New online
resources to help employers and learners explore important changes
to vocational qualifications and shape the content of future
vocational qualifications were launched today.
Business Link’s website now gives employers access to all they
need to know about vocational qualifications and influence the
changes as they take place.
For learners, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
website has a new online resource that provides the information
and links needed to find out more about the changes.
Colleges and others interested in vocational qualifications are
also able to access information on changes through both web pages.
Skills and Further Education Minister Kevin Brennan said:
“Employers are now looking to put
themselves in the best position to take up the opportunities of
growth – skills will be crucial to taking on that challenge.
“That is why we are simplifying and modernising the system of
vocational qualifications and I believe these changes will be
invaluable to businesses and learners alike.
“For anyone who wants to get the skills they need into their
business or take up training opportunities themselves, the
websites launched today give them a great opportunity to find out
more.”
Caroline Fawcett, Director of Marketing and Customer Insight at
businesslink.gov.uk said:
“The Business Link website is an essential resource for all
businesses, both large and small, and this new content will help
managers better understand what qualifications are suitable for
their staff to help them progress.
“We believe this will be particularly welcomed by HR
departments.”
The government is overhauling vocational qualifications to create
a clearer, more flexible system and help employers understand how
to get the skills they need into their businesses.
Radical reforms will see qualifications across every industry
improved so they are easier to understand and access.
Qualifications will be clearly labelled so that employers and
learners can see at a glance what a qualification will cover, how
long it will take and what level it is.
These changes will ensure that every industry in the UK has
access to relevant qualifications, playing a key part in the
government’s plans to build a better skilled workforce.
It includes links to help employers develop new courses and link
up with other businesses in the sector to create business-focussed
training programmes.
Notes for Editors
New information is available on Business Link at
www.businesslink.gov.uk/vocationalqualificationsFor updates on the
government’s vocational qualification reform programme, see
http://www.bis.gov.uk/vocationalqualifications. In Skills for
Growth, published in November last year, the government committed
to radically simplifying the way in which skills policy is
delivered. For more information, see
http://www.bis.gov.uk/skillsforgrowth.
Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is
building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the
conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise
and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to
succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities
and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.
Contacts:
BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Alex. Hamilton
Phone: 020 7215 5976
Alex.Hamilton@bis.gsi.gov.uk