Firms urged to sign up for cut-price training

Food and drink manufacturers have until March to register for subsidised training for female employees.

Improve, the food and drink sector skills council, is offering 625 places for women working in the industry to complete a level-three introductory certificate in management from the Chartered Management Institute.

Improve is funding 90% of the training costs. This means that for an employer contribution of £50, each worker will receive £500 worth of training.

“This is an excellent opportunity for companies to invest in training their female employees,” said Paula Widdowson, Improve’s commercial director. “It will equip women with the skills and knowledge to take on more senior roles and will help them increase their earning potential and further their career development.”

According to Improve, women are “hugely under-represented” in food and drink manufacturing, currently making up 23% of managers in the sector.

Successful completion of the course, which is open to employees at any level, will provide the necessary foundation to study towards a diploma in management - the equivalent of a degree.

The certificate takes 30 guided learning hours, including a two-day workshop, written assignment and work-based project. The workshop can be delivered at a company premises, providing more than 12 women from that company are on the course.

Any interested employers should contact Improve as soon as possible, said Widdowson. “Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and are filling up fast.”

Employees must be registered by the end of March. To register, or for more information, email vasb@vzcebirygq.pb.hx​ or call 0845 644 0448.