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Employers

The two Skills White papers in 2003 and 2005, the FE White Paper in 2006, and more recently, the Leitch Review of Skills have all provided a drive for an increase in productivity through increasing the skills levels of UK workforce. This has led to an increasing emphasis on the need for higher level skills as a key driver for productivity, and therefore for HE provision to become more responsive to employer demand. This links directly with the work being undertaken by Lifelong Learning Networks (LLNs) and requires a greater focus on employer engagement and the development of courses with more flexible delivery and employer-led content.

The need for workforce skills development is seen as a Government priority to boost national wealth and ensure that the UK has world class skills by 2010.   Funding in education will drive this development. The Leitch Report places emphases on demand-led provision and on an increased input (in both curriculum design and cash) from employers.

How the LLN is Working with Employers

The LLN seeks to act as a broker between education providers (our partner institutions who deliver courses and qualifications) and industry/employers.

This may be merely acting as a ‘sign-post’ to opportunities available within partner organisations, or better still working with the employers or industry groups to support their needs by developing bespoke courses and qualifications within the LLN.  

The partner institutions of the LLN are placing greater emphasis on flexible modes of delivery of HE provision, away from the traditional academic calendar, and exploring distance learning, e-learning, local delivery, workplace-learning, modular provision, all to meet employer’s needs.

The LLN and all of its partners are keen to develop new links with employers. One way of achieving this is by holding a number of employer engagement events (eg. Breakfast meetings) that focus on a particular area of development (i.e one of our four strands), held in a central location, that are free to attend and promote opportunities for informal discussion on how the sector can work with the LLN to address any development and training needs. Such events are also useful networking opportunities.  

The first such event was held in our Liverpool city centre base on 12th June 2007 and focused on the creative media sector. The meeting attracted interest from the BBC, Skillset, Merseyside ACME, and St Helens Chamber of Commerce amongst others who were able to discuss a range of issues with local providers including Edge Hill University, Liverpool Community College and St Helens College.

Details of future events will appear on this site as soon as possible.

What are the Benefits for Employers Working with the LLN?

Ten factors have been identified as advantages to employers of working with the LLN. They include:

  • Success in business
    Success in business means keeping up with technology and staying ahead of the competition. To do that, you need skilled staff who are full of ideas, know the job and understand business priorities. That means they need quality training.

  • Motivating your workforce
    Employers of all sizes are recognising the economic and social responsibility of supporting their employees continuing professional development (CPD). In doing so this will encourage and motivate staff, creating a happier and more productive workforce.

  • Long-term benefits for all concerned
    The LLN promotes qualifications that will provide students (your employees) with enhanced skills relevant to your industry. Together employers and providers can develop future roles for that industry.

  • Reduction of employee turnover
    Employees who have their training needs supported by their employer may be more likely to remain loyal to the cause, thus reducing the level of employee turnover.

  • Funding
    Course fees do apply, HOWEVER some employers may be able to access training funds from local council initiatives such as the Transformation Fund, European Social Fund, or from your Regional Development Agency or local Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

Useful web-links for further information include:
www.edgehill.ac.uk/prospectiveStudents/Finance/index.htm www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/earlyyearsworkforce
www.lsc.gov.uk/regions/NorthWest/

  • Identifying and helping you to fill skill shortages in your industry
    The network is developing qualifications in four strands that have been identified by the NWDA and LSCs as skill shortage areas requiring growth to meet industries' needs in the North West.

  • Plan for the future
    The recruitment of young employees is essential to lead your business into the future. Developing links with the LLN will enable you to attract employees of all ages as the LLN aims to offer qualifications for all vocational learners.

  • Bespoke qualifications
    Universities in the LLN develop vocational qualifications that are structured in conjunction with employers.

  • Flexibility of delivery
    Course provision is flexible in its delivery to suit employers and employees needs. Most courses can be studied part-time and many are delivered across a number of partner institutions in the region.

  • Partnership Network
    The LLN is unique in that it is the only provider that combines the expertise of 14 established and recognised FE and HE institutions, all of which can support your training needs with a wealth of industry knowledge and experience.

What are the costs involved in employee training and development?
Is there any funding available to help cover these costs?

There is some funding available to help with training costs. There is also guidance on how to match the training for your employees and your business against the actual cost of training. For example, you may be able to get financial help from your Regional Development Agency or local Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

As well as financial costs for the training, there may also be costs for your business in terms of your employees’ time and resources. Overall costs depend on the type of training your employees require.

Sources of Funding Available for Training

The National Employer Service offers funding to large, multi-site employers for work-based learning programmes.
To find out about the types of learning programme on offer and to see if you are eligible for funding, visit: nes.lsc.gov.uk.

European Union (EU) Programmes offer some funding to businesses and employees. Any public, semi-public or private organisation can apply for EU funding – individuals cannot apply directly. All applications must involve a partnership with at least one other European organisation. Detailed information can be found on the European Commission website.

The Global Gateway outlines the funding available for businesses taking part in EU or international programmes.

Funding for an individual’s training
Employees who are looking to undertake a course may be eligible for funding from the Government, for example a Career Development Loan, if your business is unable to cover the cost. The section for adult learners on the Directgov website can help your employees find out if they are eligible for funding. Employees who are studying for a foundation degree should look at the Financing your degree section of the foundation degree website to find out whether they are eligible for funding from the Government.

What We Can Offer and What to Do Next

  • Provision currently available through the LLN centres on Foundation degrees (Fds) and other one or two-year foundation programmes.
  • Foundation degrees are designed with employers, and combine academic study with work place learning to equip people with relevant knowledge and skills to improve performance and productivity.
  • Employees do not necessarily need formal qualifictions to apply for a Foundation degree as previous relevant work experience will be taken into account.
  • An employer can be involved in the design of a programme or utilise an existing Foundation degree according to the organisation's needs. 
  • Foundation degrees are awarded by universities and require equivalent standards of academic attainment as the second year of an honours degree.
  • The LLN is also aware that due to the nature of how the industries involved in our four sectors operate, there is equally a need for modular and ‘bite-size’ courses. Partners of the network are continually working to develop provision that fits the needs of everybody.
  • If you are an employer of any size – large corporation, SME, sole-trader etc. – and you operate within any of the four sectors covered by the LLN – Creative Industries; Financial Services; Health and Social Care; and Tourism, Hospitality, Sport and Active Leisure – and you have an interest in workforce development, a representative from the LLN would be happy to talk to you to discuss how we can support your needs. This may be advising you on a qualification that already exists, developing a course with you that is tailored to your needs, or simply providing you with appropriate information, advice and guidance.

Call 0151 906 0006 or e-mail Mallong@edgehill.ac.uk today!