Gain that competitive edge with free training for Preston Businesses

Are you employed or self-employed, live within Preston City Council boundaries and looking to enhance your leadership and management skills? 

Or, maybe you are a Preston based SME looking to upskill your employees who are Preston City Council residents?

Thanks to Preston's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), Preston residents can access funded training opportunities and qualifications from Preston College that will enhance skills development and career progression.

This funding, provided by Preston City Council, is designed to support individuals to succeed in education and work, and to support small businesses meet the skill needs of Preston's evolving economy.

Take a look at some of the qualifications and training available.

Qualifications and Lunch and Learn Webinars

Preston College offers a range of fully funded (free) qualifications and Lunch and Learn webinars in the following areas;

• team leading
• leadership and management
• managing change
• project management
• performance management and customer service

For more information visit Preston's College - training to upskill people in employment.

ILM Award in Leadership and Team Skills - Level 2

Course start date: Wednesday 25 September 2024

Course duration: 4 weeks

Time: 6pm - 9pm

Designed to help you boost your performance as a team player, you will gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to help you make the transition from working in a team to leading a team.

To apply visit Preston College - training to upskill Preston people in employment.

ILM Award in Leadership and Management - Level 3

Course start date: Thursday 19 September 2024

Course duration: 7 weeks

Time: 6pm - 9pm

Ideal if you are currently in a role with management responsibilities but have no formal training, and you are looking to enhance your existing skills, abilities and knowledge.

To apply visit Preston College - training to upskill Preston people in employment.

ILM Award in Leadership and Management - Level 5

Course start date: Wednesday 18 September 2024

Course duration: 3 weeks

Time: 6pm - 9pm

On this Level 5 Award qualification in Leadership and Management, you will develop a range of leadership and senior management skills to enable you to make a significant impact on your organisation's performance.

To apply visit Preston College - training to upskill Preston people in employment.

Customer Service Award - Level 1

Daytime dates: Tuesday 17 and 24 September 2024

Time: 9.30am to 3pm

Exam date: Tuesday 24 September 2024

Evening dates: Tuesday 17, 24 September and 1 October 2024

Time: 6pm to 9pm

Exam date: Tuesday 1 October 2024

Customer service skills are often in high demand and can help you find work in almost any industry or job role, from a call centre to a hair salon to a bank. On this two day, Level 1 qualification, you will gain an introduction to the knowledge and skills essential for delivering exceptional customer service in a variety of industries.

To apply visit Preston College - training to upskill Preston people in employment.

Customer Service Award - Level 2

Daytime dates: Tuesday 24 September and 1 October 2024

Time: 9.30am to 3pm

Exam date: Tuesday 1 October 2024

Evening dates: Tuesday 24 September, 1 and 8 October 2024

Time: 6pm to 9pm

Exam date: Tuesday 8 October 2024

This Level 2 Award is designed to build upon the introduction acquired in Level 1, and further develop the skills essential to excel in customer service. You will gain a solid understanding of customer service policies and procedures, develop advanced communication skills to effectively deal with different types of customers, and enhance your problem-solving abilities to address complex customer enquiries and issues.

To apply visit Preston College - training to upskill Preston people in employment.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 16 years and above

Residency Eligibility:

• Preston City Council residents working for an SME in Preston

• Preston City Council residents working for a national/international company in Preston

• Preston City Council residents working for any company outside Preston

Please note: Preston residents, Preston SMEs, Preston Employers means within the Preston City Council boundaries.

More information

For full details of all the training and to check out the Learn and Learn Webinars - please visit Preston College - Training to Upskill People in Employment (UKSPF)

For more information about this project and your eligibility for funding options please call 01772 22 55 22 or email info@preston.ac.uk

About the UKSPF

The GOV.UK - UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a central pillar of the UK Government's Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK, investing in communities and place, supporting local business, people and skills.

The Government has allocated £5.2 million for investment in Preston.

Wider business advice and support

For wider local and national business support and advice around topics such as start ups, development, finance, recruitment and training see our business support section.