A scheme aimed at improving skills and learning throughout the UK has been announced by the government.
The three-year plan will invest over £11bn annually in education, employment and training schemes for young people and adults, and aims to ultimately boost British job prospects and in turn, the economy.
Compared to the £6.5bn spent on learning and skills in 2001/02, expected spending for 2010/11 stands at £12.3bn, with the main driving force of the initiative being an expansion of apprenticeships.
Current places for apprenticeships stand at 250,000, with a planned increase to over 400,000 places by 2010/11. If this figure is reached, it will achieve the challenges set by the Leitch report almost ten years early.
Other key improvements will include a right to an education in basic skills, and a doubling of government investment in work based skills training that will improve the knowledge and expertise of the workforce.
John Denham, secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills said: “For millions of people, skills and learning are the key to improving their lives – whether getting into and on at work, improving job prospects or simply putting money into their pockets.
“For the country, skills and learning are the key to remaining globally competitive.
“Today’s announcement amounts to a kick start of the government’s drive to put Britain in the premier league for skills. This work will help ensure the future economic competitiveness of the country,” he added.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007