Skillset welcomes Government's plans to implement Leitch Review
20 July 2007
Skillset welcomes the Government's response to Lord Leitch's independent Review on World-class Skills for the UK. We see this response as a pledge for better partnerships between industry, government, trade unions and the education sector.
Government recognises the importance of skills to achieving prosperity and economic competitiveness by outlining plans to place industry in the driver's seat for developing and implementing solutions to skills problems. The proposed new framework highlights the importance of the sectorial approach in raising skills levels on a national and regional level. Government implementation includes industry working with Sector Skills Councils to develop ‘fit for purpose' training, qualifications and skills development.
The central role entrusted by Government to Sector Skills Councils signals a new commitment to move towards a demand-led approach that will benefit both the individual and the industry. Government recognises the leading role of the SSCs in articulating the future skills of each sector, raising employer ambition and investment in skills, and reforming and developing economically valuable qualifications.
Dinah Caine, CEO of Skillset said:
"Skillset is committed, on behalf of the Audio Visual Industries, to work with industry, trade unions, professional associations and our education partners to tackle the skills challenges ahead and work together with government to ensure that the skills of our sectors throughout the UK remain world class."
-ENDS-
For further information contact: Email: press@skillset.org. Tel: 020 7713 9812
Notes for Editors
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries covering Broadcast, Film, Video, Interactive Media and Photo Imaging. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenge by sector. SSCs are independent, UK wide organisations developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. SSCs are employer-led and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the sector.
Creative Industries currently make up 7.3% of UK's economy and are growing by 5% per year - almost twice the rate of the rest of the economy.
The Skills for Business network is made up of 25 Sector Skills Councils - each one is an employer-led, independent organisation.