BIS defends Train to Gain

The Department for Business has vigorously defended its Train to Gain scheme following a report suggesting it has been badly managed.

The government said yesterday the initiative had helped businesses provide vital staff training during the downturn and that 80% of employers who had used it would recommend it or use it again.

According to the Department for Business report, 75% of users said it had given staff valuable job related skills which improved performance.

“Thousands of businesses and tens of thousands of employees have benefited from the improved skills delivered by our Train to Gain programme,” said Skills Minister Kevin Brennan.

“This is crucial for the long term strength of the economy and the ability of individuals to fulfil their potential.”

However, a Public Accounts Committee report published late last year said that while Train to Gain has expanded to meet employers’ needs, ‘there have been serious weaknesses in the way the programme has been managed’.

The report concluded that mistakes in the scheme’s management had compromised its value for money and that unrealistic targets had been set for the first two years.

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2010