The government is set to unveil a series of skills ‘compacts’ that will channel millions of pounds into training initiatives in specific sectors.
Employers in the construction and hospitality industries will be the first to benefit from these new deals, which will see extra cash given to sector skills councils in return for new training targets.
The biggest agreement is a £133m package agreed with Construction Skills. People 1st – the skills council for the hospitality and leisure – has struck a deal for an extra £112m to help develop employees in its sector.
The deal – known as a compact – is aimed at simplifying access to skills. It provides funding for relevant qualifications and some short courses, a sector-specific Train to Gain scheme and a simpler definition of how businesses can obtain funded training.
People 1st chief executive Brian Wisdom said: “In an environment of rising costs the most enlightened employers are even more committed to investing in the skills of their people improving the customer experience and profits – this deal shows that the government is dedicated to investing in the areas most critical to industry.”
Skills secretary John Denham said: “The government values the immense contribution the hospitality, leisure and travel and tourism industries make to our national life, and is committed to working closely with the sector to help it attract, train and retain quality staff.
“This compact will ensure that employers will have access to flexible, world-class training tailored to the specific needs of their business, delivered when and where they need it.”
