New IT training facilities for Carlisle

12:44 5th June 2009

Carlisle is set to offer major new IT training facilities for local people as part of a new centre of excellence to be built in the city.

The Cumberland News reports that the local authorities have unveiled plans for a £1.9 million community hub that will house a wide variety of local services, including health provision and local police.

Alongside these services will be an IT suite where locals will not only be able to access the internet but also undertake IT training programmes that will help them to develop their skills and boost their employment prospects.

Olwyn Luckley, the city councillor responsible for health and community development, told the newspaper: "This has got great potential for the area – there's no equivalent at the moment."

She continued: "I don't think anyone involved feels anything but real enthusiasm."

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation has recently suggested that employers are beginning to consider alternative ways to reward their staff rather than simply by paying out bonuses, with increased training being one method deployed.

Tom Hadley, director of external relations at the organisation, explained that in the past many companies have been over-reliant on paying out bonuses, but the current recession has forced them to change their approach and other incentives, such as IT training, are becoming a more popular choice.