Business Magazine: the Echo's monthly supplement

COMPANIES in Dorchester have taken the Government's skills pledge.

Acheson Construction, Poundbury Systems Ltd and Weatherbury Hearn Roofing Ltd made the commitment, joining 79 other Dorset and Somerset-based companies on the pledge list.

The Learning and Skills Council launched the pledge for firms to demonstrate their commitment to investing in training.

The Skills Pledge is a voluntary commitment to support all employees to develop their basic skills, including literacy and numeracy, and work towards relevant qualifications to at least a Level 2 - equivalent to 5 GCSEs at A to C grade - making sure they are competent and able to make a full contribution to the success of their organisation.

Companies that make the Skills Pledge can access business support through the Train to Gain service.

A skills broker will work with the companies to identify their training needs, helping them to design a training programme and find them the right training provider.

Trish Taylor, who is area director for the Learning and Skills Council in Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole, said: "We are really encouraged that these Dorchester companies have made the Skills Pledge.

"It is important to the local economy that businesses commit to investing in the development of their employees.

"With increasing investment in services like Train to Gain, even more companies can benefit from individually tailored skills assessments and training, delivered when and where they need it.

"High quality training can make a real difference to companies - not only does it help employees with their development it also helps with increasing productivity and ultimately their bottom line."

The Skills Pledge is open to all employers of all sizes in the private, public and voluntary sectors.

Train to Gain provides funding to enable organisations to support staff to gain basic skills levels, as well as a whole host of other business support through the Train to Gain service. Call Train to Gain or to talk to a Skills Broker, visit www.traintogain .gov.uk/skillspledge or telephone 08456 047 047.

10:21am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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