Training

This
week’s training news

Construction
industry acts to solve skills crisis

The
Construction Industry Training Body is publishing a five-year workforce
planning brief to combat the skills crisis in the sector. The consultative
document aims to influence the strategies of the new Learning and Skills
Councils and their local branches, set to replace the Tecs and Lecs from 1
April 2001. Tel: 020-7367 9804/3 
www.citb.org.uk

Government
wants stronger role for NTOs

The
Government has launched a major consultation into the future of National
Training Organisations. Lifelong learning minister Malcolm Wicks has called for
NTOs to produce annual audits outlining their progress in meeting targets. The
consultation proposes a stronger role for NTOs to drive up skills in the
employment sectors. The consultation will be backed up by a £45m cash boost
over the next three years. Tel: 0870 000 2288.  www.dfee.gov.uk

Pay
issue stands in way of recruiting teachers

A
new survey on skills has highlighted that pay is one of the factors affecting
recruitment of teachers. The survey by the Further Education National Training
Organisation, published this month, reveals that 60 per cent of colleges
reported difficulty recruiting IT teachers, with 38 per cent indicating they
face a substantial problem. The largest skills gap among teachers is in the use
of IT (52 per cent), followed by the ability to teach online (50 per cent).
Tel: 020-7242 4662.  www.fento.org