A Group Training Association for the Third Sector - A Press Release

The possibility of a Group Training Association (GTA) for the third Sector took a significant step forward last week when the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) approved the Sector’s submission for development funding to go forward to the next stage.

It is planned that the GTA would provide organisations from the sector that join with the opportunity to benefit from funding for apprenticeships and other programmes designed to improve the skills of the workforce and volunteers. It would facilitate training through direct delivery or by negotiating suitable delivery arrangements with colleges and other training providers.

Skills Third Sector, a driving force behind the bid to the NAS, sees a nationally operating GTA as a key partner in their work to put in place the skills training that the sector needs to meet the challenges it faces. Janet Fleming, [title] said:

"We know about the needs and are already working on a range of qualifications that are relevant for the sector, including new apprenticeship frameworks in Fundraising and the Management of Volunteers. Having a national Association that can take our frameworks from the design stage through to delivery will be a tremendous boost for the sector."

The bid is also supported by ACEVO, who see a GTA as a major asset to Chief Executives who need to improve the skills of their workforce.

Seb Elsworth, Director of Strategy at ACEVO, believes the GTA can make a real impact in the sector:

"We know too well that the sector has significant skills gaps and that existing training solutions do not meet the needs of the sector or its leaders. A GTA that can indentify areas of common need and facilitate training, providing access to public funding and negotiating with existing providers will be a major step forward."

The next stage of the bidding process will be concluded by September 2009 with partnerships who are successful beginning development from October onwards.

The bid is already supported by a wide range of partners including ACEVO, Skills Third Sector, St Johns Ambulance, Princes Trust, NACRO, Barnardos, Action for Children, Rathbone, Vista, NCVO, NAVCA, Learning Curve, Enable, South London Learning Consortium, Voluntary Sector North West, and North Warwickshire and Hinckley College.

If you would like to know more or to add your support, please contact: