The Sector Skills Council for the places where we live and work
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Government's Skills Strategy keeps employer voice central
Asset Skills has welcomed the Government's new skills strategy which looks set to keep employer input at the core of training and vocational qualifications development.
Skills for Sustainable Growth and its parallel publication, Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth were launched by Secretary of State for Business Vince Cable and Skills Minister John Hayes. The strategy sets out their vision for reform of the further education and skills system in order to improve workforce skills, the performance of the economy and engagement in learning.
Although savings will have to be made, the Government understands the importance of maintaining high levels of participation and performance and will continue to look to Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) to ensure that apprenticeship frameworks and national occupational standards are updated to meet the needs of industry in the face of new market conditions and increasing competition.
"We are encouraged by this announcement,” said Richard Beamish, Chief Executive of Asset Skills. “It shows the Government is recognising the role we can play as an SSC in helping employers lead and influence change on skills and training issues in their industry."
The reform of the skills systems includes:
- Expanding the numbers of adult apprenticeships available, so by 2014-15 there will be 75,000 more adults starting than under previous plans; 200,000 adults will be able to start an apprenticeship. The Government will invest £605 million in adult apprenticeships in the 2011-12 financial year;
- Improving the apprenticeships package, so that level 3 (A Level equivalent) becomes the level to achieve, and there are clear progression pathways;
- Fully funded training for young adults aged from 19 up to 24 undertaking their first full level 2 (GCSE equivalent) or first level 3 qualification when they do not already have one;
- Fully funded basic skills courses for individuals who left school without basic reading, writing and mathematics;
- Protecting investment of £210 million in adult and community learning, to support personal development, inclusive communities and a route into formal learning for the disengaged;
- Introducing Government-backed loans from 2013-14 for learners aged 24 and over undertaking level 3 or higher qualifications. This will give people access to finance. They will not have to make their contribution to costs of the course until they are reaping the benefits of it and earning a decent wage;
- Initiating a demand-led growth and innovation fund of up to £50 million of government investment a year, to support employer-led initiatives within sectors such as new professional standards, and to promote leadership and management in small and medium enterprises;
- Replacing Train to Gain with an SME focused programme to help small employers train low-skilled staff;
- Helping people who are on active job-seeking benefits to secure work through labour-market relevant training; and
- Reducing bureaucracy in the sector. Colleges and training providers will be freed from red tape so they can respond to the needs of employers and learners. The complex funding system will be simplified and from the 2011-12 academic year there will be a single adult skills budget.
A copy of Skills for Sustainable Growth and Investment for Sustainable Growth is available to view on the BIS website: http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2010/Nov/Skills-for-sustainable-growth
Meanwhile, a new survey shows companies who take on apprentices benefit significantly.
Of the employers surveyed by the National Apprenticeship Service, 82% say apprenticeships give them a good return on investment; 81% claim they supply the practical skills and qualifications needed for the future while 83% say employing apprentices creates a better work environment.
The findings come as a new campaign is launched by business leaders and the Government to urge employers to take on apprentices.
Skills Minister John Hayes, entrepreneur Peter Jones, the Federation of Small Businesses, the British Chambers of Commerce, and several high profile businesses have put their names to a letter of support. The campaign showcases the value of apprenticeships in the current economic climate, and shows how they can supply the skilled, talented workforce of the future.
Read what employers are saying about apprenticeships here: http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/~/link.aspx?_id=C777C5311FCE4798BE9F3F162BC6F1E8&_z=z
To find out more about how Apprenticeships can benefit your business contact us on 08000 150 600.
Facilities management apprentices
The new Level 3 Apprenticeship in Facilities Management is being promoted by Asset Skills through a range of new case studies. The candidates, including a 17-year-old facilities apprentice at Channel 4, are either studying or have completed the programme. The feedback has been excellent with the trainees reporting that they are more effective in their jobs because of the apprenticeship.
Meanwhile, BIFM Training (Quadrilect Ltd) is marking the first successful learner to achieve the BIFM level 4 Award in FM. Assistant Facilities Manager David Walker was among 50 candidates to take the course, which provides a broad understanding of facilities management to experienced operations managers responsible for a range of functions.
BIFM training plan to deliver qualifications at Levels 5 and 6 early 2011, to register your interest email info@quadrilect.co.uk or call 020 7242 4141.
To view the apprenticeship case studies, visit www.assetskills.org/facilitiesmanagement/casestudies.
To contact BIFM Training [Quadrilect Ltd] call 020 7242 4141 or visit www.bifm-training.com/fmqualifications.htm.
New Asset Skills careers forum
Asset Skills has launched a new careers forum giving employers, training providers, professional bodies and education business partnerships the opportunity to work collectively to deliver careers information and advice across the sector.
The first meeting was held in London in October and was attended by 22 people representing facilities management, housing, property and planning, cleaning and parking.
Three projects are proposed to increase the standard and availability of careers information to the wider public.
For more details, or to be involved with the forum, contact Cathy Lindsay-Carl at clindsay-carl@assetskills.org
Careers promotion at key events
Asset Skills has promoted careers across the sector at key events that attracted 50,000 young people aged 14 to 19 years.
The students were visiting Skills London and Skills Cambridgeshire, where they were able to find out more on the range of careers, training schemes, educational options and skills opportunities.
Skills London is the biggest event of its kind in England and is an effective way of reaching thousands of young people.
If you would like to know more about upcoming careers promotion events, contact Cathy Lindsay-Carl at clindsay-carl@assetskills.org
Facilities management qualifications in Scotland
Employers in Scotland have attended an event to learn about the development of brand new qualifications for the facilities management profession.
The presentation was introduced by Robert Tamburrini, Director of North Glasgow Housing Association and Chair of Asset Skills Scotland in Glasgow.
The new Level 2 qualification in Facilities Services provides an entry level qualification and is complemented by the new Level 3 in Facilities Management qualification.
Structuring the vocational qualifications in this way enables school leavers and those with little experience to gain qualifications which form the basis of a progression route to higher education and membership of the professional body the British Institute of Facilities Management.
For more information contact Tim Pogson, Head of Asset Skills Scotland at tpogson@assetskills.org
Low carbon training in Northern Ireland
Asset Skills is launching a number of projects to help employers in the built environment train their workforce in low carbon skills.
They include new Energy Advice qualifications in Northern Ireland, being launched on 14 December at Stormont by Danny Kennedy, Minister for the Department of Learning.
The learning programme is being run in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College and North West Regional College. It will provide learners with a Level 3 certificate in Home Energy Advice and a Level 4 award in Renewable Technologies.
“New skills, knowledge and understanding of green technologies and long term sustainability issues are increasingly in demand,” said Richard Beamish, Chief Executive of Asset Skills.
“Tighter building regulations are improving the energy efficiency on new buildings, yet staff need to know how to maintain them in an environmentally friendly way. With existing buildings, efficient management and knowledge are crucial components in helping the built environment industry meet these targets.”
Following the launch, a fully funded pilot of the programme will be rolled out. For more information contact Philip Stott at pstott@assetskills.org or call 01392 456 825.
Industry event in Northern Ireland
The crucial role that efficient facilities management can play in ensuring business success was one of the main messages at a key FM event in Northern Ireland.
The 14th annual British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) conference was held in the province earlier this month, attracting more than 160 delegates.
Presentations provided guidance on how to manage FM services during a recession.
Northern Ireland’s Minister of Finance and Personnel, Sammy Wilson, attended the conference. Key speakers included Julie Kortens, Head of FM at Channel 4, and Enda McNulty, an expert in leadership, motivation and performance coaching.
Higher Education information online
Asset Skills has developed a new section on its website to promote higher education across the footprint.
There is information on the available vocational qualifications in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as details on foundation degrees. Information on Higher National Certificates/Diplomas (HNC/Ds) in Scotland is also available.
Asset Skills is trying to determine the availability of foundation degrees for building surveyors in the East Midlands, South West and Wales and is running a consultation on the website.
The questionnaire can be found here.
Management qualifications for parking
Asset Skills and the British Parking Association (BPA) have been working closely together over the last two years in the area of standards and qualifications.
The BPA has been active in developing a range of qualifications covering key work roles at the operational level.
A key factor in raising the level of professionalism within the industry is the need for parking specific leadership and management qualifications at Level 3, 4 and 5 within the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
The BPA has a set of qualifications which it wishes to introduce into the industry and the purpose of this consultation document is to gain your views on these proposals.
We would be most grateful if you could spend some time in reviewing the proposed qualifications and their structure, details of which can be seen at:
For more information contact David Bell at dbell@assetskills.org
Have your say on standards and qualifications
Employers in housing, property and parking are being urged to have their say on the development of National Occupational Standards (NOS) in the following areas:
- Residential Block Management (NOS)
- Residential Landlords (NOS)
NOS describe the duties and tasks expected of an employee in a particular job and are what vocational qualifications are based on.
Asset Skills is also consulting on the following qualifications:
- Leadership and Management in parking
- Learning, training and apprenticeships in housing
- Foundation Degrees in Building Surveying
All these consultations can be found on our website at http://www.assetskills.org/QualificationsAndStandards/Consultations/Consultations.aspx
