The retail and wholesale sectors have shown particular interest in the government's training service for employers, Train to Gain.
One year on from its introduction, 7,382 employers from the sectors have used the service, which is provided by the Learning and Skills Council. Across all sectors, 230,000 employers have begun learning through Train to Gain, while 96,000 have completed Level 2 qualifications.
Staff at Raunds Co-op in Northamptonshire have benefited. Five employees have undertaken a Level 2 qualification in retail, while an additional three have embarked on Level 2 training in business administration. Office manager Rachael Stevens said: "We wanted to encourage younger members of staff to improve their skills and enhance their career prospects."