Launch of Gov skills body 'positive step'

It will also look to provide strategic oversight of the post-16 skills system, aligned to the Government’s industrial strategy.

In addition, Skills England will work with the Migration Advisory Committee to help reduce reliance on overseas workers.

It will be established in phases over the next nine to 12 months in a bod to create a responsible and collaborative skills system.

The Skills England Bill, announced this week, will transfer functions from the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education to Skills England.

The body will also hold responsibility for maintaining a list of levy eligible training to ensure value for money and the mix of Government-funded training available to learners and employers aligns with the identified skills needs.

Positive step

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “The establishment of Skills England is a positive step that brings skills and education together under a single organisation to help drive economic growth and upskill the current and future workforce.

“Given the right circumstances, the hospitality sector is capable of delivering growth of 6% per year and a focus on skills is central to this ambition.

“The sector is already the third largest employer in the UK, providing 3.5m people with jobs, so it is vital our voice is represented within the new body.

“We are pleased to see the commitment of the new body to broaden the types of training the apprenticeship levy can be spent [on], which will allow us to deliver a hospitality skills passport, however we need to see a focus on how apprenticeship delivery can be improved for the benefit of both workers and businesses and a focus on pre-apprenticeship training and we look forward to working closely together to achieve this.”

Fellow trading body the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) welcomed the introduction of the body and the steps it will take to ensure a skilled workforce is available to employers for the sector.

Increased flexibility

Chief executive Emma McClarkin added: “Responding to our call for increased flexibility in the apprenticeship levy​, it is reassuring to see it transforming into a new growth and skills levy.

“This change will increase the ability of employers to use their levy funds not only for apprenticeships​ but for other vital training.

“This will ensure both new employees have the essential skills needed to launch their careers in the pub and brewing sector and that existing employees are developed and supported to progress in their roles.”

She also said it was reassuring to see Skills England aims to work closely with the Migration Advisory Committee, in a bid to help ensure skills shortages are addressed effectively.

McClarkin added: “A fully joined up skills strategy, that takes account of employers’ needs will be vital for growth but while the ability to recognise local skills shortages will be important, it is equally key the skills landscape is consistent and accessible on a national basis too.

“Skilled staff need to know their qualifications and training are fully transportable, whichever part of the country they choose to work in.

“We look forward to engaging directly with Skills England as it develops its role and strategy to ensure it is addressing the current and future needs of our sector.”