Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett has appointed three independent members to the new National Training Organisations Advisory Group to make recommendations on the future status of the current NTOs.

The NTO Advisory Group will be chaired by Llew Aviss, a former member of the National Skills Task Force. He will be joined on the group by Jill Wilson, Managing Director of a group of small construction companies, and by Jeannie Drake, a senior trade union official.

Mr Blunkett said of the appointees, "These high calibre members have considerable experience across training, education and the skills agenda which will be invaluable in
their new roles. They will have the important task of reviewing National Training Organisations.

"I have asked the Group to consider the effectiveness of each NTO at representing its sector and the impact it has had over the last 3 years. The Group will also provide me with annual reports on the performance of the NTO network and will play a major part in boosting skills around the country."