John Denham has said that he has earmarked £200m for training over the next three years, in a bid to plug the impending skills gap.
He has decided to meet with employers next month - probably mid June - to discuss how government and businesses can work together to tackle the looming lack of skills in key areas - particularly in construction and IT, but also in science and engineering.
The talks are part of a 'four part plan' that Mr Denham is working on to try and avoid a skills crisis. Other measures that he is considering include giving employers in critical sectors control over funding for specific training. He is also considering earmarking government funding for specialist facilities. The £200m could, for example, go towards providing specialist training colleges for key sectors.
The Skills Acadamies are another part of his four part plan. So far Acadamies have been established to cover construction, manufacturing, food & drink manufacturing,
financial services, process industries, the nuclear industry, sport and leisure, the creative and cultural industry and hospitality.
Mr Denham, the secretary of state for universities, innovation and skills, commented: "Over the past two years the training system has been radically extended and reformed, giving employers and individual learners more influence over their training.
"But we need to take further action now to meet the unacceptable skills gaps faced by industries that will be crucial in driving future economic performance. For example, between 2004 and 2014 an estimated 600,000 additional skilled construction workers will be needed, along with 500,000 IT workers and 300,000 scientists and engineers.
"That's why I have made it a priority to deliver world-class training facilities that meet the specific needs of these sectors.
"Crucially, I want people currently in work to have the opportunity to re-skill or train to get jobs in areas where opportunities will be greatest, and I look forward to working with employers and education and training providers to ensure we widen access to skills training for employees at every level."
Our opinion piece this week is on the subject of IT skills: a crisis waiting to happen?
Or to read more about how the government is tackling the impending skills gap you can read Louise Druce's feature:
Is the Train to Gain Already Derailed?
To read more about the Skills Acadamies click here
