13 July 2006 - Publication of DWP research report 361: A Quantitative Survey of Companies Supported by European Social Fund Objective 3 (2006)
Research published today by the Department for Work and Pensions presents the findings of a telephone survey of 1,174 companies who benefited from ESF supported training in the period April 2003 - March 2005.
The report was commissioned to examine the current operation and efficacy of ESF funded training used by companies in England. ESF-supported training activity is having a positive effect on the companies who benefit from it. Over 80% of beneficiary companies felt that the training had fulfilled the objective of increasing staff aptitudes in their particular job role. Overall levels of satisfaction were also high: 90% of respondents were satisfied with the training received. The training had led to one or more staff receiving a formally-accredited qualification in three in ten beneficiary companies (29%).
The main findings are:
- The majority of companies benefiting from ESF-funded interventions are small, 85% employing fewer than 50 employees. They are most commonly located in the health and social work and primary industry sectors (storage, communications, electricity, gas and water supply, fishing, agriculture, mining and quarrying).
- The largest numbers of trainees are employed in personal service and managerial roles, reflecting the high number of beneficiaries from the health and social work sector, for example, care workers. Relatively few trainees were to be found among staff in elementary and machine operative roles, or among professionals.
- ESF-funded projects typically offer a range of services, and deliver them in a variety of different ways. Training related to a particular vocational task is the most common, although around a half of beneficiary companies also receive general advice on work related issues through presentations, seminars or workshops.
- One-off short-courses were the most common training format, followed at some distance by one-to-one training sessions and block release courses. It was also common for employees to be asked to study in their own time.
- The most common primary focus of the training was IT or computing, followed by Health and Safety, and Business Management. “Soft” skills such as communications skills, team-working, customer service skills and time management were commonly an additional focus.
Notes to Editors
- The report is based on independent research undertaken by IFF Research as part of wider research into the effectiveness of welfare to work policies commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions.
- ESF Objective 3 funding helps EU members to adapt and modernize policies and systems of education, training and employment. The entire population of the EU is covered by Objective 3 except for areas covered by Objective 1 – in England Objective 1 areas in 2000 - 2006 were South Yorkshire, Merseyside, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
- The research shows that ESF Funded training is having a positive effect on the companies who benefit from it. The findings will inform the new ESF operational programme for England in 2007-2013.
- Research Report 361 – A Quantitative Survey of Companies Supported by European Social Fund Objective 3 (2006) is published on 13 July 2006. The report is available on the DWP website and hard copies can be obtained from Paul Noakes, Room 4-26, The Adelphi, 1-11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT.
DWP Press office: 020 7238 0749
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Public enquiries: 020 7712 2171
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5
Prepared by: Department for Work and Pensions Information and Analysis Directorate