Fund for vocational training unveiled
Nov 18 2011
The fund is designed to boost economic growth
Small businesses will be able to bid for a share of a new £250 million government fund for vocational training programmes in the new year.
The initiative is part of a government scheme designed to boost economic growth and ensure that the UK workforce has the required skill sets.
Prime minister David Cameron says, ‘I know times are tough, especially for young people, who are trying to get their foot in the door and launch their career.
‘That is why I am determined to do all that we can to give people the very best skills, training and opportunities to succeed, and why despite tough spending decisions we are investing in record number of apprenticeships.’
Cameron says that there has been an ‘incredible take up of these apprenticeship places’ and that the government is taking action to make it easier to take on apprentices, giving employers the power to take control of the training so that the skills they need are met.
Business secretary Vince Cable says, 'Skills are central to the UK economy and our long-term competitiveness. Despite some good progress our system needs more flexibility and we are treading water by international standards.'
He adds that the UK has to ‘fundamentally alter the relationship between employers and the state’, giving employers the space and opportunity for greater ownership of the vocational skills agenda, including the chance to bid for direct control of public funds. ‘This will encourage greater competition in the market as we strive for sustainable growth,’ he concludes.
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