Advice Line 0844 822 2525
Sept 2010
Public funding worth more than £1.5 million has been secured by Asset Skills to train more than 800 candidates in new vocational qualifications in facilities management, housing and cleaning.
It follows the approval of two bids from Asset Skills to the Government's Joint Investment Programme, which is designed to bring together public and private investment to support training and skills development in areas key to economic recovery and future growth.
The project funding was secured by Asset Skills, Sector Skills Council. It will allow more than 500 candidates to undertake a wide range of new higher level vocational qualifications in business services, including:
Investment in these areas recognises the importance of developing skills in FM and support services to achieve effective and efficient operations.
In housing, it will enable high level skills provision for 330 candidates through take up of the new Housing Higher Apprenticeship. This new training combines a revamped National Vocational Qualification with a technical certificate from the industry's professional body, the Chartered Institute of Housing. The funding comes at a crucial time for housing employers, who are increasingly expected to support skills and employment agendas through apprenticeships as a condition of funding from other sources.
"This is excellent news for industries in our sector," said Richard Beamish, Chief Executive of Asset Skills. "It will provide valuable support through a partnership between employers and government which will have a big impact on raising the skills of the workforce. We look forward to working with the Skills Funding Agency over next 12 months to ensure the successful implementation of this project."
Employers who have committed to training their staff through the Joint Investment Programme will be assisted by the Asset Skills Virtual Academies in Business Services and Housing which offer practical help and support to both employers and training providers.
The total combined value of the two Joint Investment Programme bids amounts to £3,054,062, which includes contributions from both employers and the government.
For more information, contact the Asset Skills Virtual Academy by email onukacademy@assetskills.org or call 0844 822 2525.
