Employers and colleges have joined together to form a new initiative which will attempt to create a ‘demand-led’ approach to skills training.
The alliance between the Skills for Business network and the Association of Colleges will create 14 new employer/college sector skills groups led by a college principal to develop skills ranging from basic writing to foundation degrees and diplomas.
“It brings together employers, through their Sector Skills Councils (SSCs), who can identify and articulate their skill needs, with college principals who have the expertise to deliver the training to meet those needs,” said David Hunter, chief executive of Lifelong Learning UK and chair of the skills coalition.
The joint initiative has come about as a result of the number of employers complaining that new recruits are unprepared for the world of work, despite having qualifications from schools, colleges or even universities.
“Employers have been telling us that despite the juggernaut of qualifications, applicants aren’t coming through with the skills they need,” said Tom Bewick, chief executive of Creative & Cultural Skills.
“This is why industry and education really need to work together. This flagship group provides the direct link between supply and demand. We can now help to deliver education and training that is truly responsive to the needs of employers.”
The alliance has now been officially endorsed by John Denham, secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills. “The government’s ambition to make this country a world-class leader in employment and skills by 2020 is being realised,” he said. “We are giving employers a powerful voice in closing skills gaps so they can control the design of training and its delivery, where and when employees need it.”
