The National Skills Strategy is the
first step towards developing world-class vocational skills and closing the
productivity gap, says the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF).
Announced today, the strategy gives
employers greater choice and control over the training they receive and the way
it is delivered, and removes the age threshold for the funding of Modern
Apprenticeships.
It also introduces greater
flexibility to enable employers to customise training units for different
qualifications without losing the entitlement to funding, which currently only
supports full qualifications.
EEF director general Martin Temple
said: "The measures contained in the new Skills Strategy could provide a
major boost for vocational skills in the UK. We welcome the new funding and
entitlements for adults undertaking vocational qualifications.
“However, while the removal of age
thresholds for Modern Apprenticeships is a crucial step towards addressing the
shortage of skilled technicians, it must be backed by sufficient resources to
allow employers and employees the chance to take advantage of it."
