Too few people taking part in the Train to Gain scheme are completing qualifications on time, according to Ofsted. In a report today it says there is insufficient provision to allow employees to progress to higher-level awards and support for basis skills still needs to be improved.

‘The impact of Train to Gain on skills in employment’, follows an Ofsted survey in 2007-08. The new study finds that Train to Gain is continuing to improve employees’ knowledge and self-confidence and that many employers have noticed improvements in work practice and staff retention. Employers are also more involved in training and providers are better at improving employees’ technical and practical skills than was the case in the earlier survey.

Melanie Hunt, Learning and Skills Development Director at Ofsted said: “Not enough employees are completing their qualifications within the planned times, some aren’t getting the training they need in skills for life such as numeracy and literacy, while others are missing out on more advanced training and the chance to achieve higher level vocational skills.”

Skills for Life provision had been identified as a key area for improvement in the earlier report and the new study recommends that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills should focus on improving the uptake and quality of this training through Train to Gain and to develop eligibility criteria so more people can progress to higher-level awards including level 3 where that is appropriate.