Human Resource Development: Strategy and Tactics

9 November 2000 - Addressing the first conference of the Learning and Skills Council Chairmen (sic) Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett announced that the new LSC will receive more than £5.5billion for 2001-2002. This is a 9% increase (£600 million) on present funding of post-16 education and training. David Blunkett said:

"The creation of the Learning and Skills Council is one of the most significant and far-reaching reforms in post-16 learning in this country. Through the Council, for the first time, all the planning and funding of all school sixth forms, colleges and training outside higher education will be integrated into a single system. The Council will be the leading agent of change in ensuring that we rise to the skills challenge we face and that we are equipped to close the productivity gap with our major competitors. It will be at the heart of our drive to secure sustainable economic success and prosperity.

"The extra money will mean that the Council and its 47 local arms can hit the ground running when they start work next April. For 2002-03 there will be a further funding increase of £400m, a five per cent increase real terms. This does not include the additional funding we shall be giving to the Councils when they take over responsibility for school sixth forms.

"The money will allow more young people and adults to take part in education, by making courses more widely available, providing more and better qualified teachers and better facilities across the country. It will help individuals and employers to recognise the importance of regularly updating their skills and it will give them the skills and confidence they need to reach their potential.

"I have written to the Learning and Skills Council Chairman, Bryan Sanderson, today to set out my strategic priorities for the Council, as well as the framework needed to drive forward the learning and skills agenda.

"Firstly, I want the Council to maximize the participation and achievement of all young people in education and training as a route to participation in society and work. Too many young people still take little or no part in education or training after 16, failing to achieve their potential.

"High standard vocational training, with new apprenticeships which replace the failed youth training programmes of the past, will be as important as more vocational education in colleges and schools to attract young people - and to make education and training worthwhile.

"By working with the new Connexions Service, the new advice and guidance service for all 13 to 19 year olds, the Council will help to provide a smooth transition for all young people into post-16 education and training.

"Secondly, I want the Council to drive up standards of education and training and to raise the level of achievement for all age groups, whether it's helping the one in five adults with inadequate basic skills, updating technical skills, or ensuring that more young people opt to study for 'A' levels or vocational learning.

"A third key objective for the Council will be to ensure the provision of attractive and relevant courses. This will help to stimulate demand and to maximise the opportunities for all those in the workforce and those out of work.

"Working within the terms of the remit letter which I've issued today, the Council will seek a flexible and responsible approach at a local level to skills and business needs and to the demands of students.

"Helping communities to help themselves is vital to our drive to increase participation. Increasing demand means offering attractive routes to learning and building on existing initiatives, such as community and family learning projects, where people learn together in familiar, locally - based environments. I expect the Council to support a wide range of learning opportunities which will help people to become more actively involved in their communities.

"We need to develop forms of citizenship which are sensitive to and respect differences between people. That's why I want the Council to take forward our aim of supporting more volunteering in the local community amongst 16-19 year olds.

"The challenges I have set for the Council are demanding and significant. I want individuals to have confidence on the vocational and work-related route - the route from school to foundation apprenticeship and on to the new foundation degrees. I also want the Council to help us overcome the institutional divide within different sectors and between the public and private sector.

"Over the first two to three years I expect the Council to secure a step change in the performance of the nation's learning and skills. I am pleased that we have secured such high quality people to lead the new Council and the 47 local Learning and Skills Councils. Together with the support and commitment of business and the extra money that I have announced today, we will ensure that, through the Learning and Skills Council, learning can be the key to prosperity, for each of us as individuals and the nation as a whole. "