Train to Gain is a government service that offers businesses a chance to enhance training of the skills they need. Impartial and independent “skills brokers???? help employers identify their needs and source appropriate training from a range of available skills solutions that best meet these needs. Since its launch in 2006, Train to Gain has helped more than 52,000 employers and enabled over 240,000 employees to undertake training.

Now, the country’s electrical and mechanical trade bodies and training providers have joined forces to help M&E firms access funds under the Train to Gain initiative. Led by the Building Engineering Services Training (BEST), the group includes the Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association (HVCA), Electrical Contractors Association (ECA), SummitSkills and Electrical Assessment Services (EAS). Funding for the group is supplied by the Learning & Skills Council (LSC).

“Millions of pounds of Train to Gain money are yet to be spent. To date, employer demand has failed to meet expectations, and it is hoped that this new approach, giving ownership to respected industry bodies, will engender a more positive reaction to what is essentially free training,???? explained Mark Brenner, BEST chief executive officer.

Employers all over the country can contact BEST, which is in charge of carrying out an initial assessment of eligibility and training needs. Each business’s current performance and skills levels will be measured against overall industry standards in order to establish realistic training targets.

“Firms can (then) be helped to identify opportunities for improving skills, competency and efficiency, resulting in a staff and culture that provide tangible commercial benefits to the businesses,???? said Brenner.