TWENTY refuse collectors with Salisbury district council are training for a National Vocational Qualification in waste management.

The training is funded by the Wiltshire and Swindon Free2Learn Employer Training Pilot and provided by Salisbury College.

Some of the trainees are using a computer for the first time and all 20 are brushing up their literacy and numeracy skills, as well as working towards NVQ, level one, in waste management.

"Without Free2Learn funding this training would never have happened, because normally we can only afford essential on-the-job training," said Nick Darbyshire, operations manager at Salisbury district council environment services.

"Free2Learn is popular with employers because they decide what training is needed and the style of training that will suit their business," said Marion Sweet, Free2Learn area manager for Wiltshire and Swindon.

"Free2Learn-funded training helps to increase productivity, efficiency and profit margins."

Employers interested in receiving Free2Learn funding can call 0845 751 2288, or log onto www.free2learn.org.