The new sector skills council for lifelong learning will help to work-based learning providers, higher and further education offer employers the training they want, according to Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education Bill Rammell.

Speaking at the official launch of Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) at the House of Commons, Rammell described the new sector skills council as a crucial partner in delivering a package of government initiatives to boost opportunities for education and training among learners of all ages.

"It will help deliver the Skills Strategy, together with reforms to 14-19 education and teacher training improvements in the learning and skills sector," he said.

"Giving a strong voice to the lifelong learning sector will help create a truly demand-led system which will enable colleges, universities and other learning providers to offer employers the training they want. With a strong, diverse workforce LLUK will have the vision and ideas to help secure the right skills for the economy and close skills gaps in the years ahead."

Lifelong Learning UK is one of 23 sector skills councils in the Skills for Business network of employers, which aims to reduce skills shortages and increase opportunities for learning throughout the economy. LLUK represents employers in further and higher education, work-based learning, community learning and development and libraries, archives and information services.

John Hedger, the organisation’s chairman, told the launch that LLUK would raise skills levels among all learning professionals, and so support employers across the UK that rely on learning providers to develop skills among their own staff.

"It is right that employers in the lifelong learning sector should have their own voice in the Skills for Business network as they have an important part to play in economic development and social progress across the UK," Hedger added.

LLUK chief executive David Hunter stressed it will meet the needs and priorities of learning providers in each of the four countries of the UK. Further launches will be held in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland later this year.