A trend is emerging among major supermarket retailers, which could demonstrate their understanding of the needs of their workforces.
Sainsbury's has announced it will offer its employees the chance to improve their qualifications.
It has enlisted awards body EDI to provide NVQ Level 2 qualifications in subjects such as stock control, administration and health and safety to those of its 150,000 workforce who want to improve their skills and career prospects.
In addition, workers who left school with poor basic maths and English qualifications will get the opportunity to improve those by taking Level 1 numeracy and literacy courses online.
Sainsbury's chief executive Justin King said: "It is our intention that at least 25 per cent of our colleagues will achieve a nationally recognised qualification in the next five years."
John Denham, skills secretary, welcomed Sainsbury's move and added he believed companies that "invest in skills are best equipped to weather tough economic times and are also best placed to capitalise on opportunities for growth".
In September Tesco announced it was offering staff courses in how to manage their own budgets, as a response to the economic downturn.
The money tutorials were held during paid staff hours and more than 600 workers attended them.
Tesco suggested it was supporting its employees during the credit crunch as well as its customers.
Government focus is currently very much on training people into work and helping them get on in their chosen professions.
Ofsted, the education regulator, has recently given Train to Gain the thumbs up.
On its website, Train to Gain claims 74 per cent of employers that have used the service have noticed an improvement in skills levels.
>> See how learndirect Business is working with Train to Gain to provide businesses with the training they need to succeed. View the range of funded and unfunded courses available.