FREE training is available for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in Bedford  who need staff to be helped up the skills ladder

European Social Fund (ESF) fully-funded training towards NVQs in these skills is available:

Business Administration

Customer Service

Team Leading

Business Skills

Management

Warehousing

Health&Social Care

“Such funding is a great boost and is available to companies with less than 250 employees in Bedford, Central Beds and Luton, Milton Keynes and parts of Northants,” explain Gina Bubbins, Business Development Team leader at Bedford College,

“Those eligible under the Exemplas scheme are businesses in engineering, green economy & sustainable construction, motor sport, digital services and creative industries.

“Obviously warehousing is aimed at those in logistics and health & social care at those running homes or agencies providing home visit staff. But if in doubt give us a call on 01234 291747 and we will be able to advise.”

Further on from the free training, which is at Level 2, there is a heavily subsidised Level 3 training – meaning a reduction of £1,600 to £250 in costs.

Bedford College is the main provider of professional and work-based training for employers across Bedfordshire and Luton. It works closely with international companies and SMEs in all sectors.

Full details on www.bedford.ac.uk/employers/freetraining