Up to £1,000 grant support for training and education

The Manufacturing Institute's training and education programmes can be eligible for up to £1,000 grant support under the Train to Gain Leadership and Management programme.

From the Business Link North West web site. (Business based outside the North West should refer to the Business Link in their region.

Inspiring prosperity through leadership

Businesses in all sectors can benefit from improved leadership and management that enables

• a competitive edge
• the development of a more effective, productive workforce
• improved skills and efficiency in work practices
• keeping ahead of the pace of change
• improved staff morale and retention
• motivating and empowering your people

By taking up the innovative Leadership and Management programme it will help to equip you with the skills to become a more effective leader. A skills broker will help you to diagnose your skills needs, and those of your management team and put together individual development plans. They will offer bespoke guidance on how to consolidate existing skills and improve in areas that will fast track personal development and ultimately boost the performance and competitiveness of your business. The programme offers:

• specialist support provided by a skills broker
• sourcing of bespoke training and development to meet the individuals needs
• measurable performance indicators to track achievements at every stage
• funding from the Northwest Regional Development Agency and the Learning and Skills Council to support the purchase of training or development opportunities
• support of up to £1,000 per individual is available, for up to 3 individuals per organisation (maximum of £3,000 per company) in organisations employing between 5 and 249 people, and 6 leaders in organisations employing 250 - 999 people.
• the first £500 of approved cost is available free and a further £500 of funding is available on a 50% match funded basis for the direct cost of the training or personal development activity, linked to your organisation's objectives

Funding can be used to access any support or training identified in the leader's or manager's personal development plan. This can include

• coaching
• mentoring
• qualifications
• non-qualification based training

Business leaders and senior managers of organisations that employ between 5 and 999 employees are eligible to take part in the programme. For more information contact your Business Link skills broker or call Train to Gain on 0845 602 0062 or email nwleaders@businesslinknw.co.uk