Media companies in the South-East can take advantage of a new scheme to help offset the industry's skill shortage.
SkillsTrain, the South-East media training consortium, has launched a programme of subsidised consultancy, training and development for both old and new media.
SkillsTrain, Survive and Thrive, aims to address a variety of business needs by offering a discount of up to 75 per cent on training and development identified by approved consultants.
Although it is expected most companies applying to take part will be start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the scheme should be a valuable resource for businesses of all sizes and at all stages of their development in the broadcast, film, video and interactive media sectors.
Wired Sussex project manager Niki Strange said the training and support packages had been structured to cater for the needs of businesses struggling to cope with excess demand as much as those facing leaner times.
She said: "Much has been made of the economic downturn but there are still many businesses in our sector experiencing very healthy growth.
"This service has been put together to cater for businesses that find themselves at any point in the economic cycle, to help them deal with whatever challenges they may be facing."
SkillTrain's director Trisha Boland said: "Training and skills development often passes unnoticed in busy times.
"On the positive side, if a company is doing good business it might want growth management training.
"If it has been negatively affected by the downturn, it may require advice on how best to downsize.
"The whole point of the programme is the training is not pre-determined. The consultants look at a company's aims and objectives to get a clearer idea of how best it can invest in skills.
"The training can cover anything from better book keeping to improving marketing or building the skills to develop new products. It may be off-the-shelf or bespoke."
Successful applicant companies will receive an initial half-day of free consultancy to assess their development requirements.
They will then be provided with a plan of flexible training from which they can select the most useful options.
SkillsTrain, under the umbrella of the Skillset council, will reimburse 75 per cent of the training costs, up to a maximum subsidy of £1,500.
The programme receives funding from the South-East England Development Agency (Seeda) fund for learning and skills development and the European Social Fund.
It is being run in conjunction with the South-East Media Network, a project funded by Seeda and the Small Business Service to develop the media industry throughout the South-East.
Wired Sussex will be working with its regional partners, Wired Wessex and Oxmed-ianet, to deliver the program-me, monitor feedback and ensure it continues to meet its objectives.
Ms Borland said: "We cannot be responsible for third-party training but we have a thorough monitoring process to ensure com-panies receive the training they want."
Applications from businesses for the scheme will be accepted until May 31.
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