South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)

28 November 2006

The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) has received an enthusiastic industry-wide response to an innovative funding model known as 'Training Pools' to address critical skills gaps and significant training shortages for adults in work at the technical, professional and skilled trades level ( Level 3 and above ). There is a crucial need to tackle this pivotal issue urgently if the South East is to achieve the aim of accelerating a highly skilled workforce tailored to a knowledge driven economy.

A 'Training Pool' is a consortia of employers, learning providers, trade bodies and employer organisations (such as the Sector Skills Councils) that join forces and bid for support to design, develop and deliver imaginative and unique training solutions that meet Level 3 and above needs, but which are not currently being met in the region by existing public or private sector partners.

SEEDA's Sector Skills Manager, Andrew Adams, said: "This is a valuable opportunity for businesses to influence and shape the way forward for their future training, education and skills needs. It has already resulted in effective and greater collaboration between significant numbers of businesses, Further Education establishments and private training providers as well as an increased understanding of the benefits of a more highly skilled and flexible workforce; and one that mirrors perfectly the needs of employers."

Identifying links with the new Regional Economic Strategy for the South East, Andrew added: "The South East is a world class region but there is no reason for complacency. We have new challenges such as global competitiveness and the need to promote greater innovation and productivity. The Strategy elevates the profile of skills; recognising that skills must match business needs and maximising the number of people ready for employment at all skills levels. We also need robust partnerships, such as 'Training Pools' to ensure that employees are continually equipped to progress in the labour market. There is also a profound emphasis on the impressive capabilities of both vocational and work-based learning opportunities."

Compelling evidence exists indicating substantial skills shortages at Level 3 and above throughout the South East. Comparisons with major European Union competitors and other G8 countries put the UK last in terms of adults, between 25 and 64 years of age, who possess an intermediate qualification. For Andrew, this clear threat to the future vibrancy and competitiveness of the region has to be faced now. He said: "Individuals will benefit by acquiring additional skills to increase their employability prospects. Employers will benefit by the alleviation of skills shortages and the constraints they place on a company's capacity and scope for development; in addition to having opportunities to work in conjunction with other employers within their own sectors. Training providers will reap the rewards through generating a demand for additional provision of services and new methods of delivery. Importantly, the South East will gain as well. This is a huge step to realising a vision of a thriving South East that is synonymous with a highly skilled and dynamic workforce."

SEEDA received 25 'Expressions of Interest' from consortia of employers and training providers and this has now been reduced to 12 partnerships who will be invited to develop more detailed and fully-costed proposals by the middle of December.

The 12 partnerships cover sectors such as construction, tourism, Information Communications Technology, biotechnology laboratory skills and hospitality. As Andrew concludes: "The 'Training Pools' programme has acted as a catalyst for both the creation and development of these partnerships. A huge number of people will benefit now that these partnerships have started to grow."