Menu
08/03/2006
Don't Lose Focus On UK Skills Urges ALI
The Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) is urging the government to maintain its commitment to the skills and training of UK adults, as plans are announced to make it easier for highly skilled workers to enter the country from across the EU.
Commenting on the issue, Chief Inspector David Sherlock said: "Allowing high skilled workers into this country to plug the skills gap is essential if the UK is to compete on an international level. But if we are to ensure our economic stability in the long-term, we also need to invest in home-grown talent. Too often adult skills are seen as the underdog, losing out to the schools system in terms of funding and focus."
Recent ALI inspections of the government's £3 billion Skills for Life programme revealed poor progress in tackling shortfalls in adult literacy and numeracy, with funding focused on younger learners. This was echoed by the Public Accounts Committee who expressed concern about the extra money needed to make real improvements in adult skills in the UK in relation to other countries.
"Despite areas for significant improvement, our inspections show that we have an increasing number of world-class training providers in this country and a rich pool of talented, motivated adults," said Sherlock. "Investing in good quality adult training means more adults and young people gaining vital skills and qualifications, getting jobs and fulfilling their potential. It means more employers able to find staff with the skills and experience to improve business performance and compete in a world economy. "We know how to raise standards. If we are going to develop the kind of world-class skills base this country needs to be internationally competitive, it is time to take adult skills seriously."
(CD/SP)
Commenting on the issue, Chief Inspector David Sherlock said: "Allowing high skilled workers into this country to plug the skills gap is essential if the UK is to compete on an international level. But if we are to ensure our economic stability in the long-term, we also need to invest in home-grown talent. Too often adult skills are seen as the underdog, losing out to the schools system in terms of funding and focus."
Recent ALI inspections of the government's £3 billion Skills for Life programme revealed poor progress in tackling shortfalls in adult literacy and numeracy, with funding focused on younger learners. This was echoed by the Public Accounts Committee who expressed concern about the extra money needed to make real improvements in adult skills in the UK in relation to other countries.
"Despite areas for significant improvement, our inspections show that we have an increasing number of world-class training providers in this country and a rich pool of talented, motivated adults," said Sherlock. "Investing in good quality adult training means more adults and young people gaining vital skills and qualifications, getting jobs and fulfilling their potential. It means more employers able to find staff with the skills and experience to improve business performance and compete in a world economy. "We know how to raise standards. If we are going to develop the kind of world-class skills base this country needs to be internationally competitive, it is time to take adult skills seriously."
(CD/SP)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 August 2011
CITB-ContructionSkills Launches Review Of Strategy
Industry views are being sought on a range of issues around skills and in particular whether current construction qualifications will meet the needs of employers and learners in the future in a consultation launched today by CITB-ConstructionSkills.
CITB-ContructionSkills Launches Review Of Strategy
Industry views are being sought on a range of issues around skills and in particular whether current construction qualifications will meet the needs of employers and learners in the future in a consultation launched today by CITB-ConstructionSkills.
23 March 2009
New Water Apprenticeships Launched
A new employer-led water apprenticeship has been launched in Northern Ireland.
New Water Apprenticeships Launched
A new employer-led water apprenticeship has been launched in Northern Ireland.
05 March 2008
Skills Development And Education Vital To ICT Sector
Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey stressed that skills development, quality education and training was vital to the success of the local ICT sector. The Minister was addressing delegates attending 'One Year On', a conference hosted by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecommunications.
Skills Development And Education Vital To ICT Sector
Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey stressed that skills development, quality education and training was vital to the success of the local ICT sector. The Minister was addressing delegates attending 'One Year On', a conference hosted by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecommunications.
17 May 2016
2016 Employer Perspectives Survey Underway
Work has begun on gathering information for annual 2016 Employer Perspectives Survey (EPS16). The survey invites views on subjects such as recruitment, skills initiatives and training, and is carried out via 18,000 telephone interviews with UK employers across all sectors and sizes.
2016 Employer Perspectives Survey Underway
Work has begun on gathering information for annual 2016 Employer Perspectives Survey (EPS16). The survey invites views on subjects such as recruitment, skills initiatives and training, and is carried out via 18,000 telephone interviews with UK employers across all sectors and sizes.
09 March 2015
PwC Analytics Training Academy Launches
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has launched the Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) Analytics Training Academy 2015.
PwC Analytics Training Academy Launches
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has launched the Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) Analytics Training Academy 2015.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
