Skills During Downturn Debated

7th July 2009

Innovative ways to help people gain skills for work during the economic downturn will be debated at a London summit organised by Ten Alps Events.
 
Speakers from major organisations from the sector including the LSC, Jobcentre Plus, the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils, the TUC, UK Commission for Employment and Skills, The National Skills Academy and LGA will present at the event at Church House Conference Centre, Westminster, this Thursday, July 9th.
 
The political perspective will be provided by John Hayes MP, Shadow Conservative Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, who will set out his party’s plans to tackle skills shortages should they come to power at the next election.
 
Fiona Jordan, Diploma Programme Director, 14-19 Reform Group, Department for Children, Schools and Families, will outline the government’s future expansion plans for Apprenticeships and Diplomas.
 
Other key topics will include the abolition of the LSC, with a new Skills Funding Agency and local authorities due to take over its role. Train to Gain and the challenge of engaging employers in skills training will also be high on the agenda.
 
Sarah Jones, Chief Executive of learndirect, who are sponsoring the event said: "In an economic downturn skills become even more vital, to people looking for work, to businesses struggling to stay competitive and to a government looking to the future. We're pleased to sponsor the World Class Skills conference and contribute to the debate on how innovation can help transform the UK's skills.”
 
Also sponsoring the conference and speaking at the event are Gateshead College and ROI Academy. Martin Mochan, Event Director, Ten Alps Events, said: “We are fortunate to have an outstanding programme of speakers representing the major players in the skills sector from both public and private sector. We look forward to a day of lively discussion and debate.”
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For further information about this event please visit www.skills2009.co.uk or contact Clarissa Langham at Ten Alps Events on 0161 838 2574. To register for a press pass, please call Alexis Guntrip on 0161 838 6000.