Official statistics released by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) show an increase in the number of young people and adults in work based learning and further education.

But even more needs to be done, says TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber:

"It is encouraging to see that the number of young people and adults achieving accredited vocational qualifications through FE colleges and workplace training programmes continues to increase.

"But these figures also show that the pace of progress must increase rapidly if we are to reach the long-term skills targets set out by Lord Leitch.

"Trade unions, employers and the Government all have a role in increasing the number of skilled workers. The Government must be prepared to use statutory measures to drive up the availability of high-quality, employer-based apprenticeships and give more employees the right to paid time off to achieve a minimum skill level."

According to the statistics released by the LSC there has been:

A 3.3 per cent increase in the number of young people participating in full level 3
programmes (367,000) and a 1.9 per cent increase in the number of young people
participating on full Level 2 programmes (314,000 learners);

An increase of 41.6 per cent in the number of adults undertaking full Level 2
programmes;

More than 350,900 adults enrolled on Skills for Life programmes during 2007/06, an increase of 15 per cent;

An extra 10,000 apprenticeship starts during 2006/07;

And approximately 220,000 learners enrolled on Train to Gain.