Small businesses demand route map through training 'labyrinth'

In a report published tomorrow, employers will claim the current system hampers the delivery of useful "bite-sized" courses and will put forward the case for more recognition for high-quality but unaccredited workplace training.

Firms have also slammed the focus on Modern Apprenticeships, urging the Scottish Government to be more flexible in catering for different sectors and age groups.

Too much funding and course delivery is still focused on young people and not helping more mature workers into the workforce, according to the report.

The comments come in a report by the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils and follows an employers' conference held earlier this month in Glasgow.

Jacqui Hepburn, director of the alliance in Scotland, said: "The skills system is vitally important given the current economic market, but it needs to work for both employers and employees."

The report comes ahead of a refreshed Scottish Government skills policy, which is due to be published this spring.

Business leaders welcomed the study, which follows a report last October by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The FSB said firms were "unaware of or misinformed about the apprenticeship labyrinth".

Andy Willox, the FSB's Scottish policy convener, said: "Small businesses recognise the value of skills and training, but many don't engage with the system because they find it complex and fragmented. Any moves to help us navigate through this labyrinth and unlock the potential gains are therefore to be welcomed."

A spokeswoman for Age Concern and Help the Aged in Scotland said: "It is a relief to see some recognition of the lack of training and resources aimed at helping older workers get back into employment and also recognition of the value that older employees can have for small businesses.

"The government cannot afford to leave people in their 50s behind."