Treasury Minister launches centre of vocational excellence in Doncaster

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, John Healey MP, today marked the latest stage in the Learning and Skills Council’s programme to improve skills across the region when he launched the new Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) in Manufacturing at the University Centre in Doncaster.

In his keynote speech at the launch the Minister highlighted the improvements that increased participation in further education and workplace training have had and the benefits that a skilled workforce can bring to the regional economy.

The launch of the CoVE marks South Yorkshire Learning and Skills Council’s and the Government’s commitment to promoting skills in the engineering and manufacturing industries within the region enhancing both productivity and regional economic growth.

Funded by the Learning and Skills Council, the CoVE programme aims to encourage adults into vocational training, either as new learners or in order to raise existing work skills, whilst also expanding the skilled workforce available to regional employers.

John Healey said:

"The challenges of globalisation means the UK must increasingly compete through higher productivity, higher skills and cutting edge innovation and science. The new manufacturing CoVE for South Yorkshire is an important step towards this goal. By bringing together employers, training providers and learners in a partnership to deliver high quality manufacturing skills, it will help sustain jobs and improve companies’ competitiveness and profitability. "

Mick Crossley, CoVE Manager said:

“The CoVE in Manufacturing, South Yorkshire is committed to delivering innovative and flexible training, which will attack the skills shortage of employers in the region.”

Notes for editors

1. John Healey is visiting the University Centre in Doncaster on Monday 27 June 2005.

2. Mr Healey is speaking at the launch of the Learning and Skills Council’s Centre of Vocational Excellence in Manufacturing at the University Centre, Doncaster.

3. Media enquiries should be addressed to Duncan Parish in the Treasury press office on 020 7270 5192.

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