A SKILLED workforce is vital, so knowing how to access quality training at the best value can keep your business ahead of the competition.
Vocational qualifications (VQs) give employees the chance to achieve work-based qualifications, and this year the Chamber has funding for 55 places available – the equivalent of £85,000 worth of free training.
Ann Foster, VQ lead assessor at the Chamber, said: “We are really excited to be able to offer this opportunity to businesses throughout the region.
“VQs relate to a candidate's practical ability to work in real conditions and to a degree of competence over time. It provides a nationally recognised qualification for work the employee is already doing and what they already know.
“An added bonus is that the candidate cannot fail – there is a 100% pass rate.
“The important thing is not to be put off by the title. Customer service is not limited to shop workers serving customers but has many other applications.”
Costs for the VQ can be met by the Modern Apprenticeship scheme which is the government funding programme provided by Skills Development Scotland that supports training programmes and VQs for young people.
Full funding is available for candidates aged 16-19, with a sliding scale of partial funding for those over the age of 20.
Funded places go quickly every year. Contact vqs@agcc.co.uk to find out how your business can benefit.