Supporting clients to access training courses
Many clients will need to undertake a period of training in order to build confidence and skills to enable them to begin or return to work. It is recommended that Advisers carry out a full assessment of the client’s skills, knowledge and experience in order to complete a training needs analysis. Clients may need support to identify and access appropriate training courses. The cost of courses can be prohibitive for clients so they will need to be informed of funding streams that are available to help with this.
What is the most appropriate course?
Training courses that are accredited will result in a qualification for the client. Below is a brief guide to some of the different qualification levels:
Entry level
Involves basic knowledge and skills across all occupations Includes Skills for Life courses.
Level 1
Involves activities which relate to everyday situations and may be linked to job competence. Equivalent to GCSE grade D-G, NVQ level 1 and introductory certificates.
Level 2
Involves building knowledge and skills in relation to a subject or area of work. Equivalent to GCSE grade A*-C, NVQ level 2 and BTEC First Diploma.
Level 3
Appropriate for people wishing to go to university, work independently or supervise and train others. Equivalent to A/AS Levels, NVQ level 3, BTEC National Award, certificate and diploma and certificates for teaching assistants.
Level 4
Appropriate for people in technical or professional jobs and those who manage and develop others. Equivalent to NVQ Level 4, BTEC Higher National Certificate.
Level 5
Involves the demonstration of high levels of knowledge and work experience and competence in managing and training others. Equivalent to a Foundation Degree, NVQ Level 5, BTEC Higher National Diploma and BTEC Advanced Professional Awards.
Level 6
Appropriate for people working as knowledge-based professionals or those in management positions dealing with complex problems and situations. Equivalent to Graduate Certificates and Diplomas, Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas, Honours Degrees and Bachelors Degrees with Honours.
How to find suitable courses
There are a large number of training providers in each borough. It is recommended that Advisers gain an overview of provision and hold copies of the prospectus for each training provider in order to appropriately signpost clients to a suitable course.
Every local authority has an adult education department responsible for the local authority colleges where a wide variety of courses are run. Furthermore, it is recommended that Advisers consider online courses being run by Learn Direct. These can be found at www.learndirect.co.uk. The website can also give information on recognised qualifications and entry routes.
In-work training
In order for businesses to be competitive, employees need to continue their training and development whilst in work. The Learning and Skills Council’s Train to Gain service provides impartial, independent advice on training to businesses across England. It can help businesses improve their productivity and competitiveness by ensuring that employees have the right skills to do the best job. Contact Train to Gain on 0800 015 55 45 or visit www.traintogain.gov.uk
Paying for courses
Charges and concessions for training courses will be set by the training provider. Many providers subsidise the cost of courses for those on benefits or low incomes.