A second piece of research from the LSC revealed that while the UK engineering sector is struggling to fill skills shortage vacancies, 42 per cent of almost 4,000 businesses using the LSC’s Train to Gain Service have realised bottom-line benefit. These include higher productivity, increased profit margins, improved product and service quality, as well as improvements to staff loyalty and retention.

GCA UK Ltd, a civil engineering firm based in Derby used Train to Gain to improve the skills of the company’s staff.

Nicky Collett, Director at GCA UK Ltd, said: “The Train to Gain service is ideal for us – for a company with just 21 staff, it really is a quality, time-saving service. In addition to training GCA’s younger workers, Train to Gain has given other employees the opportunity to re-train.”

Nicky added: “Through Train to Gain we have also arranged for an administrator to re-train as a technician as it’s important that all employees get the chance to explore their potential.”

John Cridland, Deputy Director General of the CBI, agrees that training can make a real difference:

“Unlocking the talent of employees through training can have a direct impact on a company’s ability to flourish in the long term. A well-trained workforce is indispensible to its success and Train to Gain offers businesses tangible support and solutions to respond and excel.”

Nearly three quarters (74 per cent) of employers engaged in Train to Gain reported staff had improved their skills and ability to do their job thanks to the training recommended by the service’s skills brokers. In addition, 30 per cent of employees had been promoted as a result of the training.

Paul Holme, Director of Skills for Employers at the Learning and Skills Council, said: “Tens of thousands of employers have benefitted from Train to Gain and are seeing a substantial impact on their bottom line. What’s more, learners are also reaping the rewards as they enjoy better skills and promotions. Our latest research shows that Train to Gain is helping to unlock staff potential through recommending and delivering relevant, job-specific training. I urge more organisations to follow suit and get involved and see the benefits of investing in training for the long term.”

Skills gaps are further being plugged via the Government’s Apprenticeships programme which employers can also access through Train to Gain. Training providers and colleges can also give employers skills and funding advice for their business.

For more information on Train to Gain call 0800 015 55 45 or visit traintogain.gov.uk.