Training for technology employees offered

A new scheme has been launched by the Sector Skills Council for the Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies (Semta) that is aimed at developing the skills and qualifications of employees in the technology industry.

Employers can now request a grant of between £500 and £1,800 per worker for the purpose of upskilling its workforce, Semta stated.

This follows a £65m deal with the Government, the body added.

Chief Executive of Semta, Philip Whiteman, said the initiative will help stem the skills shortage.

'To overcome significant skills gaps and make businesses more competitive, employers need access to funding for innovative programmes like Business Improvement Techniques,' he suggested.

'Measurable bottom line profits from quality, cost and delivery' will be recorded by firms involved in the process, Mr Whiteman claimed.

The Learning and Skills Council recently stated that IT jobs are safe from the knock-on effects of the credit crunch.