The Association of Colleges today released figures showing that company directors are pledging to train staff to protect themselves against the economic downturn, with 82% saying they recognise the impact training has on productivity, estimated at an average 9% increase in turnover.

Nearly one in five have said their organisation will increase the amount of training it provided during the credit crunch and half said it will remain at the same level.

The study was commissioned as part of the first ever Colleges Week (10th-16th November), which is celebrating the role colleges play in unlocking talent, transforming the lives of learners and supporting businesses.

Andy Powell, CEO of Edge, comments, “These findings are a pleasant rebuff to the fear among educationalists that training is the first casualty in economically turbulent times. Employers recognise that there are many paths to success and that training produces a tangible impact on productivity. Rather than having a discouraging effect, the current climate seems to have galvanised a commitment to training.

“In July 64% of employers questioned by Edge said that vocational qualifications would be vital for their future. It’s great to see business leaders adhering to their training commitments. I would urge companies to continue investing in their future workforce, through vital work-related training, over the coming months.”