EMPLOYERS and staff at firms across Kirklees and Calderdale have been praised for their commitment to training.
Kirklees College’s business and enterprise section hosted an awards ceremony for learners, employers and training providers involved in the Government’s Train to Gain initiative.
The ceremony was staged at the YMCA sports and function complex at Laund Hill, Salendine Nook.
Awards for employers showing a commitment to investing in staff training went to Total Foodservice Solutions, of Dalton, Batley firm Fox’s Biscuits and families support charity HomeStart in Halifax.
Kirkburton-based training provider ESTL, represented by director Rachel Stirling, received the Train for Gain Provider of the Year Award.
Awards were also presented to individuals who excelled in their NVQ training.
They were Gillian Holdsworth, of Storm Design in Elland; Josephine Jones, of Fitness Studio in Brighouse; and Gail Lumb, of HomeStart in Halifax.
April Bright, of the Montessori School in Brighouse, won an award for the learner showing significant commitment and determination in personal development by improving literacy and numeracy skills.
The Train to Gain Consortium, which is made up of seven organisations and backed by the Learning and Skills Council, was formed in August, 2006, and has provided NVQ training for about 4,500 learners.
Helen Mahoney, of Kirklees College, said: “Some 1.3m people go to work every day without the skills they require to do their job proficiently.’’
She added: “Employers are increasingly investing in staff development and reaping benefits that include improved staff confidence and motivation, higher retention rates and increased productivity.’’
