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Grab the present - look to the future
GOVERMENT GRANTS for training are now more easily available than ever before. Using its Train to Gain program, the shackles have been removed from funding. Previously money was only available for National Vocational Qualifications, yet now virtually any form of training that will increase the performance of the individual and the company will be considered for up to 60 per cent grant aid.
This can amount to a great deal of money and an increasing number of Prism members are taking advantage of the money. They have the advantage of being able to speak to the association for guidance on the application structure. The precise route to the money varies with each area and although it can be a lengthy process, those who are persistent will get it sorted.
As an active member of Proskills, the sector skills council that includes printing, Prism is helping to identify the skills that the industry needs for a sustainable and profitable future. Proskills is also responsible for setting and driving up standards of courses and qualifications and influencing funding and investment in skills and training.
In fact, funding for 10,000 National Apprenticeships is available for the Proskills sector. The question is - how many apprentices are there in the printing arena? Sadly Prism is not aware of any at all.
The printing industry has an ageing workforce and the skill sets of that workforce are not always what they should be. In challenging times, we need people who have a broad range of skills. A well designed apprenticeship scheme gives that firm foundation.
Young people can provide the spark of enthusiasm that motivates a whole workforce. Giving them the understanding enables them to provide a different perspective on how a department and company operates. It is also easy to forget the job satisfaction and pleasure that is experienced by the old hands passing on their knowledge to the younger generation. It's not fair to moan about the state of manufacturing and the fact that jobs are being exported if we don't provide a skilled workforce for the future. Without it we are lost.
Training that can attract funding doesn't just apply to the shop floor. Business improvement techniques, such as effective financial management and managing teams all qualify for grant aid.
Quieter periods are the ideal time for up-skilling the work force, yet the greatest block on skills development is fear. Fear from learners of looking stupid in front of their colleagues. Fear on behalf of management that if staff are trained, they will leave. Both fears are imaginary.
Learners work together in gaining new knowledge and gain real satisfaction from doing so. From the managers perspective, the reality is that only a foolish employee would leave a company that is investing in employees' future. Learning is a process of accumulating knowledge but most importantly it is tremendous boost to morale.
