A TRAINING firm is helping to pioneer a Government scheme subsidising employers to give workers Level 2 Vocational and Basic Skills qualifications.

After getting through a rigorous Learning & Skills Council vetting programme to gain approved provider status, Protocol Training of Lydiard Millicent will provide programmes in Swindon and Wiltshire.

The Swindon area is one of only six nationwide to be designated for the Employer Training Pilot - a £40m Treasury initiative.

Programme manager Chris Whitehouse said: "This is a great opportunity to show how public and private sector partnerships can effectively deliver the Life Long Learning goal that the Government wants to achieve in the UK."

Employers are being encouraged by the LSC in Swindon to call a freephone number to find out how they may be eligible to obtain up to 70 hours of off-the-job compensation for each employee trained.

Mr Whitehouse added: "Working closely with the Swindon and Wiltshire LSC for the first time has been an important step forward for us."

For further information, call (0845) 7512288.