A record number of adults gained vocational qualifications in the past academic year, according to National Statistics published today. The qualifications cover a range of skills and training giving people what they need to get work and get on at work, improving their chances of being employed.
320,600 adults achieved a full level 2 qualification (equivalent to five good GCSEs) in 2007/08. This is an increase of 36.5 per cent from 2006/07.
Other key findings include:
* 346,200 adults started a qualification through the Government's Train to Gain service in 2007/08, an increase of 67.8 per cent from 2006/07;
* 386,200 adults started a qualification through Train to Gain in the first six months of the 2008/09 academic year, an increase from 253,600 adults starting in the same period in 2007/08; and
* 187,300 adults achieved a qualification through Train to Gain in 2007/08, over double the number of achievements in 2006/07.
Train to Gain is the Government's flagship service to help employers to improve the skills of their employees and the productivity of their business. But the benefits of Train to Gain are not just economic. Findings from further research published today shows that gaining a qualification improves many people's self-confidence and motivation at work, as well as giving them skills that will appeal to employers.
Skills Minister Lord Young said:
"It is great news that the number of adult learners getting vocational qualifications is at its highest ever and that Train to Gain is proving increasingly popular with employers and learners. Behind these figures are real people with brighter futures, better skills, improved self-confidence and, for a significant number, a pay rise or promotion.
"We need to make sure that we continue to help people access the skills and training they need to get into and get on at work, especially in tougher times. That is why the Government is giving real help now to individuals, employers and businesses so they can emerge stronger from the downturn."
Over recent months, the Government has responded to employers' needs and has made Train to Gain more flexible and responsive, which has helped to drive the increased demand. Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be top priority for Train to Gain funds, including the £350m growth, over the next two years to help them get through the tougher economic climate by building the skills and expertise of their workers.
From January 2009, DIUS relaxed the rules so that SMEs can get funding for short courses in business-critical areas, and more funding for qualifications even when employees already have a qualification at that level. DIUS has also made funding deals with particular industries to meet their different skills and training needs.
National Statistics published today suggest that employers are keen to take advantage of the real help on offer from Government to prepare for the upturn when it comes. We want more employers and employees to benefit from training as we know that businesses who don't train are more likely to fail than those who do.
The figures come after the Government's record investment in further education and skills, which now stands at over £4.5 billion for 2009-10. The funding is targeted at giving people the skills and training they need to get into and on at work and improve their life chances. The Government will continue to grow, expand and improve Train to Gain and will invest over £1bn per year through the service by 2010-11. This will support one million learners.
New research published today by the Learning and Skills Council shows that both employers and employees continue to be highly satisfied with Train to Gain.
An evaluation of employers found that:
* 92 per cent of employers who have accessed Train to Gain have been satisfied with the training, and the provider who delivered it;
* 68 per cent of employers stated that Train to Gain training has improved long-term competitiveness of their business; and
* 46 per cent of employers stated that Train to Gain has had a beneficial impact on their "bottom line".
An evaluation of learners found that learners felt there was real value in achieving a qualification. Respondents spoke with great pride about what they had gained and described how it gave them confidence, credibility and real gains in terms of their current job and future career:
* 89 per cent of new learners said their training gave them skills that would help with current and future jobs and employers;
* 45 per cent of new learners reported receiving a pay rise which they attributed to their training;
* 48 per cent of learners in a longitudinal group reported increased promotion prospects.
A Train to Gain learner who had studied for an NVQ Level 2 in Performing Manufacturing Operations spoke of what achieving a qualification meant to them:
"Reassurance that I am of value. And probably the ability to tell people 'I can do that' because although I have been doing, now there is something that says I can... I have never had a certificate to prove it."
The latest data in the SFR continues to show a significant increase in the numbers of learners achieving qualifications. However this growth is not evident in the Labour Force Survey which is used to measure progress against some of DIUS's PSA targets. We are therefore initiating an investigation into this issue with the ONS. The Labour Force Survey is a household survey and relies on people's self-assessment of qualifications they have gained. 
, employers can talk to a local broker who will give advice about what specific training could help that business thrive. The broker can explain where courses are on offer, direct them to suitable local training providers and explain how to access funding. 
of businesses in these challenging times." 
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