Basic Skills Still the Priority, say bosses

14 December 2005

Commenting on the National Audit Office’s report on Employers’ perspectives on improving skills for employment, Richard Wilson, Head of Business Policy, said:

“The National Audit Office’s report confirms that many employers are committed to training – 1.9 million employers in the private and public sector spend approximately £23.7 billion on education and training. Our own research shows that 89% of IoD members provide training to all categories of their staff.

“Many employers are happy to provide training leading to a level 3 qualification (2 GCE A levels or the vocational equivalent), less so for a full level 2 qualification (equivalent to 5 GCSE grades A*-C). To make up for the fact that many school leavers and adults lack a level 2 qualification, the Government should press ahead with the Employer Training Programme. This provides funding to those lacking a level 2 qualification.

“Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) have an important part to play in respect of the skills agenda, not least in devising the national occupational standards that underpin vocational qualifications. However, some face difficulties engaging with small and medium-sized enterprises. This means that other organisations such as trade associations and business representative bodies must also work to articulate employers’ skill needs and advance solutions.

“Ultimately, the Government must focus like a laser beam on improving standards of literacy and numeracy and levels of achievement in schools. Unless pupils leave school with a good grounding in basic skills and qualifications to at least level 2, there is insufficient on which to build and skill shortages and skill gaps will persist. It is incredible that only 55.7% of 15 year olds secured five or more grades A*-C at GCSE or the equivalent this year (i.e. a level 2 qualification). Deficiencies in the education system are storing up problems for employers, employees and the taxpayer.”