Report plots new direction for training

A government review of skills could have a major impact on the way logistics training is delivered. The Leitch Review recommends a change in the balance of power from the current supply focused system to one that is designed and driven by employers and calls for:
 * Increasing skill attainments at all levels;
* Routing public funding of vocational skills through Train to Gain and Learner Accounts
* Strengthening the employer voice on skills through creation of a new Commission for Employment & Skills, increasing employer engagement and investment in skills, reforming Sector Skills Councils who will simplify and approve vocational training
* Launching a new ‘pledge’ for employers to voluntarily train more employees at work. If insufficient progress has been made by 2010, introduce a statutory right for employees to access workplace training
* Increasing employer investment in higher level qualifications, especially in Apprenticeships and in degree and postgraduate levels;
* significantly more training in the workplace
* Raising people’s aspirations and awareness of the value of skills, creating a new universal adult careers service to diagnose skill needs with a skills health check available for all
* Government to introduce compulsory education or workplace training up to age 18 following introduction of new Diplomas and expanded Apprenticeship route
* Integrating the public employment & skills services to deliver sustainable employment, enabling more disadvantaged people to gain skills and find work, developing employer-led Employment and Skills Boards.
Ian Hetherington, chief executive of Skills for Logistics, said: “Employer-led demand for skills development and lifelong learning are vital to the future economic strength of UK Plc and beneficial to business. The Leitch Review highlights how important the employers’ voice is and also how vital the Sector Skills Councils are in delivering industry specific and relevant skills.”