EMPLOYERS in Lancashire have until the end of December to tap into £3 million available to help them train their staff.

The money is offered through the Employer Training Pilot (ETP) funded by the Learning and Skills Council in Lancashire.

It aims to drive up workforce skills by offer-ing subsidised training at NVQ level 2 and providing employers with cash aid towards the costs of staff while training.

Learning and Skills Council executive director Steve Palmer says: "I can't believe that there are so many employers in Lancashire who aren't making the most of this opportunity.

"We have more than 4,500 employees from 600 organisations in the county benefiting from training but, many more employers are struggling on when they could be tapping into a £3 million pot.

"This money is available for a limited time only. Lancashire has been chosen as a pilot area for the scheme, but with changes in programmes next year we can't guarantee that employers will get such an opportunity again.

"All businesses in Lancashire with lower skilled employees over the age of 19 are eligible to benefit, so I would urge employers to get in touch before the end of December to find out how we can give them money."

To find out more, call Business Link Lancashire on 0845 600 9006 or log onto the website at www.etpprofitfromskills.org/lancashire.