Department for Children, Schools and Families : Publications : Skills - Getting on in business, getting on at work White Paper

Skills: Getting on in business, getting on at work

On 22 March 2005, the Department for Education and Skills published the White Paper.

This White Paper builds on the Government’s first national Skills Strategy, published in July 2003. The principles and direction of the original Skills Strategy remain valid and good progress has already been made in implementing it. However, the skills challenge is still great and the White Paper sets out how we intend to tackle it with our partners.

The White Paper develops our strategy for ensuring that employers have the right skills to support the success of their businesses. It also helps individuals gain the skills they need to be employable and personally fulfilled.

And for the first time, from 14-19 to adult skills, we are setting out a coherent lifelong learning strategy to tackle the skill needs of our nation. Read the 14-19 Education and Skills White Paper.

The White Paper sets out proposals and reforms designed to:

Put employers’ needs centre stage in the design and delivery of training

Employers’ needs will be met through the delivery of a new National Employer Training Programme (NETP). There will be a package of free training in the workplace in basic skills and Level 2, designed for employers and delivered to suit their operational needs. NETP will be linked to the full range of business support services including a national network of brokers.

Skills for Sectors:

Sector Skills Agreements will bring together employers and training provision to meet the future skill needs of the nation – the first 4 Agreements were launched on alongside the White Paper.
Skills Academies will be the employer-led linchpin of a new network of specialist colleges and training providers. They will prepare young people and adults for successful employment in each major sector of the economy.

Support individuals in gaining the skills and qualifications they need to achieve the quality of life they want

Skills for adult learners will be promoted by a clear, attractive ladder of progression which challenges and encourages people to achieve at every level. It will stimulate people’s aspirations to progress and fulfil their potential.

From 2006/7 there will be a national entitlement to free tuition for a first full Level 2 qualification and new extensive support for learning at Level 3.

Adults will be helped to make decisions about their careers and training needs by a new one-stop telephone and on-line advice service.

Reform of supply

We will build the capacity of colleges and other training providers to deliver benefits for employers and individuals.

The QCA's proposed Framework for Achievement – a clear, simple qualification structure for individuals and employers – will be developed so that it supports the 14-19 and adult reforms.