Lancashire launches £5.6m training fund

LANCASHIRE County Council has launched a £5.6m workforce training programme backed by the European Social Fund.

Lancashire Skills Support for the Workforce (LSS) aims to support 3,800 employees aged 19 and over who are working for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Businesses that qualify will receive an analysis of their training needs, and eligible employees will then be able to access free accredited training based on their requirements.

The training will include a mix of basic and higher level skills, leadership and management skills, as well as technical and industry specialist qualifications.

Owen McLaughlin, chair of the Lancashire Skills Board and vice chair of the Lancashire LEP, said: “The need for skilled staff is shared by all businesses regardless of their sector. This ambitious programme allows us to help the county’s businesses to address any ‘skills gaps’ that could be holding back their growth potential.”