Brighter Prospects Limited (at the Winchester Learning Centre) brings together the Pitman Training and Learndirect Centres in Winchester and Eastleigh in a project called BUSINESS SPRINGBOARD. The Project Team is working with Government Office South East (GOSE), the European Social Fund, Winchester City Council and Test Valley Borough Council to provide free training and qualifications for employees of some 70 businesses within the Winchester City District, Test Valley and Eastleigh Borough. The project started in February 2006 with its initial aim to train 2 people from each business. Those in greatest need of a boost in company, personal or business skills have priority. All training is tailored to individual needs, on a flexi-hours basis and designed to make a real impact, with most training packages leading to nationally recognised Level 2 or 3 qualifications. Some training is at our centres in Eastleigh and Winchester and some takes place at home / work or in other venues to ease access. There is reimbursement for travel costs to and from training and there is also help for beneficiaries needing childcare cover during training.

Here are some of the training opportunities for employers and/or selected staff:

Secretarial - Train to OCR Level 3 standard and get real PA-style efficiency. (Keyboarding/ IT etc)

Accounting - Train in Book-keeping, Sage, PAYE/Sage Payroll, Cash Control; Reduce Fees

IT Projects - Train in selected IT Topics. Get ECDL or an ITQ or higher - Use IT effectively

Web / Graphics - Train in Web Design, HTML, Photoshop etc - Start thinking e-commerce in house!

Management or Team-Building - With 2 people in other project training, a Management Course or Team Building course can be added for a selected person in the business. Wide range of topic choices.

Maths and English - Learndirect Courses help any Staff without a GCSE in Maths and English.

If a business owner or manager in Winchester City District, Test Valley or Eastleigh Borough identifies a training need and the motivated trainees, we can provide (at no cost to the business - apart from provision of each individual's training time) high value, top quality training leading to National Qualifications / Certificates and/or to skills that really will impact on the performance of your business and on the morale and professionalism of those nominated.

Opportunities for unemployed entrepreneurs and for residents of certain wards in Winchester, Andover and Romsey 

The Business Springboard Project can also provide free business skills training for a limited number of people who currently are not employed but need skills to prepare for employment.  Some special criteria apply but all enquiries will be welcome.  In particular, Project Staff are keen to hear from people who are over 50 and considering a return to work or starting a new business.  The project also supports local community initiatives to help people who live in the Stanmore, Hyde and Winnall areas of Winchester, in the Alamein, St Mary’s and Winton areas of Andover and in Abbey and Tadburn areas of Romsey.  Our friendly staff will be pleased to advise all enquirers and to assist where possible with funded training.  The project works closely with organisations assisting people with physical or learning difficulties.  Centres have wheelchair access.