Train to Gain
In 2006 Eastleigh College secured a £4.6 Million Government contract from the Learning and Skills Council to deliver Train to Gain, a high quality programme aimed at upskilling the labour market and improving the literacy and numeracy levels across the country. This has seen Eastleigh College delivering training for a host of industries throughout the South East in partnership with a network of 40 training providers.
In 2006/2007 Eastleigh College enrolled 3,500 construction workers alone onto its Train to Gain programme. Due to the college's partnership success, in 2007/2008 Eastleigh College was awarded national Train to Gain contracts to deliver both transportation and construction qualifications.
In the South East region, it is estimated 27% of adults in the labour market lack a basic Level 2 qualification, equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grade A-C. Train to Gain aims to address significant skills shortages that continue to have a negative impact on productivity and competitiveness in the UK economy.
For employers, getting the right skills advice is essential to choosing the best and most appropriate training. Train to Gain helps you to do this by using experienced Skills Brokers who can:
- Offer free impartial and independent advice to employers
- Match any training needs identified with training providers
- Ensure that training is delivered to meet business needs
One of the key goals of the service is to make sure that both training and the skills advice are impartial, flexible, responsive and offered at a time and place to suit businesses.
This programme is open to employers, sole traders, self-employed and volunteer sector workers (providing the eligibility criteria is met). Eastleigh College has noted the real impact Train to Gain programmes has had on learners and the benefits both they and their employers (if applicable) have reaped:
- Increased productivity levels
- Increased morale
- Increased motivation
- Increased opportunities for progression
- Recognised trade specific qualifications (and licenses if applicable) which have resulted in greater opportunities for employers to tender for bigger contracts where appropriate
Eastleigh College is able to offer employers and potential learners a varied array of qualifications to choose from which are not offered by many other organisations.
For more information about Train to Gain please call 023 8091 1195 or email traintogain@eastleigh.ac.uk.
