EMPLOYERS in the East of England are being given the chance to improve the skills of their workforce with the launch of a new NVQ programme covering a range of key business qualifications.

EMPLOYERS in the East of England are being given the chance to improve the skills of their workforce with the launch of a new NVQ programme covering a range of key business qualifications.

Learndirect Business is providing the programme, which includes areas such as management, customer service and team leading, in response to research that more than 17,000 employers in the region admitted their business was suffering due to skills gaps.

Jane Ellis, East of England regional performance director at learndirect, said: “With 15% of businesses in the East of England reporting gaps between the current skills base of their workforce and the skills they need, it's vital employers look at boosting skills to improve business performance.

“With cost efficient training and funding available for up-skilling or re-skilling the region's workforce, employers of all sizes can get good quality training at a fraction of the cost.”

NVQs are available at any career stage and no previous qualifications are necessary. As the skills are assessed through work-based evidence, there are no final tests or exams and there is no pre-set timescale.

Learndirect's new NVQs are open to employers of all sizes, can be completed 'on site', and can be tailored to different job roles and competencies. Subjects include team leading, business and administration, management skills, information technology, business improvement techniques, customer service, retail skills, and health and social care.

Caroline Wilson, group HR manager at Bertram Group, used learndirect NVQs to improve the skills of her firm's employees.

She said: “We really wanted to offer some basic skills training to our staff, both to improve their ability to do their jobs and to boost company morale, however we needed to minimise disruption to the working day.

“We contacted learndirect who told us they could deliver personalised training to our workforce to fit in with our working hours and training needs.”

To find out more about the new programme, contact learndirect on 08000 150 750 or visit www.learndirect-nvq.co.uk.