A nationwide drive to give employers a greater say in the education and training of young people and adults has been announced by Estelle Morris, Secretary of State for Education and Skills.
Over the next few months Ivan Lewis, Minister for Adult Learning and Skills will conduct a regional tour, pulling together key partners to look at how best to tackle each region’s individual skill shortages. The results will form part of a Government-wide skills strategy and delivery plan to be published in the spring.
Ms Morris also announced the appointment of CBI Director General Digby Jones to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) - the body responsible for planning and funding post-16 learning in England.
Estelle Morris said: “It’s absolutely vital that we listen to the needs of employers. We want them to tell us how industry’s needs are changing to ensure that what we offer in colleges and training meets their demands.
“We need more people, in more businesses with the knowledge and skills to develop high value products and services, and the innovation to match global competition. Too much vocational and adult learning is of variable quality and is not matched to the skills actually required by employers.
“Ivan Lewis will now take this debate forward in the regions and I urge people to engage with him. We want and need your insights and understanding.”
Bryan Sanderson, Chairman of the LSC, said:
"This appointment highlights the importance that the LSC places upon developing workforce skills that meet the needs of employers and the country as a whole. We are listening to business and we will respond to the needs of business.
“The council has already taken many significant steps in addressing these issues, not least of which, by developing 47 local plans which match training and skills to the requirements of employers in individual areas across England. The LSC is also undertaking several sector pilot schemes and will soon be launching its national workforce development strategy."
Will employers get more involved? Post your comments below.
