The
£17bn textiles and footwear industry is the latest to be granted a licence to
run its own Sector Skills Council (SSC) following the creation of Skillfast-UK.
The
apparel, footwear and textiles council will receive up to £1m in core funding
each year to help tackle skills and productivity problems.
The
SSC is made up of leading industry figures who will provide a collective voice
for the sector to try and increase productivity through the development of
skills and training.
Douglas
Alexander, minister for competitiveness, granted the licence for a two-year
period, bringing the number of SSCs to five.
"Skillfast-UK
has the opportunity to develop a cohesive and strategic approach to training
and skills development in this industry sector, which currently employs more
than 300,000 people in the UK.
"This
is a vital investment in the future of an important UK industry. The clothing
industry is constantly evolving and needs a good supply of skills to help it
thrive," he said.
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