smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

A free web-based directory of IT and telecoms training providers and courses has been launched by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for IT, telecoms and contact centres.

The directory, called One Stop Shop, covers England, Wales and Scotland and includes details of full, part-time and distance learning courses from thousands of training providers, and claims to be the largest directory of its kind.

E-Skills UK believes that one of the key inhibitors to IT skills development amongst small businesses is a lack of comprehensive and qualified information on suitable training opportunities.

“Small and medium-sized business often struggle to identify the right type of IT training from the huge number of courses available. The One Stop Shop removes one of the barriers to companies investing in training and developing the skills of their workforce," says Terry Watts chief operating officer of e-skills UK.

Alongside training information, the directory will also offer advice on skills and qualifications, sources of funding available to support training programmes and details of support organisations that provide business help and advice to SMEs.

“IT skills are vital if companies are to successfully use technology to gain competitive advantage and there is a need for new and existing IT professionals to continually update their skills portfolio in line with industry developments,” adds Watts.

For more information, visit www.e-skills.com.

01/03/04

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