By Mark Nicholson, assistant principal – curriculum at Furness College

Last updated 21:47, Sunday, 23 November 2008

When I am asked to discuss the curriculum of Furness College with a variety of audiences in the Furness area, one of the most used comments is: “I hear a lot of talk about Train to Gain but I’m confused as to what it means”.

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When I am asked to discuss the curriculum of Furness College with a variety of audiences in the Furness area, one of the most used comments is: “I hear a lot of talk about Train to Gain but I’m confused as to what it means”

Train to Gain is learning, funded by the government through the Learning and Skills Council, to ensure that the country has a skilled and qualified workforce. Essentially anyone in work or working for a voluntary organisation is entitled to take a level-2 NVQ in the workplace. The NVQ is equivalent to five GCSEs at grade A* to C.

An NVQ is assessed by judging a candidate’s performance in the workplace against occupational standards. Where there are gaps in a candidate’s knowledge support is available in the form of 1:1 teaching or through a support pack.

The good news is that for most employees the training is free and, for smaller employers, a payment can be made to release employees from work for the training.

Before August this year the free training was only for those employees who had not achieved a level-2 qualification. Now it is possible to take a subsequent level-2 qualification as long as it is in a skills priority area.

Train to Gain has now moved on to level-3 qualifications. For adults aged 19-24 without a full level-3 qualification (equivalent to two A Levels at grade A* to E) the training is free. For those aged over 25 there needs to be a contribution to the fee from the employer.

Where employees don’t have the necessary literacy and numeracy skills to complete a level-2 qualification, help is available for the development of those skills through Train to Gain.

In all cases the taining provider will need to establish a good relationship with the employer and employee to ensure best use is made of the training programme. Where Train to Gain is used best, it should improve the skills of the employee and contribute to the improved performance of the employer’s business.

Another term that you might come across in relation to Train to Gain is Employer Responsive Learning. This new term gathers under one umbrella all employers facing training and includes apprenticeships, Train to Gain and further education courses delivered in the workplace.

I hope that this goes some way to explaining what is meant by Train to Gain and how it can help businesses and their employees.

Mark Nicholson, assistant principal – curriculum at Furness College

• If you need training in a specific area and you think that could benefit from Train to Gain, please contact Furness College on 01229 825017.