Training

MKB Care is committed to ensuring that its members can access essential training through Bucks and Milton Keynes County Councils. These pages have details of training courses currently available with both Councils (where provided to MKB) and also information on Skills for Care and Funded Training. Contact Jackie Ashford via pvtraining@buckscc.gov.uk at Bucks CC for further details of funding availablity in the Bucks CC area. You can also find out more from the Log on to Care website.

National Apprenticeship Services

Between now and the 31stMarch 2010 the National Apprenticeship Service will provide up to 5,000 Apprenticeship Grants for Employers recruiting 16- and 17-year-olds with a value of £2,500 to encourage employers to take on apprentices. Last year, over 70,000 16-/17-year-olds started an apprenticeship but there are still many more young people who want to learn whilst they are in work and the NAS is determined to make sure that the opportunities are there for them to do so.

The £2,500 is in addition to the cost of training which for young people (aged 16-18) is already fully met by the NAS. Click here to download documents containing details of the process for claiming. Please note that apprentices must be employed before the end of March 2010.

If you have any queries, contact Malcolm Wright via malcolm.wright@apprenticeships.gov.uk or by phone on 01489 558643.

Age 16 - 17 employers fact sheet

Age 16 - 17 provider fact sheet

Age 16 - 17 claim authorisation form

Age 16 - 17 employer agreement

Business Link courses and workshops for MKOB businesses

Business Link is a national, government-run service which exists to provide access to the information, advice and support businesses need to start up, maintain themselves and improve the way they work. They work to put local businesses in touch with a range of expertise across the private, public and voluntary support sectors.

In the South East, Business Link offers free or low-cost workshops to help businesses in Milton Keynes, Bucks and Oxon. Click here to visit the Business Link website.

25th August 2009 - Skills for Care – Qualifications and Credit Framework in Adult Social Care

Skills for Care have created a new qualification and credit framework which will replace all NVQs previously funded by the LSC for staff working in the social care sector from next year. All our members need to be aware of this change and plan accordingly.

It is a significant improvement in the way qualifications are constructed: it recognises that jobs can be be very varied and that staff may work at different levels or in different specialisms, rather than everything being ‘valued’ in the same area of work or only at NVQ level 2. The new framework allows staff to build up a portfolio of units/credits in different aspects of their work which should reflects their true competence and knowledge more fairly. Download the powerpoint presentation here

The SfC contacts for QCF are Zoe Dodd (zoe.dodd@skillsforcare.org.uk) and Fazeela Hafejee (fazeela.hafejee@skillsforcare.org.uk). For more information, please contact either Zoe or Fazeela or look at the website: www.skillsforcare.org.uk.