Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question not answered by this FAQ then please contact your regional Skills Broker or your regional SummitSkills operations manager who can all be found on our contacts page. Alternatively email David Cox.
FAQs:
- Can I get 'Train to Gain' funding in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
- What are the benefits of the broker model?
- What other Government subsidised training and qualifications are available?
- Does Train to Gain cover cross-training?
- What are the training provider's responsibilities?
- What are SummitSkills' responsibilities?
- What are the broker organisation's responsibilities?
- Where can I get more Information?
Can I get 'Train to Gain' funding in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
No. At the moment 'Train to Gain' is only available in England.
What are the benefits of the broker model?
• Details are recorded on database and allocated a unique reference
• Performs an Organisational Needs Analysis (ONA), if employer agrees
• Encompass all skills needs, not just LSC funded
• Explains other forms of business support available
• Offer to put them in contact with other forms of support
• Records proposed solution on new proposal form
• Offers the employer a choice of training provider
• Record and follow up leads passed to Skills Brokers promptly
• Record leads they pass on
• Most of this will be covered in due time by a national customer relationship management system.
What other Government subsidised training and qualifications are available?
• Skills for Life qualifications
• First and full level 2 qualifications
• Level 3 (where the employee does not have a Level 2)
• Apprenticeships
• Advanced Apprenticeships
Does Train to Gain cover cross-training?
• Providers should claim the appropriate funding rate for the level 2 sector subject area. It is expected that the difference in cost between the Level 2 and Level 3 should be contributed by the employer.
What are the Training Provider's responsibilities?
1. To provide employer details to the broker where the provider has had first contact with an eligible employer.
2. To obtain signed confirmation from the employer and the employee of the total number of release hours and send this to the broker.
What are SummitSkills' responsibilities?
A brokerage offer to include specialist skills brokerage and information/advice/guidance support services.
SummitSkills has dedicated teams covering research and policy, marketing and communications, qualifications development, and regional employer engagement. SummitSkills offerings to specialist skills brokers will utilise sector specific intelligence and incorporate its central and regional resources. SummitSkills will aim to support the provision of high quality brokerage services to employers in our sector.
Provision of expert support and advice to brokers:
Tier 2 (Already Funded):
• Education and Training Provider listings
• Sector Skills Agreement data
• e-bulletin
• Regional Reports
• Careers Information
Tier 3 (Would require further public sector funding):
• Specialist Advice and Information
• Active marketing and brokerage services
• Specialist broker induction – training
• Telephone Helpline
• Industry Events
• Competence Management Systems
What are the broker organisation's responsibilities?
1. Confirming employer eligibility, registering applications and providing information on the offer.
2. Brokers advise where employers have to pay for the training and help them choose the best value providers. Brokers may need to give an indication of likely time commitment
3. Obtaining bank details from the employer.
4. Checking and verifying employer claims prior to submission to LSC for payment.
5. There is some detail regarding the collection and input of bank details and audit requirements that need finalising. The LSC will not check the validity of claims prior to payment; this is the responsibility of the broker.
6. The broker contract requires a variation to include this role and requirements.
Where can I get more information?
