Training opportunities

Amidst the current economic downturn, it is even more vital for companies to train their staff. As an individual, there are many different opportunities for training and retraining in Yorkshire and the Humber. Yorkshire Forward has enhanced the Train to Gain service to allow people who are made redundant to access free training before they finish work.

Training Options

There are many different types of training available to suit different learning needs.

Vocational Qualifications
Foundation Degrees
Work-Based Training
Apprenticeships

nextstep can offer a huge range of information and advice to help you improve your skills, get new qualifications and find the right job and move on in your current job. To access face-to-face careers advice, click here to find your local nextstep office or visit their website for more information online.

How much will it cost?

If you are thinking about retraining but are worried about the costs involved, then read on. Studying for a new qualification may cost a lot less than you think. There are a range of courses on offer – starting at just a few hours per week – so you should be able to find the right one to suit you and your budget. You may even be entitled to a grant to help support you whilst you learn.

Adult Learning Grant
Education Maintenance Allowance

Train to Gain is the national skills service that support employers of all sizes and in all sectors to improve the skills of employees as a route to improving business performance.

Train to Gain in Yorkshire and the Humber has become much more flexible.

Call 0800 015 55 45 to speak to a broker about improving your skills or visit the train to gain website.

Searching for a course

During economic downturns many employers cut back on training and development, despite the increased need to come back equipped after the recession. There are various places where people can go for information and advice about careers and learning:

Young People up to the age of 20: - Connexions is the service for young people and advisers are available within schools and on high street locations. Connexions is now run by local authorities using a open and competitive tendering process. For more information visit the Connexions website.
Adult Face-to-Face Service - nextstep is for adults aged 19 plus to gain advice and guidance on careers and training. The service they provide is tailored to the level of qualifications you already possess, allowing anyone to use the service. For more information visit the nextstep website.
Telephone and Web-based Services - The Careers Information and Advice Service was formerly part of learndirect. The service offers information, advice and more in-depth guidance over the phone and through the website. You can also access the redundancy service package through these face-to-face or telephone guidance points. For more information visit the Careers IAG website.

There have been various initiatives to help engage employers and learning providers to increase training in the region. To search for types of training courses available to you, these websites can help:

Search for courses with Careers Advice
Search for courses with LearnDirect
Search the National Learning Directory
Search the Yorkshire and Humber Training Access Point

Alternatives

Earning a living is a necessity, but doing it in a satisfying way comes a strong second and there’s a whole area of activity that might not bring any financial gain but can provide immense benefits of other kinds. Whether you’re employed, looking for work or studying, voluntary work is well worth considering as a way of helping yourself, your CV and your community.