Slough (UK), November 2014 - QA supports the recently launched Tech Partnership Training Fund by providing training courses identified as key business-growth areas. The Tech Partnership Training Fund is a government-funded scheme for employers to invest more heavily in IT training.

The main objective is to stimulate increased investment in training that supports business growth and competitiveness by enhancing the skills within the IT industry. The funds are available following the Tech Partnership winning a bid in the government's Employers Ownership of Skills pilot.

The IT-skills shortage is a familiar topic on the UK news due to the impact it could have on the future growth of the economy. The Tech Partnership Training Fund, supported by QA training courses, can offer organisations the opportunity to enhance the skills of their employees in strategic business areas identified as cyber security, big data, cloud computing, and mobile development.

QA’s Commercial Director, Bill Walker, commented, "Having the right skills to embrace the latest IT trends is vital in ensuring companies are maximising the benefits and opportunities that they can offer – and in the case of cyber security, protecting your most valuable assets. It is fantastic that the government recognises the importance of these skills and has invested such a large sum of money to co-fund staff development in these key areas."

What are the funds for?

Funds are available for short-term training courses (minimum three days) in critical areas of IT: cyber security, big data, cloud, and mobile development.

How are funds allocated?

Employers must submit an application to see how much funding may be granted for the training, which can be up to £500 per delegate. Employers can see if a company is eligible and view the Terms and Conditions for this fund on the main webpage.