WILTSHIRE and Swindon Learning and Skills Council is hosting a free event in Salisbury next week to tell businesses and schools how they can obtain funding for training from the £16m Free2Learn programme.

The briefing, which will include a buffet lunch, is at the White Hart Hotel in St John's Street on Tuesday January 27, starting at 12pm and is open to all employers.

About 750 Wiltshire employers have teamed up with Free2Learn, enabling 6,500 employees to improve their skills and gain work-related qualifications up to NVQ level two.

"The employer decides what training is needed and how it will be delivered to suit the business," said Free2Learn project manager Alan Taylor, who will speak at the Salisbury event.

"Free2Learn pays for the training and tuition and also compensates the employer for wages paid to employees while they are learning."

Organisations that have already used Free2Learn funding include Salisbury and District Value Cars, The Wilton Carpet Factory, HPI, Hygiene Cleaning Techniques, Salisbury District Council and Salisbury Health Care NHS Trust.

"Any employer interested in developing a loyal and skilled workforce and improving productivity should look into how Free2Learn can help their organisation," said Delia Hembury, executive officer of Salisbury and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which helped organise the Salisbury event.

Organisations can book places on 01225 355553.