E-Skillswelcomed the government's Implementation Plan for
theLeitch Reviewon Wednesday, which they say represents a "tangible plan of
action".
CEO of the IT sector skills council, Karen Price, said, "We are
delighted that the Government has responded to the recommendations
of the Leitch Review by placing employers at the heart of skills
development introducing a demand-led approach to skills that
focuses on aligning learning with employer needs, and including a
commitment to direct funding to the qualifications that best meet
those needs."
She said the organisation also supports plans to extend the
involvement of higher education in the development of the existing
workforce.
"E-skills is already working with universities, employers and
others on innovative professional development programmes that focus
on higher level skills and employer needs," she said.
Plans for
Sector Skills Councils to take an extended role in
implementation are welcome, said Larry Hirst, CE of IBM UK and
e-skills chair.
"Under the leadership of our organisation, employers of IT
professionals across the whole of industry are working together
with government and education to ensure that the UK has the
information technology skills it needs going forward. The
Implementation Plan published today will enable us to accelerate
the delivery of our strategy."
The organization also responded to plans to give employers
control of the national skills budget by 2010 being dropped.
Spokeswoman Tilly Travers said, "It is my understanding that the
Government is committed to making the funding for adult skills
training demand-led as quickly as possible, but in a sustainable
way, supporting colleges and training providers as they implement
the changes."