Press Release

e-skills UK welcomes focus on employer needs in Leitch Implementation Plan

19 July 2007

e-skills UK welcomes the publication of World Class Skills – Implementing the Leitch Review of Skills in England by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Karen Price, CEO of e-skills UK said:

“The Leitch Review published in December 2006 set out the magnitude of the skills challenge we face to remain a leading player in the global economy, and highlighted the urgent need for change in the UK’s approach to skills.  We very much welcome this development into a tangible plan of action.

“The IT and Telecoms sector makes a vital contribution to the UK’s success as a globally competitive knowledge economy.  Technology underpins innovation, productivity and long term prosperity and it is essential that we have the skills to make the most of it. 

“We are delighted that the Government has responded to the recommendations of the Leitch Review by placing employers at the heart of skills development; introducing a demand-led approach to skills that focuses on aligning learning with employer needs and includes a commitment to direct funding to the qualifications that best meet those needs.  We look forward to working with employers and partners to take this forward for IT and Telecoms.

“We welcome the emphasis on the development of economically valuable skills.  IT skills are critical in today’s increasingly technology-enabled world – and e-skills UK is committed to ensuring that everyone is able to develop the technology-related skills they need for successful careers and lives, whether they are an IT professional, a business leader or someone who uses IT in their everyday job.

“We also support the plans to extend the involvement of Higher Education in the development of the existing workforce, in partnership with employers.  e-skills UK is already working with universities, employers and others on innovative professional development programmes that focus on higher level skills and employer needs.”

To help achieve the objectives of the Leitch Review, today’s Implementation Plan confirms an extended role for Sector Skills Councils.

Larry Hirst, Chief Executive, IBM United Kingdom, and Chair of e-skills UK said:

“At e-skills UK, we wholeheartedly support the decision to strengthen the role of Sector Skills Councils. Under the leadership of our organisation, employers of IT professionals across the whole of industry are working together with government and education to ensure that the UK has the information technology skills it needs going forward. The Implementation Plan published today will enable us to accelerate the delivery of our strategy, which in turn will increase the impact that e-skills UK has on the economy, businesses and individuals.”