Leitch implementation plan is welcomed by SummitSkills

SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the building-services-engineering sector, has welcomed the Government’s plans for the implementation of the Leitch Review and the recommendations it makes for the sector. The implementation plan highlights the need to introduce a demand-led approach to skills, resulting in the more effective engagement of employers through Sector Skills Councils. This approach, in turn, should open the door to increased employer investment in skills, enabling the Government to achieve its target for the UK to become a world leader in skills by 2020. Keith Marshall, chief executive at SummitSkills, explains, ‘We are very pleased with this implementation plan, having been heavily involved in its development process. We expect significant changes to the current system, aligning learning much closer with employer needs. The plan places the employer right at the heart of skills policy development and demonstrates a commitment to channelling funding to qualifications that best meet the needs of our industry. ‘A new process will be put in place that refocuses the remit of SummitSkills, as an individual Sector Skills Council, allowing it to work closely wit employers to advise, design and approve the funding of vocational qualifications in England. As a result, this will boost employers’ investment in skills, ensure the supply of skills and articulate the future needs of the sector.’

Related links:

• www.summitskills.org.uk