Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning John Hayes for a talk on ‘Skills and Economic Growth’ with think-tank Demos and Microsoft. Hayes said that skills are at the top of the government’s policy agenda and expressed his determination to continue to grow apprenticeships and develop clearer progression routes. He also stated that he would continue to free further education from central control. City & Guilds used the opportunity to tackle government ministers directly. City & Guilds Group Director of Policy and Research, Judith Norrington, emphasised to Hayes the importance of making the skills system much more responsive to the needs of employers and learners. She welcomed the announcement of the Lifelong Learning Account, recently launched by the government in order to help individuals take control of their own learning as well as encourage employers to invest in skills through tax relief on contributions. There was further discussion about careers information, advice and guidance, and the impact of funding cuts in this area.
Overcoming obstacles
Driving home the significance of the Million Extra campaign, City & Guilds brought together employers and training providers at its first ever apprenticeships summit to examine what obstacles must be overcome to unleash the UK’s talent and create
a million new apprentices. Building Business: Economic Growth Through Apprenticeships took place on the top floor of London’s ‘Gherkin’ building in February 2011. In partnership with Business in the Community (BITC), the event hosted representatives from 13 industry sectors, with entrepreneur and Vice-Chairman of West Ham United Football Club Karren Brady encouraging employers to hire apprentices. ‘Apprenticeships can build the economy, but employers need to hire apprentices,’ said Brady, adding that they provide companies with the fresh talent that they need to grow. At the summit, Chris Jones also outlined City & Guilds’ belief that the apprenticeship marketplace will experience its greatest growth when the common perceptions about skills training improve: ‘Apprenticeships are not for those who are low achieving, and we need to push this message more strongly,’ he said. Following the national event, City & Guilds held a series of regional summits throughout the UK that identified several key areas for improvement, including the need for increased support for apprentices and employers, clearer apprenticeship progression routes and appropriate levels of key and functional skills for school leavers. With this snapshot of apprenticeship sentiment among employers in mind, City & Guilds is well-placed to ensure that apprenticeships are fit for purpose,
‘City & Guilds is not just setting a target but creating an aspiration. Our long- term goal is a stronger, more sustainable economy that can shine on the global stage through apprenticeships’ Chris Jones, City & Guilds Director-General and Chief Executive Officer
Supporting progression City & Guilds awarded 48 bursaries, giving greater access to learning to those who might otherwise miss out