Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Training, which will be available from Train to Gain, the government's flagship skills service, will offer an extended leadership and management programme ensuring all staff are performing at their best during challenging economic times.

Funding rules which will be relaxed in January 2009, will also able Third Sector organisations to access more flexible training support, delivered when and where they need it, including:

• Stand-alone accredited training modules and part-qualifications
• Fully funded Level 2 qualifications and subsidised level 3 qualifications, regardless of whether the employee already has a qualification at this level.

These changes offer learners much more flexibility and builds on the current Train to Gain learning structure, which currently offers all third sector organisations support for training to GCSE and A level equivalent.

Lord Young said:

"Third sector organisations play a vital role at the heart of communities. It is right that those who work for them have the opportunity to gain the skills they need to develop successful and rewarding careers.

"These further improvements to Train to Gain mean that those in most need of support can develop the skills they need to get on, ensuring that the sector is well placed to weather tough times and to continue their valuable work for the community."

Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector, said:

"This is another important step in creating the environment for a thriving third sector. To do the best for their beneficiaries, charities and other third sector organisations need the same high skill levels as businesses. I have no doubt that the sector will take full advantage of this new opportunity to access leadership and management training. It is vital that the third sector."