Press Release

Press Release: Businesses given timely £500,000 training boost

Monday 9 November 2009

Local businesses can take a share of a £500,000 boost designed to provide training to more than 1,000 people over the next eight months.

The Training Foundry at Sheffield Hallam University is using the cash to offer up to 60 per cent off a range of courses, which are designed to develop key business skills.

The money is the result of a successful joint bid with nti Leeds, a specialist technology training centre, and has been awarded by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and the Train to Gain Enhancement Fund.
The offer will run until July 2010 and a range of courses are eligible for the discount, including Apple, Adobe, Microsoft, Cisco, Zend, Android and iPhone development, PRINCE2 and Agile among others.

Dave Rotherham, head of The Training Foundry, said: "This sizeable pot of money means businesses will be able to increase productivity and workflow by investing in their key asset – their employees.

"This is a timely opportunity to improve the skills of employees and equip them with the training to enhance their careers and enable the region to bounce back from recession.

"Meanwhile, freelancers get the chance to improve their personal skills and employability, which are key to staying competitive as the UK emerges from recession."

Linda Broughton, head of nti Leeds, said: “nti Leeds and The Training Foundry have state-of-the-art city centre training labs, with exceptional trainers all accredited to the highest standards, and committed to delivering a first-rate training experience.

“Being awarded this funding means that our courses are available at a hugely discounted rate, enabling training budgets to stretch much further.

“The discounts offer significant benefits to businesses and freelancers in Yorkshire and the Humber, particularly in light of the current economic downturn."

Those eligible for funding can apply for an unlimited number of places on a huge range of courses, as there are no restrictions on the number or types of courses that a single person or business can access.