Galway Executive Skillet (GES) has rolled out its Autumn/Winter schedule of subsidised training courses to help local businesses side step the current economic gloom.

All training courses are subsidised by up to 70 per cent. Courses are open to both self-employed and organisational employees within companies of up to 250 employees.

'English for non-nationals' is a series of six-week courses running in the evenings at the Bridge Mills English School, and costs €60 in total to GES members. Classes in oral and written English at seven different levels of capability are on offer, and are certified by testing. The first of this series starts today, Wednesday 8 October.

'Effective Marketing on a Limited Budget' addresses all the key marketing issues needed to put businesses on the map, including customer service, market research and sales. Presented by experienced marketing consultant, Dr Aidan Daly of NUIG, the one-day course on Wednesday 15 October costs €75 for GES members.

For complete beginners in computing, a course is on offer over a period of six evenings by PFH Technology, Parkmore. No computer experience is necessary for this introduction to computer technology, which covers everything from creating documents and managing files to browsing the internet and e-mailing. Costing just €125 to GES members, the course begins on Monday 20 October.

GES is funded by the Department of Trade, Industry & Employment and provides subsidised training programmes at a fraction of the market price. Uniquely amongst training courses, GES allows members to specify desired areas of training. Training takes place in both small groups and in one-to-one sessions.

In addition to accessing heavily subsidised training, GES members also have the opportunity to network with fellow business members at such events as the upcoming 'Stress Busting' evening on Thursday 23 October, which features a range of subsidised complementary therapies.