A share of a £62million training fund has been made available to furniture, furnishings and interiors (FFI) industry employers who sign up to Proskills' 'Sustainable Workforce Pledge'.
The funding deal received the seal of approval by Secretary for State for Innovation, Universities & Skills John Denham at a launch in London yesterday.
Proskills is one of a network of 25 employer-led Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) tasked by government with ensuring employers have people with the right skills to boost productivity and competitiveness. Proskills is the SSC responsible for the process and manufacturing sector.
By signing the FFI industry's 'sustainable workforce pledge', companies have the ability to be publicly recognised for their commitment to training by stating they have a sustainable workforce backed up by formal and informal training.
In return, companies which sign the pledge will get access to a share of a £62m investment in the industry and a more flexible Train to Gain offer with the possibility of second level 2 and 3 qualifications being part or fully funded. The FFI industry sustainable workforce pledge will help pave the way for employers and the Government to ensure that appropriate training and development is available.
Jackie Bazeley, FFI industry champion at Proskills, said: "Research shows that one of the keys to a productive, successful business is having a skilled and competent workforce. This is an opportunity for FFI employers to show publicly and demonstrably the importance they place on investing in the skills of their people. It is the first time the industry has ever made such a commitment.
"Employers know they need to ensure their people have the right skills to do the best job. Companies which sign up to this pledge are giving a commitment that they will draw up plans and take actions to provide their employees with these skills. In return, this £62m extra training fund will be made available, via an enhanced Train to Gain for those who deliver against these commitments.
"It's important for companies to sign up in order to get their portion of the £62m pie. That commitment will help their business and will make it easier for them to retain staff. Companies should use their allocation wisely to do things that will really make a difference to their business.”
For more information about the FFI sector sustainable workforce pledge, please call Proskills on 01235 432032. For a detailed look at the furniture, furnishings and interior pledge and more about the three-year implementation programme, visit the Proskills website, www.proskills.co.uk
A share of a £62million training fund has been made available to furniture, furnishings and interiors (FFI) industry employers who sign up to Proskills' 'Sustainable Workforce Pledge'.