Funded IT Training available to Welsh Businesses
October 18, 2011
Employers in the Convergence Area of Wales now have access to funded training to develop the ICT skills of the workforce, thanks to the newly launched DEHOV (Digital Economy Heads of the Valleys) initiative.
DEHOV is part of the Work Based Learning Programme funded by the Convergence European Social Fund, through the Welsh Government. It is offered through UHOVI (Universities Heads of the Valleys Institute), a partnership between the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport.
Private sector businesses in the Convergence region of Wales will be able to take advantage of training packages which could be either fully or part funded.
The project covers all aspects of IT training from learning about computerised accounting systems to online social networking systems for business.
Kirsten Merrill Glover of DEHOV said, “DEHOV is a fantastic opportunity for employers to up-skill their workforce in a way that is specific to their individual needs and with very little cost outlay. It’s all about equipping those working in our SMEs with the skills needed to succeed in the digital age in which we must all operate.”
Employers can choose how long the training will last, where it takes place and what exactly is taught. Training is delivered locally and is either accredited by the University of Glamorgan or the University of Wales, Newport.
Geesinknorba is Europe’s largest provider of refuse collection vehicles and waste compactors. Twenty members of staff at its UK headquarters in Llantrisant have signed up for the scheme and will begin training later this month.
Mansel Kersey is the company’s UK IT Manager. He said, “There is great anticipation amongst the team for the upcoming training, the users feel it will give them new skills and tools to be more productive employees. DEHOV has been a real help in identifying the training needs of our team, not only for them as individuals but to help the company through these uncertain economic times.
The training will ensure that not only are our employees able to work smarter for us as a business but they will also be an asset to the local economy.”
Staff at Ebbw Vale based Design Environmental, a leading manufacturer of environmental and climatic test chambers, are also taking part in the scheme.
Alison Morris, HR Manager for the company said, “We found out about DEHOV when we received an email advertising a new Microsoft Project course – perfect for our production department. The course content ticked all the right boxes: it was local training at a convenient time, course content was what we were looking for and there was no charge for the training.
“The knowledge received from the training will be put into practice to enable a more efficient, smooth- flowing production process, therefore helping Design Environmental to become smarter in our processes. The training has provided a good knowledge base to help the company progress in the ever changing manufacturing business. It will also help to keep us up to date with changing technology so that we are able to stay ahead of the game.”
The project will run until August 2013.
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