts?

Yes, any individual SME cannot receive more than £60,000 from the SkillWorks programme. We do reserve the right to review any proposed training programme for "value for money" to ensure the correct use of public funds.

Is there a lot of bureaucracy involved?

We try do try to keep the paperwork to a minimum. It is a condition of the Learning and Skills Council and the European Social Fund that SMEs provide certain basic information about their business and the learners on the training programmes. We will help you with the completion of all the required documentation.

Do you charge for this brokerage service?

All Skillworks providers charge a management fee to help organise the Skillworks programme. Our partner, Blue Orchid, charge 20% on the overall cost of the training programme agreed, which equates to 8% cost to you when the funding subsidy has been applied.