College announces free training boost for local businesses

At a time when many local businesses are finding that their training budgets are severely restricted due to the current economic climate, City College Brighton and Hove has announced that it is in a position to provide free fully funded NVQs and nationally-recognised certification in traditional trades such as Catering, Carpentry, Construction, Electrical and Plumbing and also a variety of other employment sectors including Customer Service, Business Administration, Retail and Culture & Heritage.

The only criteria is that applicants are over 16, do not already have a Level 4 qualification or higher, have contract of employment and are UK resident for 3 years or more. Applications must be in by April 26th 2012. In recent months, the College has been named as the winner of the Sussex Business in the Community Award in recognition of the work it has done with local partners such as Jobcentre Plus to improve training and employment opportunities in the area.

“We’re delighted that the funding is available to help local businesses in this way”, said Donna Keenan, Managing Director of City Business Skills at City College. “We’re aware that the economic downturn has made it difficult for many companies to invest in this kind of staff training so along with the short courses and training programmes that we’re continuing to provide at very affordable rates, I hope this offer of free nationally-recognised qualifications will remind employers in Brighton & Hove that their local College is a vital resource when it comes to developing and rewarding their staff.”

One of the local employers already benefiting from this opportunity is social housing repairs and maintenance provider, Mears. “This fantastic offer provides us with a great opportunity to train our staff in a way that’s relevant to what they do”, said Mears Partnering Manager James Cryer. “It’s helping them to develop in their careers and its helping us to develop our business.”

For more information on the free employee training opportunities currently being offered by City College, contact Julie McPhater on 01273 667788 x 343 or email JM5@ccb.ac.uk

For City College media enquiries, please call Brian Bell, Marketing Communications Officer, on 01273 667788 Ext. 488 or email bb1@ccb.ac.uk