Are you a graduate looking for free management training? Are you an employer who would like to train your staff for free?

If so, then you may be interested to know that the University of Bedfordshire’s Knowledge Hub is now recruiting for the January intake of the ‘Supporting Graduates in Employment’ programme, giving free leadership and management training to local graduates.

The project offers graduates who live in Bedfordshire access to a free 12-week course leading to the Certificate in Leadership and Management from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) at level 5.

Subjects covered include personal development as a strategic manager, organisational direction or strategic project management. Graduates can also benefit from the networking opportunities that arise from the course. Training is delivered through a mixture of face-to-face teaching sessions and independent learning.

The first course which started in September has proved to be very popular, with all available spaces being filled. Delegates came from a variety of organisations ranging from hospitals, solicitors, carpentry firms and fitness companies. The course also has an intake in April 2010.

Rita Mascia, Business Development Manager at the University’s Knowledge Hub, said: “The project involves a strong element of work-based learning and is a win-win for both the graduate and the employer. It is a really good starting point for graduates looking to climb the management ladder or for those who have been working in a management position but who could benefit from a more structured professional development. It is also a great opportunity for organisations to get free assistance on a project of their choice.”

Each course session lasts three and a half hours, and takes place in the early evening to minimise disruption to the working day. The University particularly welcomes applications from older graduates, ethnic minorities, women and candidates with health issues. Some financial support is also available to single parents for childcare. Participants who are in employment may also be able to work on a specific project that could benefit their employer.

Supporting Graduates in Employment is co-financed by the European Social Fund in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council.

Eligibility requirements for Supporting Graduates in Employment:

Training is open to all graduates, regardless of when they completed their degree, who work in small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or public sector organisations, or those who have been made unemployed within the last six months. Employees within SMEs may also be accepted if they have work experience equivalent to graduate level. Eligible employees must be resident in Bedfordshire (excluding Luton postcodes LU1 to LU4), although their place of work does not have to be in the region.

For more information click here.