Manufacturers welcome Tory skills proposals
Release date: 23/07/2008
EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation has welcomed the Conservatives' Skills Green Paper announced today, in particular the proposals to boost apprenticeships and reform the skills training system.
Commenting, EEF Regional Manager, Tony Sarginson, said:
“Improving workforce skills is key to the future success of the region’s manufacturers. Proposals which aim to simplify current arrangements would be welcomed as the last thing business needs is another wholesale reform of the system.”
On apprenticeships, Tony Sarginson added:
“The recognition by all parties that adult apprenticeships have an important role to play in improving skills is good news. Today’s proposals to reduce the funding disparity between apprentices for young people and adults and the focus on increasing the number of advanced apprenticeships could support future growth.
“Furthermore, the proposed bonus system for SMEs and help with the development for Group Training Associations will be welcomed by SMEs who are looking at ways to develop their workforce but often find the cost and time commitment of taking on an apprentice too daunting.”
Increasing apprenticeships has come sharply into focus since the 2006 Leitch Review. Apprenticeships are an important route into skilled jobs in manufacturing and many more companies are now looking to expand their apprenticeships scheme or to take on apprentices for the first time.
Notes for editors
For more information contact Jenny Russell 0191 4165656 jrussell@eef.org.uk
EEF has more than 500 member companies in the North East of England and provides the most cost effective legal, employment law, employee relations and HS&E advice and training in the UK.
EEF employs teams of HR and employment specialists and has access to more than 60 lawyers and barristers to help its members understand the issues associated with the ever increasing introduction of legislation and regulation.
Membership of EEF gives immediate unlimited access to the team of specialists - including the largest specialist employment law team in the UK, which provides professional no-nonsense advice and guidance either by telephone or in person.
In addition, EEF represents the interests of its members at UK Government, European and international level, and can provide advice and support on issues and legislation that can affect almost every aspect of business.
Visit www.eef.org.uk/northern for further information