There are a number of courses and training opportunities available
to businesses from a variety of sources designed to assist
employers and employees alike.
East of England Development Agency (EEDA) ‘Towards
2010’
This new programme of funding from EEDA will directly contribute
towards the cost of employee training. It will meet up to 70% of
the cost of training activities that focus on training to improve
your business. There is a minimum 50% grant and some SMEs may be
eligible for up to 70%.
A ‘Towards 2010’ adviser will work with you to agree the most
appropriate training programme and the training provider, and will
support you through the programme. Typical programmes could include
updating computer skills, leadership and management skills and
marketing skills. The scheme will operate until August 2007 with a
focus upon 7 key sectors, the relevant information and contact
details are listed below:
- Manufacturing - Geoff Nelder, Cranfield University - 01234
754174
- Energy - Johnathan Reynolds, EEEGR - 01493 446535
- Environmental Technology – Eszter Gulácsy, CSEng – 01733
311988
- Food & Drink – John Strak, FoodEast – 0800 6120452
- Life Sciences/Biotechnology – Zoe Halliday, ERIB – 01223
421975
- Creative – David Wilkinson, Screen East – 01603 776927
- Leisure, Tourism & Heritage – Jenny Shepherd, EETB – 01473
825626
Further information can be found at
www.eeda.org.uk
(opens new window) . Businesses outside the above sectors can
still access this funding and should contact Business Link for
advice on 01473 417000.
Community Learning and Skills Development
Managing Community Learning and Skills
Development programmes throughout Suffolk and offering a wide range
of provision for adults. Training for the workforce is also
provided.
Website:
http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/EducationAndLearning/
CommunityLearningAndSkillsDevelopment
Business Link East
Business Link East provides a number of business briefings and
workshops in four key areas including: Sales and Marketing, Finance
and Legislation, Business Practice and Using IT and the Web.
Tel: 0845 601 1000
Website:
www.bookevents.org (opens new window)
Norfolk and Waveney Enterprise Services
(NWES)
NWES offer comprehensive training packages carefully designed to
meet a variety of needs, from start-up companies to businesses who
want to develop the skills of their workforce. Training is offered
by traditional means, at your premises or off-site, or via their
online learning suites.
Contact them on 08456 099991 or visit
www.nwes.org.uk
(opens new window)
Astral Centre
The Astral Centre is a state-of-the-art business and management
training centre located at Lowestoft College. Aimed at individuals,
companies and organisations, the centre offers high-tech training
facilities, conference suites and meeting rooms suitable for a wide
range of events.
St. Peter's Street
Lowestoft
Suffolk
NR32 2NB
Tel: 01502 525159
Website:
www.astralcentre.org.uk (opens new window)
Learn Direct
Learndirect run a number of courses including IT courses such as
word processing, databases and spreadsheets, they also run
essential business and management skills courses covering finance,
marketing, personnel and health and safety. There are a number of
Learndirect centres throughout the region. For more information
call free on 0800 100 900 or go to
www.learndirect.co.uk (opens new
window)
Directgov
The Directgov website has information and advice on all stages of
education and learning including key contact points, government
bodies and useful websites and addresses for the adult education
and learning sector. Go to
http://www.direct.gov.uk/ (opens new
window)
Lowestoft College
Lowestoft College offer a variety of courses from
GCSEs and AS/A Levels to work based learning programmes, sector
specific courses and modern apprenticeships.
St. Peter's Street
Lowestoft
Suffolk
NR32 2NB
Website:
www.lowestoft.ac.uk (Opens new window)
Tel: 0800 854695 or 01502 583521 (main switchboard).
Suffolk Training Advice Point (TAP)
Managed by the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the
Learning and Skills Council, TAP provides a free comprehensive
independent source of information about learning opportunities in
Suffolk. Their website has information on over 6,000 courses from
training and numeracy to literacy and postgraduate education. Visit
www.suffolktap.co.uk (opens new window) or
telephone 01473 694810 / 694811 / 694814.
Department for Education and Skills
The Department for Education and Skills was established with the
purpose of creating opportunity, releasing potential and achieving
excellence for all.
Tel: 0870 000 2288
Website:
www.dfes.gov.uk (opens new window)
Learning and Skills Council for Suffolk
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is responsible for education
and training for everyone after the age of 16 except those studying
in universities. Their work in Suffolk covers: further education
colleges; training at work; school sixth forms; working with
employers to develop skills; adult and community learning; and
information, advice and guidance for adults and young people.
Tel: 0845 0194180
Website:
www.lsc.gov.uk (opens new window)
Adecco Recruitment Consultants
Although based in Lowestoft, Adecco covers the whole of the
Waveney district as well as further a field to Saxmundham, Leiston
and Great Yarmouth. They offer a wide range of services that can be
tailored to meet the precise demands of the business environment.
They will support the recruitment needs of a business with a first
class and personal service on a local level.
Unit 19, Riverside Business Centre
Riverside Road
Lowestoft
NR33 0TQ
Tel: 01502 589046
Website:
www.adecco.co.uk (opens new window)
Job Centre Plus
Job Centre Plus gives help and advice on jobs and training for
people who can work and financial help for those who cannot.
Lowestoft – Tel: 01502 504000
Beccles – Tel: 01502 404500
Website:
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk (opens new
window)
New Deal
New Deal is a government initiative that offers help for people
who want to set up and run their own business. Also available is
help writing a business plan, a test-trading period and a job
funders grant.
Website:
www.newdeal.gov.uk (opens new
window)
Waveney Workforce
Established in 1996, Waveney Workforce is an independent agency
specialising in industrial recruitment. Contact them for details of
the latest opportunities, which change on a daily basis.
5 Regent Road
Lowestoft
Suffolk
NR32 1PA
Tel: 01502 588272
Fax: 01502 588121
Email:
office@waveneyworkforce.fsbusiness.co.uk
Women’s Employment, Enterprise & Training Unit
(WEETU)
WEETU's primary purpose is to assist women in Norfolk and Waveney
to develop their economic prospects and to improve access to the
local labour market. They provide high quality employment and
enterprise support services as well as short training courses
including financial literacy, business start-ups, confidence
building as well as practical skills. The services are designed
specifically to meet the needs of women and address the barriers
they face.
Sackville Place
44/48 Magdalen Street
Norwich
Norfolk
NR3 1JU
Tel: 01603 767367
Website:
www.weetu.org (opens new window)
UK Engineering Recruitment Ltd
Specialist recruitment agency supplying permanent and temporary
labour to the oil/gas/nuclear and associated industries.
28 High Street
Lowestoft
Suffolk
NR32 1HY
Tel: 01502 508198
Website:
www.ukerltd.co.uk
(Opens new window)
Waveney Community Forum CVS
The Waveney Community Forum CVS works in partnership with the
Suffolk Association of Voluntary Organisations (SAVO) to put on
training programmes for local groups. See their website for
details.
12 Grove Road
Lowestoft
Suffolk
NR32 1EB
Tel: 01502 582201
Website:
www.waveneycf.org.uk (opens new
window)