Some employees can find it hard to balance the time needed to train with demands of work. From September 2008, it will be easier to study for vocational qualifications in a way that suits learners and their employers. Learners will receive credit for completing units and their achievements will be recorded and transferable.
We also recognise that too many employees are in organisations that lack a commitment to train their workforce. We will consult on giving employees the right to ask their employer for time to train. This would operate in a similar way to the current right to request flexible working. It would work on the basis of a win-win for employers and employees, by requiring the training to make some contribution to the improved performance of the employing organisation. Subject to the outcome of the consultation, provisions will be included in a Bill later this year, for implementation in spring 2010.
Employers also want to be able to get help easily with their skills and recruitment needs. From April 2009 the Train to Gain skills brokerage service will be integrated with Business Link, to provide simplified access to a wide range of business support and skills, including links to recruitment support through Jobcentre Plus.
Old world: Ms Jones had a child 8 years ago, and decided to stay at home when her child was born. However, when she separated from her partner, Ms Jones decided to get a job and started working at the local convenience store, which enabled her to fit in her shifts around the school drop-off times. Ms Jones was also able to claim tax credits, which enabled her to pay for her child to go to an after-school club while she was at work. Before having a child, Ms Jones used to do some book-keeping and since returning to employment wanted to take up accountancy, but she didn't know how to go about this in a way that fits with her family commitments.
New world: Ms Jones talks to her employer about her previous experience. She uses the Skills Account portal and finds out she's entitled to funding for an accountancy qualification. She contacts the adult advancement and careers service and an adviser provides information on the opportunities available to her. Ms.Jones will learn that her local convenience store chain has made a Skills Pledge and is an active participant in Train to Gain. This means that she will be able to get advice on childcare options to support her through her training. Ms Jones, through her employer, enrols on their accredited internal accounts training program and begins her journey to becoming an accountant.
Employers will be able to access the kind of skills support currently available through the Train to Gain brokerage service as part of the Business Link's information, diagnostic and brokerage service. This provides help, including referral to specialist support, across the range of issues important to business, from start-up and recruitment to international trade and taxation.
Larger multi-site employers need a similar service, but one which gives them a national point of contact for all the employment and skills services nationally. This enables them to agree a national framework, which can then be customised through relationships at site level. Therefore from autumn 2008 we will offer a joined-up service through account managers from the Jobcentre Plus National Sales Team and Learning and Skills Council National Employer Service. This will mean that a large national employer can develop and deliver an integrated recruitment and training plan for their business, with funding support as appropriate, whether they commit to developing the skills of all their workforce, or sign up to a Local Employment Partnership.
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