Document details

Summary

Aims

The Training and Employment Grants Scheme (TEGS) aimed to: increase employment opportunities for the long-term unemployed; enhance employability amongst this group; change business attitudes to training and the long term unemployed; and assist in the business development of firms. The evaluation aimed to: assess whether TEGS met its objectives and targets; measure the programme’s impact on getting individuals into employment; measure the direct economic impact on assisted companies; identify wider outcomes such as changed attitudes amongst firms and effects on the employability of TEGS recruits; and review the management of the programme and any learning points.

Methods

The methodology consisted of: a consultation with SER’s Project Manager; collation and review of data from SER and the TEGS agents; and interviews with individuals on the programme (23 interviewees) and participating firms (19 interviewees).

Findings

Concludes that, whilst the overall purpose of TEGS was well understood, good practice in terms of the setting of clear targets has not always been followed through. Finds that TEGS is a relatively expensive labour market intervention, with a cost per trainee estimated to be in excess of £4,000. Suggests that the programme achieves sustainable outcomes in terms of employment and contributes to a number of positive business development impacts. Notes that trainees sustain employment but are often ‘employable’ anyway, achieving limited enhancement of core skills. Observes a slight enhancement in commitment to training and development and some limited evidence of changed attitudes towards the long-term unemployed. Shows that additionality is low and displacement high.

Recommendations

Endorses the decision made to phase out TEGS as it no longer represented value for money. Advises that successor programmes need to pay greater heed to reducing deadweight, which is likely to require a more proactive approach to the recruitment and matching of individuals and firms.

Record metadata

Documents	Full Report (575 KB, doc)
Consultant	IBP Strategy and Research
Published year	2005
Pages	33
Document Type	Evaluation
Theme/Sector	Skills Development, Labour Market and Skills, Economic Inclusion