This bite-sized training is delivered in the work place over a twelve week period and is worth up to £1,250. It's available to sole traders or their employees aged 19+ in the North Devon & Torridge area.

The pilot project has been developed in response to last years’, Northern Devon Employer Skills Survey, where local employers identified customer service skills as a priority, stating that this particular skills gap had lost them business or orders to competitors.

Sarah Grigg, Employment and Skills Manager at North Devon+ said: “Thanks to businesses telling us what they wanted through the Skills Survey, we know where the skills gaps are.  We are now using this information to help plan and inform training provision to better meet the needs of local employers".

She continues: “This project will help local businesses to boost their customer service skills, by giving them access to some free training – and ultimately helping them to gain a competitive edge and boost their profits. We’ve planned the project so the training can take place during the low season, allowing tourism businesses to participate.  It will also benefit seasonal workers throughout the area, who will gain recognised training and qualifications."

There will be two programmes with ten places available on each.  Several businesses have already expressed an interest.  Applications are encouraged from businesses with fewer than ten employees, and female participants and those aged fifty and above are particularly welcome to get involved.

Employers taking part will undertake a personalised ‘training needs analysis’ where they can select customer service modules that will most benefit their business.  Meanwhile, participants on the course will develop and practice their skills whilst at work, gaining accredited training.  The programme ends with a Certification Ceremony.

This programme is part funded by the European Union through the European Social Fund.  It is part of the Local Response Fund - a total of £377,000 of European Social Fund money – which was awarded to the area last year for skills-based projects.

For further information and to register your interest please visit www.ndemploymentandskills.co.uk