training


The future of the skills debate


stephen studd is chief executive of SkillsActive


Vaizey launches cultural education review peTe hayman


Culture minister Ed Vaizey has launched an independent review of cultural education in the UK, which is to be led by Classic FM managing director Darren Henley. According to Vaizey, all


O


n 4 May, industry leaders will come together at the House of Commons to launch the sec- ond phase of the Skills Protocol


in sport and active leisure. Tis will be a full report by the Skills Protocol Employer Leadership Group (SPELG), outlining rec- ommendations for the sector’s growth. Te Skills Protocol launched in January


2010, with more than 50 employers pledging to back the a single qualification structure, ensure all employees have a training plan, work towards all employees holding a skills passport, and support a single vehicle for organising quality assured training. Trough the report, SPELG will encour-


age industry commitment to supporting its workforce, and recognise the fact that high levels of workforce skills are an indis- pensable part of the industry realising its potential. SkillsActive has welcomed this initiative and leadership by the sector trade associations and their members. It is essen- tial that employers articulate a clear vision for skills needs and development to support the growth and evolution of the industry. However, there is minimal public fund-


ing available and the government has put the emphasis on employers. Te fact of the matter is, the golden era is over and we have a real fight to demonstrate the impact of the sector and influence public investment in workforce skills and development needs. We have been identifying opportunities


that can impact on the sector, such as the Growth and Innovation Fund. Part of the investment fund provides employers and government with the opportunity to make a joint investment in the skills solutions and training programmes needed for growth. We are currently working on a submis-


sion under the ‘Best Market Solutions’ and ‘Joint Investment Programme’ strands of the fund, which if successful, will raise employer ambition for and investment in skills, developing new initiatives to increase the contribution skills make to growth. And ultimately, allow for successful implementation of the protocol.


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young people should have the opportunity to learn about the UK’s cultural, architec- tural and film heritage and to take part in performance and visual arts. It follows research that


found that “quality cultural education” can have a bene- ficial impact on the academic attainment of young people, as well as on behaviour and concentration. Vaizey said: “Our culture brings audiences from across the world and we are particularly


Vaizey wants all young people to have a chance to take part in the arts


adept at producing world-leading performers and artists. To remain in such a strong position we need to be sure that we are giving children the best start in their cultural education.”


Football training study to commence peTe hayman


Researchers at the University of Dundee are to launch a new study into the impact of inten- sive football training on bone growth in young players. Members of the Glasgow


Rangers Football Club youth academy will be participat- ing in the Institute of Motion Analysis and Research research, which will use the same motion analysis used to create football video games. Te team behind the study


are now seeking similarly aged youngsters who do not take part in such an intensive training and playing regime in order to compare the effects. Te research is a joint venture between the


Research will look into the effect of intensive training in young players Professor Rami Abboud, director of the


institute, Glasgow Rangers and two other cen- tres at the University of Dundee – the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification and the Institute of Sports and Exercise.


Institute of Motion Analysis and Research, said: “Although football is a major global sport, there is a significant weakness in the scientific literature as to whether targeted exercise train- ing and many hours of practice are actually beneficial to growing individuals.”


£500,000 for Sheffield Manor Lodge plans peTe hayman


Plans to refurbish cottages and barns at Sheffield’s Manor Lodge into an educational and resource hub have received £500,000. Te Heritage Lottery Fund award will also help Green Estates to implement a programme


Read Leisure Opportunities online: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital


of training and volunteering opportunities with a skills facility at the complex. Plans include a World War Two Evacuee


Experience Education Centre and exhibition spaces outlining ‘Life at Manor Cottages’ using former residents’ experiences.


Twitter: @leisureopps © CYBERTREK 2011


image: shutterstock.com/(c)andy dean photography


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