Training for Tomorrow: evaluation

Scottish Enterprise Borders (SEB) launched the Training Initiative for Redundant Staff in 1998 in response to large-scale redundancies in the area. It was renamed Training for Tomorrow (TfT) in May 1999, when it started working with local companies in sectors facing industrial decline to secure existing jobs or create new jobs. The evaluation aimed to measure the impact of TfT on the individual participants by looking at: the type of training undertaken; its effectiveness in helping them back into employment; and their current situation. It aimed to measure the impact of TfT on the participating companies by looking at: training undertaken; its relevance to protecting or creating jobs; and its success in doing so.

A combination of face-to-face and telephone interviews were held with individuals from both groups. The evaluation sample sought to reflect the proportion of trainees who came to the project redundant and those facing risk of redundancy.

The findings from the evaluation of individuals were: the motivation of participants was maintained well; the training guidance given was found to be helpful; the decision not to impose criteria on the training providers was found to be correct; and there were no complaints, nor suggestions for improvement, from participants. The findings from the evaluation of companies were: the aim of safeguarding jobs was achieved; most of the training was to raise skills rather than create new jobs; the larger participants knew more about ESF funding and were more likely to be involved in other SEB projects; the companies gained a potential advantage when bidding for contracts because of the increased skills of their workforce; and TfT staff maintained contact with participating companies through other official networking activities after the end of the project. Overall, although the skills gained from TfT were not always put to direct use, the effect of the project was beneficial. Very few new jobs were created, but more workers in the area are now working safely and legally as a result of TfT.

A follow-up feedback mechanism should be put in place for individuals and participating companies.