Talent Summit generates commitment to training in Scotland

17:30 7th April 2009

A recent Talent Summit held in Edinburgh has generated commitment from more than 90 businesses in Scotland to offer more training opportunities.

Nearly 90 per cent of businesses in attendance said they will help train the 1.5 million Scottish adults who have problems with literacy, while also reaching out to people with numeracy issues.

Almost all the businesses involved (99 per cent) said they could identify a clear link between investing in more programmes such as computer training and improving the productivity of their existing workforce.

Lord Robert Smith, chairman of Weir Group and Scottish and Southern Energy, as well as being a member of Alex Salmond’s Council of Economic Advisors, told delegates: "There are significant opportunities now for you to develop your staff and support the employability skills of vulnerable groups."

Maree Drury, campaign manager for Scotland's got Talent, said the organisation would help businesses to come through on their pledges in the coming weeks and months.

The Local Business Network in Sussex recently launched a new page on its website designed to list local training opportunities, according to the Kent and Sussex Courier.