LIFELONG LEARNING UK WELCOMES GOVERNMENT SKILLS REPORT: And to have world class skills we need a world class skills workforce

18 Jul 2007 05:10 PM

Rt Hon John Denham MP, Secretary of State at the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, today released the awaited ‘World Class Skills: Implementing the Leitch Review of Skills in ’, the government response to the Leitch review published last December.

Mr Denham has risen to the challenge Lord Leitch set out for the to ‘join the premier league of skills’, by becoming a world leader in skills by 2020. He said ‘‘failure is not an option”.

The Secretary of State announced that there should be a move towards a demand led system to ensure that the skills supply meets business needs, with employers at the heart of training needs. The report will ensure that employers will be able to access the skills they need to drive their businesses forward and compete in the global economy. It will also help individuals to secure sustained employment and progress in their career.

Mr Denham stressed the importance of a partnership between Government, employers and individuals in . The newly formed Commission of Employment and Skills (CES) and the Employer Skills Pledge are key to facilitating this.

LLUK generally welcomes the announcement. But in order to have world class skills we need world class skills workforce, bringing together FE and HE. The Secretary of State recognises we have a good and improving sector.  He also acknowledges that a world class FE system is needed to meet employer and learner needs. LLUK will be pivotal in this. The FE sector workforce strategy that LLUK is leading on will ensure the radical programme of reforms are successful in building the world class workforce.

David Hunter, Chief Executive of LLUK commented:

“In order for UK Plc to have a world-class workforce, it must have world-class teachers and trainers.  LLUK is working closely alongside partners within both Further Education and employers to ensure that throughout 2007 and 2008 the new teaching qualification is continuously evaluated to meet the skills needs and requirements of both teachers and employers” 

For press enquiries please contact:

Caroline Thompson, Marketing and Communications Manager, LLUK - Tel: 020 7936 5745, e-mail: carolinethompson@lluk.org; or

 

Zoe Vipond, Communications Officer, LLUK – Tel: 020 7936 5741, e-mail zoevipond@lluk.org