The Learning and Skills Council - LSC

The Learning and Skills Council channels funding streams for the Department for Education and Skills and The European Social Fund, including:

Mainstream funding for Further Education Colleges and other training providers
LSC funding supports the provision of NVQ and Apprenticeships and other qualifications in FE colleges, work-based learning providers and some other independent training providers. This enables the training providers to offer courses at subsidized rates (up to 70% of total cost) – with the rest met by the employer. To qualify for this, the provider has to meet a range of requirements such as a set number of contact or classroom hours.

European Social Fund (ESF) co-financing
ESF co-financing supports a wide range of training provision, e.g. for leadership and management, and local training initiatives to encourage both employers and new learners. Many schemes have a specific local focus, so it is advisable to make enquiries locally. For further details contact you Local Train To Gain broker on 08456 047 047 047

Business support scheme to employers
Learning and Skills Council (LSC) funding offers a range of support to employers to help develop the skills of the workforce such as:

· Investors in People delivered through the LSC and Train to Gain to support worker-based planning and learning.

· Skills for Life/Basic Skills advisers provide free diagnostic services for employees and can direct them to free courses to upgrade literacy, language and numeracy skills - directed to your organisations systems.

· Information Advice and Guidance advisers offer services to individual employees who need support for learning and career development.

· Social Enterprise Support – advisers provide a range of support services to employers (independent and voluntary) with social aims.

· Equality and diversity – support is available for employers to strengthen these aspects of the workforce to develop the future of the workforce.

· Leadership and management - advice and courses for managers for owners and senior managers of small and medium enterprises are available from Train to Gain.

· Information and communication technology – a range of courses are available to develop skills from beginners to advanced level.

Source: Skills for Care.