Leicester College has secured new ESF funding for work-based qualifications for adults in employment, in a bid to improve skills in Leicester and the Leicestershire region.

The funding will focus on up-skilling individuals to help improve future job prospects and promote in-work progression onto apprenticeships and further training.

Leicester College will fund skills interventions to support individuals aged 19 years and over, employed by micro businesses and SMEs in Leicestershire.

Employees working for companies with less than 250 staff members will be eligible across a wide range of sectors.

Employees must also be employed in Leicester or Leicestershire and be 19 years-old or over.

Employers will have the opportunity to improve the skills and knowledge of their staff through the programme in their own work-place at no extra cost.

The programme, which is financed by the European Social Fund (ESF), and working with the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), will provide access for people to gain the relevant skills and qualifications needed for career progression.

Verity Hancock, Principal at Leicester College, said: “Leicester College has an excellent track record in supporting businesses and employers.

“We are committed to improving skill levels and working with small businesses to help boost growth and innovation. This funding is great news for the East Midlands region.  It will have a real impact on people, their skills and confidence at work.  It also means we can develop and deliver the training employers need to inject vital skills into their workforce and survive in this tough economic climate.”