NIACE responds to new skills strategy Wednesday, November 11, 2009 - 17:44

NIACE believes that the Government could spend its adult training monies better, as a response to Skills for Growth - the new Skills Strategy, launched Wednesday 11 November 2009.

NIACE will pay particular attention to proposals for the new personal skills accounts and welcomes the commitment made by the Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP to, ‘increase the power of learners'.

Alastair Thomson, NIACE Principal Advocacy Officer, said:

"The new skills strategy is strong on meeting employer needs. However the Government's statutory duty is to meet the reasonable needs of individuals, not businesses. The primary responsibility to increase skills in the workplace rests with British business."

"Despite the achievements of the Skills for Life strategy, there are millions of people - including those most in need - who haven't yet been helped. We welcome the Government's continuing commitment to basic skills but will need to ensure there is a full ladder of progression throughout the whole Qualifications and Credit Framework. Adults, particularly at entry level, need more, not less, funding."