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Press Release:

Dorset businesses can access funded training to develop staff and aid their recovery from the Coronavirus Pandemic as part of the Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme which Locomotivation deliver in Dorset as part of a network of training providers.

This funding could be used to enable businesses to re-engage staff, some of which may be returning from a long period of furlough, by accessing fully funded, short to medium term qualifications and training.

Jon Baglow, SSW Programme Manager at Locomotivation, says: "We are delighted that Skills Support for the Workforce funding is available to assist businesses to help their staff re-engage or even in some cases refresh their skills after what has been a very difficult time since the pandemic started"

"For instance, in Dorset we know the Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality Industry has been hit particularly hard over the past year and with this programme we could support new or returning staff by offering fully funded level 2 certificates in Hospitality, Professional Cookery, Leisure Operations and Fitness Instructing over the coming months. These are short courses that shouldn't take more than 6 months to complete."

The Skills Support for the Workforce programme launched in 2019 and helps support small & medium-sized businesses in Dorset to upskill their employees with training courses & qualifications to grow their business and boost the local economy. The general aims of the programme as well as the achievement of certificates and awards are progression outcomes including apprenticeships, further education or progression within their work such as a promotion, increased pay or responsibility.

Ian Girling, Chief Executive of Dorset Chamber added: "We think this is an excellent programme and we very much encourage businesses and employees to take advantage of this opportunity. As we look to the future, a skilled workforce is fundamental to the growth of our economy."

Locomotivation has been a delivery partner for this programme in the county since the beginning and feels that the need to support and engage staff has never been greater, given the disruption to working life over the past year. These opportunities aim to help businesses and staff to get back into the flow of their roles and start the long recovery.

Following successful delivery, the programme has been extended to March 2023 along with additional funding to that already secured for Dorset employers. The programme is managed by Serco and is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) and Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

A broad range of certificates as well as bespoke in-house training packages can be put together in discussion with Locomotivation and can be developed to suit individual business needs across multiple industries.

For more information please visit https://www.locomotivation.co.uk/funding/skills-support-for-the-workforce-ssw.htm

Call free on 0800 1777610

Note to editors:

European Social Fund

The project is receiving up to £675,000 of funding from the European Social Fund as part of the 2014-2023 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England. The Department for Work and Pensions (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for the England European Social Fund programme. Established by the European Union, the European Social Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support skills development, employment and job creation, social inclusion and local community regenerations.

For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding