A GROUNDBREAKING scheme in Wiltshire to get people into better jobs has been a huge success, a report has revealed. The multi-million pound Employer Training Pilot has helped thousands of workers improve their skills.

More than 3,000 workers and 370 firms have already benefited from the Free2Learn initiative, run through the Learning and Skills Council, at Westlea Campus, in Swindon.

Alan Taylor, project manager covering Wiltshire, Swindon and Berkshire, said: "It is a fabulous opportunity for Swindon.

"So far in Wiltshire and Swindon we have put out training contracts to the value of £8.2m and we still have £14m to contract. There is still lots of room in the scheme for new companies to get involved."

Companies have taken advantage of the basic skills training offered in everything from literacy and numeracy to floristry, health and social care, hospitality and engineering.

Feedback was very good, said Mr Taylor. "We are hearing that they are noticing an effect on the bottom line and they are noticing an effect on customer satisfaction levels," he said.

The success rate was high, partly because much of the training was done in the workplace.

His message to companies was: "If you are not engaging in training, you can bet your life we are training your competitors."

According to research by the independent Institute of Employment Studies there is substantial evidence that the programme has boosted the local economy.

Inspectors found that Wiltshire and Swindon had been suffering from a lack of skills and insufficient training facilities.

But Free2Learn was beginning to turn this around, making Swindon a more attractive and vibrant location for business.

The project is one of a group of six pilot schemes scheduled to run until next August.

Economic chiefs hope it will help another 5,500 staff and 500 companies in the county during that time.

It operates by offering a grant to firms which put low-skilled workers on approved training courses.

While the employee is undergoing the training, wages of up to £6.50 an hour are paid by the Government instead of the firm.

This gives the company an incentive to train up staff.

John Healy, Economic Secretary to the Treasury said: "This is a win-win-win scheme as the higher skills benefit the employee, the employer and the economy as a whole.

"Employees can benefit through their pay, their job satisfaction and employment prospects.

Similar operations have now been started up in another 12 areas and if the success continues it is likely to be extended.

Workers aged under 19, without National Vocational Qualifications level 2 are eligible for the training and companies who want to know more can call 0845 07512288.

Tina Clarke