Report: Encouraging small firms to invest in training

learning from overseas

29 July 2010

This report examines the lessons the UK can learn from overseas on policies to encourage small firms to invest in training.  It identifies and explores the main barriers to training experienced by small firms and looks at policy responses and interventions used overseas, including:

• changing employers' outlook through making the business case for training;
• the provision of information and guidance;
• recognising that small firms need different types of training from large firms;
• tax incentives; pay-back contracts;
• training subsidies;
• training levies;
• rights to training leave;
• job-rotation schemes; and

• networking and pooling of resources.

It also considers the implications for UK policy.

Available on the internet at: http://www.ukces.org.uk/upload/pdf/PRAXIS%20Edition%205%20WEB%20PDF_1.pdf