The government's Train to Gain initiative has been popular among employers needing assistance in the difficult economic climate, new figures have shown.
According to the Learning and Skills Council, a survey of those firms that are making use of the initiative found that 41 per cent have found the recession easier to cope with as a result, while 80 per cent would recommend it to others.
The scheme provides government money to companies that want to offer training to their staff in order to boost their capabilities and skills minister Kevin Brennan said that "tens of thousands of employees" have benefited as a result.
"This is crucial for the long-term strength of the economy and the ability of individuals to fulfil their potential," he remarked.
A report on Train to Gain - which has been running since April 2006 - concluded that it enables businesses to train more staff to a higher standard than they would have been able to without the support.
It also showed that over 90 per cent of employees who took the training were happy with the standard of service they received, while 85 per cent said that they were hoping to learn skills that will be beneficial in the future.
One company that has been making use of Train to Gain is Bristol-based outsourcing and asset management firm Mitie and corporate development director at the business Roger Goodman remarked that it has helped give support to workers "in a way that would not otherwise have been possible".
The initiative recently received praise from Work Wise UK's Phil Flaxton, who said that it has "got to be applauded" for helping the jobs market in the current financial climate.
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