DTI is working with DfES and other partners to deliver the Government's skills agenda as set out in the Skills Strategy White Paper  "21st Century Skills - Realising our Potential", published July 2003.  The strategy seeks to encourage employers to establish and support credible networks within and between sectors and regions; and to create a strong employer voice that will influence the supply of skilled people and training programmes within regions and the sectors that support the regional workforce.

DTI is working closely with SEMTA, the Sector Skills Council for the electronics industry, and one of the four Pathfinder Sector Skills Councils, to produce a Sector Skills Agreement for electronics.  This should be signed off in early 2005.  The agreement will provide an analysis of regional, national and international trends in labour, skills and productivity in the sectors in order to inform planning and funding the supply of training.

Current government funded initiatives aimed at tackling the skills gap in electronics include:

• tackling the diversity in electronics;
• encouraging the use of work experience placements, through initiatives such as the Shell Technology and Enterprise Programme (STEP);
• recruitment incentives to increase the number of teachers in science and maths and working with industry to provide industrialists to inspire teachers and pupils alike by explaining how maths and science can lead to exciting job opportunities in industry;
• the Electronics in Schools programme (see link in right hand menu), which provides support for teachers and schools seeking to stimulate interest in electronics.