Business Grants
Subsidised Training for Businesses
The Borough of Poole have bid directly to the Office of the Prime Minister for funding to support small and medium sized businesses (0 – 49 employees) who are being urged to improve workforce skills with the help of this subsidised training initiative. Small and medium sized businesses (0 - 49 employees) are being urged to improve workforce skills with the help of this subsidised training initiative.
The three-stage programme begins with an assessment of the skill needs of staff and managers by independent advisers. By analysing performance and identifying any shortfalls in skills levels verses skills needs, the advisers can highlight areas in which qualification training could produce maximum gain. Any training undertaken as a result of the assessment is subsidised – a useful bonus for smaller firms with limited budgets. For further information on this initiative please contact Gwen Brennan-Barrass using the details at the bottom of this page.
Case Study of Subsidised Work-Based Training
There has been a veterinary practice at Walton Lodge in Poole for over a hundred years, but Matt Garland is its first male veterinary nurse. Matt, 23, who has just completed the three year work-based training programme, is undaunted by being the only male in what is still a female-dominated profession. “I don’t see it that way. I think it is a job for anybody who likes animals,” says Matt, who has worked in local pet shops and at Merley Bird Gardens. “I have always kept pets and am really pleased that my hobby has become my career”.
Matt enjoys laboratory work and has been enthusiastic about improving the in-house lab facilities at Walton Lodge. Practice Manager Barbara Powell hopes Matt’s success will inspire others: “Men are increasingly going into nursing and the care professions as barriers between traditional male and female occupations disappear,” she said. “I hope others will follow Matt’s example.” Walton Lodge Veterinary Group has four qualified veterinary nurses, including Matt, and two in training.
The specialist training, which is delivered by the Linwood School of Veterinary Nursing, is part-funded by Business Link Wessex. Barbara Powell says the support has been invaluable: “Training is vital but very costly and this has certainly helped us to get more of our staff qualified,” she says. “This is a very busy practice and it is good for the partners and the customers to know that our staff are properly trained.” Barbara, herself a qualified veterinary nurse, has been with the practice for 10 years. Founded in 1899, the practice moved to the current premises in 1905, and was taken over by Colonel Kingston in 1947. Brian Kingston succeeded his father and was joined by two other partners before his retirement.
The practice has grown over the years, and now has up-to-date services which include a purpose-built radiography suite, ECG and endoscopy facilities, and microchipping. There is also a branch surgery at Broadstone. Ken Pinder, Personal Business Adviser with Business Link Wessex, says: “There is a real family atmosphere at Walton Lodge, and it is a pleasure to see these young people acquire a professional qualification in work which they so obviously enjoy The three-stage programme begins with an assessment of the skills needs of staff and managers by an independent adviser.
By analysing performance and identifying any shortfall in skills levels verses skills needs, the advisers can highlight areas in which qualification training could produce maximum gain and help. Any training undertaken as a result of the assessment can be subsidised – a useful bonus for smaller firms with limited budgets. The programme is being managed by Business Link Wessex on behalf of the Borough of Poole.
For more details on how to access this funding contact Gwen Brennan-Barrass using the details at the bottom of this page.
To unlock your Business Potential ......
Whatever business you are in, training is the single issue that is most likely to help you achieve improved performance. The trouble is that your're probably so busy that you may not be aware of the specific training needs of your business. Everyone can benefit and don't forget, the skills learnt can be applied each and every working day.
Your business could get a grant for training
Following a skills review and an agreed action plan, a maximum of up to £1,000 per employer may be available in any one financial year to provide support for this training. All grants are match funded and the authority to draw down the grant will be given by your Business Link Wessex Skills Development Manager.
To get your share of the help Business Link Wessex provide, call 08454 58 85 58 today or go to www.businesslinkwessex.co.uk
For further information about what business support is available locally, and how this may match your business needs, click onto any of the organisations listed below and explore what is out there:-
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