The Skills Pledge
Give your workforce the skills they need
Research proves that a skilled and qualified workforce is one of the keys to a flourishing economy. Accessible and appropriate learning and skills support for working people, together with pro-active help from their employers, is vital if the sub-region is to achieve its optimum growth potential.
The Skills Pledgeis a voluntary, public commitment by the leader of a company or organisation to support the skills development of all its employees to develop their skills which in turn helps to boost productivity and sharpen their competitive edge.
Through signing up to the Skills Pledge, employers are committing to improve the skills of their workforce, including where necessary tackling poor literacy and numeracy skills and working towards relevant valuable qualifications to at least Level 2 (equivalent to 5 good GCSEs).
A framework of support, funding and access to local training through the Train to Gain service is available, designed to provide employees with the skills they need to do the job.
In return, the employer pledges to support and encourage employees to gain the skills that can meet the needs of the company and boost their future employment prospects. They also make a commitment to improve company performance by investing in training and development.
Practical support through Train to Gain
The Train to Gainservice was developed to help organisations access the training they need.
It provides businesses with impartial, independent advice on solutions to their specific training needs. Employers are offered access to an experienced Skills Broker who will identify the skills needed, pinpoint the right training, propose a tailored training package, find available funding and review the progress being made.
Showcase for commitment
Employers who have committed to the Skills Pledge can be guided by a Train to Gain Skills Broker, who will provide support and guidance on the pledge commitment and implementation/action plan. Some companies draw up a separate action plan for training to deliver their Skills Pledge. Others integrate the work into their normal business plan.
The Skills Pledge is not a contract. It is not legally binding on a company or organisation. But it is a valuable emblem of commitment by both company and workforce to support the success of the business.
CASE STUDY:
Nottinghamshire-based holiday specialist Center Parcs, who operates four forest holiday villages in the UK, was the first East Midlands company to sign up to the Skills Pledge.
Center Parcs employs 6,200 staff and has a strong company ethos that training is the key to happy, productive staff.
Recognised for its commitment to people development, the company already has Investors in People and Hospitality Assured accreditation. Last year it won the Nottinghamshire Stars Award for ‘Team of the Year’.
The company has launched a training website and offers new employees the chance to experience life as a guest for a day, before taking part in a welcome workshop as an introduction to company and guest-care training. An annual management development scheme provides a clear route for career progression for staff with the ambition and aptitude. This includes person skills assessment and a 12-month training programme with the support of mentors.
“We have seen the tangible link between retention and training. We are already committed to developing our people and currently have around 150 employees working towards a Level 2 qualification.”
Judi Leavor HR Manager, Center Parcs
Get involved
- Employers can find out more about the Skills Pledge and Train to Gain from www.traintogain.gov.uk/skillspledgeor from the Skills Pledge Helpline on 08000 15 55 45