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)