Businesses wake up to Train to Gain

David Hodges (L) and Duncan
Bannatyne wake up to
Train to Gain.

The LSC has teamed up with a selection of successful UK business leaders to inspire business owners across Yorkshire and the Humber to wake up to Train To Gain and their training plans. Four events during October and November marked the first anniversary of Train to Gain, the groundbreaking training service that is supported by funding from the LSC.

Guest speakers included BBC's Dragon's Den panellist and serial entrepreneur, Duncan Bannatyne; Ajaz Ahmed, who launched the Freeserve internet service; Karen Darby, the tycoon behind SimplySwitch, the UK's leading telephone and web based price comparison service; and Garvis Snook, CEO of Rok, the nation's local builder and Chief Executive of the Year 2007.

The speakers talked about their first-hand experience of Train to Gain and how it has helped their organisation.

Train to Gain provides free and independent advice and helps employers locate the training they need for their workforce. Skills brokers work with employers to identify the skill needs of their employees and locate suitable training providers to deliver the training and qualifications. The skills brokers also help the businesses secure funding for the training.

David Hodges, regional director of Skills for the LSC in Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "We want to give businesses across our region the heads up on what Train to Gain can do for the productivity and skills of their workforce. These events demonstrate the importance of training and the benefits it offers.

"Just like a good healthy breakfast, I hope the events filled our guests with the energy and drive they need to take their business skills development forward and make a positive impact on the economic future of this area."

Duncan Bannatyne added: "My businesses have been built on delivering health club members and customers a top quality service, which is wholly reliant on the quality and skills of our employees. I hope that employers in Yorkshire take advantage of the Train to Gain service so they can build their businesses for the future."

Click the link above to watch a podcast from the event.

For more information visit http://www.traintogain.gov.uk/