This snapshot taken on 05/03/2008, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
¦ Skip to main content

Government backs world class employer training schemes - Denham

12 September 2007

The Government today announced plans for accrediting the in-house training schemes of major companies, so that they lead to recognised qualifications. This is part of a drive, spearheaded by the new Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), to shape the skills system to meet employer needs.

Mr. Denham also announced that major companies, including Sainsbury's and Vodafone, who are working with the Government to get disadvantaged people skilled and into work through Local Employment Partnerships, will work towards having their own programmes fast tracked for accreditation.

Formal recognition and credit will be given to employers who carry out 'good' training. As a result individuals will know that the qualification they are working towards will be more widely recognised.

On behalf of the Secretary of State for DIUS, John Denham, has asked the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA) to carry outhas today launched a consultation into how a national system of accreditation for employers' training schemes will work in practice. A framework will be developed to include and recognise all good quality training schemes, wherever they are delivered and whoever is in charge of them.

The move is part of the Government's drive to give employers a stronger role in shaping employees' skills to meet their needs. It is part of giving them a leading role in reforming vocational qualifications, working through their Sector Skills Council and the new Commission for Employment and Skills, and accessing work-based training through an expanded Train to Gain service.

Announcing the measures at the CBI Skills Summit, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham also called on employers to make skills training a top priority. He announced that Tesco is the latest major employer to commit to training its staff by making the Skills Pledge.

John Denham said:

This Government recognises that the training that many organisations offer is of a very high standard. We want to end the outdated distinction between employers' training and public qualifications. By bringing qualifications and skills closer than ever before, business, employees and the state will all benefit.

Today's announcement demonstrates the Government's genuine commitment to listening to what employers want, and taking action to make the training system respond. We know that successful businesses need a skilled workforce to stay ahead, and it's Government's job to give them the support they need to do this.

But employers need to play their part too by making skills a top priority. I'm delighted that Tesco have today joined those who have committed to developing the skills of their employees by making the Skills Pledge. Over two million employees are now covered by the Skills Pledge, and we need more to follow this example that Tesco and others have set.

Notes to editors

  1. This Press Notice applies to England.
  2. Today's announcement was made at the CBI Skills Summit by the Secretary of State for Universities, Innovation and Skills, and outlines how Government wants to take forward the promise in the July report, "World Class Skills", that the reform of the vocational qualifications system will make it easy and attractive for employers to have their own training programmes accredited within a national qualifications framework.
  3. John Denham announced that the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has just launched a consultation and pilot programme through which employers and training providers will provide input into the process. The consultation is being supported by the CBI, Institute of Directors and, British Chamber of Commerce, Association of Colleges, Association of Learning Providers and the 157 Group. Employers such as BT, Dollond and Aitchinson, Ministry of Defence, Goodyear and Center Parcs are actively engaged in the Qualifications and Credit Framework taking part in the consultation and pilot and John Denham strongly encouraged other employers and providers to take part as well. Full details can be found on the QCA's website - www.qca.org.uk
  4. Major employers involved in Local Employment Partnerships, who will be among the first to have access to fast-tracked accreditation of their training programmes, include Vodafone , McDonalds, Network Rail, Sainsbury's, De Vere and Transport for London.
  5. A parallel consultation for FE colleges, private training organisations and other providers of training which wish to have their provision accredited will be launched shortly.