£250m pilot to give employers power over skills training is announced

17 Nov 2011

Businesses will be given the power to design, develop and purchase the vocational training programme they need under a £250 million plan announced today by the Prime Minister. The move is designed to boost the economy and ensure that the UK workforce has the skills that businesses require for growth.

• Read the announcement on the Number 10 website

• Read the full press release from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

The announcement of the pilot project is a key element of the vision of greater employer ownership of vocational training that the UK Commission has been championing.  It is expected that government will issue a formal prospectus on the fund jointly with us early in 2012 so that projects can begin later next year.

Our Chairman Charlie Mayfield, quoted in the press release, expands on his views with a post on our blog.

And employers have also voiced their support:

Nigel Whitehead, Group Managing Director Programmes & Support, BAE Systems and UK Commission Commissioner

"BAE Systems welcomes today’s commitment by the Government to give employers greater ownership of vocational skills. We are committed to working with other employers to maximise the impact of our investment in skills. We are aiming to provide more than 500 work experience placements throughout the UK, including in areas of high unemployment. We are also committed to continuing to run a substantial apprenticeship programme and to encouraging an expansion of apprenticeships in our supply chain".  

Andy Palmer, Director of Education and Skills, BT Group

"A single relationship with Government on skills will enable BT to better use its resources to deliver even greater benefit from any investment that the Government might make.  Our offer includes Apprenticeships, Careers Advice and Guidance, Work Experience Placements, helping unemployed young people and supporting economic growth."