Public sector employers have been given advice on how they can provide more training and apprenticeships through the publicly funded contracts they offer.
A guide, published by the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) last week, suggests how to write provisions for training into contracts and ensure these are promoted throughout the procurement process.
Skills secretary John Denham said: “In tough times like these it is vital that we continue to invest in our nation’s skills. We want to play a leading role by making greater use of the £175bn-a-year the government spends procuring goods and services to promote skills and training opportunities.”
John Cridland, deputy director general at the CBI, added: “It’s right that the government continues to play its part by using public procurement to enhance the UK’s skills base.”
Last month the TUC called for firms bidding for public-sector contracts to provide more training and apprenticeships.
