Training can be an expensive undertaking, but costs can certainly be reduced if you have trainers on staff.

One outfit that specialises in training 'trainers' is South Lanarkshire Council's own Vocational Development Centres. It offers a range of development programmes, including for Scottish and National Vocational Qualifications in a range of subjects.

Lesley Ann Henderson, Marketing Officer with the Development Unit, said: "We offer a number of Vocational Qualifications and Professional Development Awards in a range of subjects. Companies can approach us and we will discuss with them which training programmes will suit their needs best. We will also be able to talk to them about the types of grants they may be able to apply for to offset costs.

"Having a well trained, motivated staff benefits everyone. Employers will be rewarded with an improved quality of goods and services, improved employee performance, job satisfaction and ability to do the job, and the creation of a flexible workforce. "Trained employees will get more out of their jobs, feel valued and have qualifications that will count when they are looking for promotion within the firm."

One company which is currently investing in employee development through a programme with the Development Unit in East Kilbride is Lightbody Celebration Cakes. It recently gave the go ahead for 15 staff members - five who came to the firm through the New Deal initiative - who are currently undertaking a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Food & Drink Management.

The Development Unit is also training two members of staff to allow them to undertake the coaching and assessment of staff within the workforce, who will be pursuing SVQs.

A spokesman for the company said: "Lightbody is very committed to getting the best out of our staff and giving them the best possible career opportunity. That's why we recently introduced this new training scheme. With the help of the Vocational Training Centre, we are initially training 15 new people. Five of those have come to us through the New Deal initiative. We also have two senior members of staff who are undertaking Assessor/Verifier training which will give them a recognised award in training and development."

"This is a pilot scheme, but if it is as successful as we think it will be, we will extend training to all our staff."

Lightbody Celebration Cakes chose the Vocational Development Centres because they offered a good training package and are easily accessible. "We looked around at what was on offer in the area and decided to use the Vocational Development Centres because they offered a really good service."

Information:

• Vocational Development Centre 01355 268880
• Lightbody Celebration Cakes 01698 285227