Minister Attends Skills Provision Debate

The Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, Bill Rammell recently attended a debate on skills provision, the latest in a series of activities from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and fdf (Foundation Degree Forward).

The two groups have been working together to deliver employer engagement programmes on the skills agenda at a national and local level through the Chamber network.

The Minister said: "Small and medium-sized enterprises are key to developing a higher level of skills to our population to ensure Britain succeeds in a rapidly changing world.

"Foundation Degrees have an important role in addressing the challenge presented by Lord Leitch to increase higher education participation across the whole working age population. These degrees integrate academic study with work-based learning. Courses are developed in partnership with employers, ensuring that graduates acquire the necessary skills and knowledge required in the workplace.

"We’re continuing to expand Foundation Degrees, with a target of 100,000 enrolments by 2010".

An audience of 10 key employers from across the UK attended the debate to discuss how the small business sector should engage with the higher level skills agenda and how training and educational institutions could better support their needs.

Derek Longhurst, Chief Executive, fdf said: “It is vital that the views and experiences of business are heard as employers and higher education work together in response to work force development needs.”

(VB)