EMPLOYERS are now a click away from solving skills shortages thanks to a new website.

The Skills Station, a one-stop training advice shop for Herefordshire and Worcestershire businesses, has just launched www.skillsstation.co.uk

Designed to support the current service, the website aims to bring flexible training closer to small and medium-sized enterprises.

At the moment 20 per cent of job vacancies in the two counties remain unfilled because of a lack of skilled applicants, and employers have identified 11 per cent of employees as not fully proficient at their current jobs.

The Skills Station, which was launched in June 2003, is funded by the local Learning and Skills Council and Advantage West Midlands.

To date, it has booked 447 employers onto training and made 1,180 referrals to providers for courses, training needs analysis and other support.

Free of charge, the one-stop service advises employers on legal requirements, professional development, practical business and technical skills, as well as suggesting courses for young people.

"Industry losses, through lack of basic skills, are as high as £10 billion annually," said Corinne Edwards, Skills Station manager.

"The launch of the website means the Skills Station service is even more accessible to businesses, putting them in touch with relevant training, and continuing to reduce the skills gaps and shortages across the two counties."

To find out more, log onto www.skillsstation.co.uk or call 0845 450 6162.