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December 2011

Employers offered help on training

A £250 million plan will be launched in the new year, designed to give businesses the power to design, develop and purchase vocational training.

Announcing the scheme on 17 November, Prime Minister David Cameron said: “I know times are tough – especially for young people – who are trying to get their foot in the door and launch their career.

“That is why I am determined to do all that we can to give people the very best skills, training and opportunities to succeed; and why despite tough spending decisions we are investing in record number of apprenticeships.

“We are seeing an incredible take up of these apprenticeship places. I want that to continue, which is why we are taking action to make it easier to take on apprentices, and now we are giving employers the power to take control of the training so that it best meets the skills they need.

“I hope this radical new approach will encourage even more employers to take on apprentices and ensure that the UK workforce has the skills we need to boost growth.”

The Government expects to issue a formal prospectus on the fund jointly with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills early in 2012 so that projects can begin later in the year.

Employers will be invited to bid for a share of the new £250 million government fund so that they can invest directly in the training they need.

LINK: UK Commission for Employment and Skills