Investment in workplace training welcomed by Asset Skills

Asset Skills has welcomed a Government initiative to boost skills.

A substantial investment programme into education, employment and training has been announced by Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities, and Skills, John Denham.

It is targeting young people and adults raise skills to help improve the UK's job prospects.

"This is great news for employers in our industries," said Richard Beamish, Chief Executive of Asset Skills.

"Investing in skills training benefits everyone. If workers feel valued they will be more productive - this will really help ensure a healthy economy for the future."

Over the next three years, £11 billion per annum will be made available to create opportunities for those at risk of becoming 'NEET' (Not currently engaged in Employment, Education and Training).

At the heart of the investment is a major expansion of apprenticeship programmes.

Funding will also be focused on training designed to improve job prospects, such as £1.5 billion a year on 'first steps' training and a right to free, first time full level 2 training through the provision of 800,000 places by 2010/11.

The Learning and Skills Council is also to play a key role, with around £6.8 billion being invested in learning places for young people and the provision of 14 diploma lines across the country leading up to 2013.