In an exclusive feature published in FE News in May 2024, Dame Julie Mellor, Chair of the Skills Federation (also known as Federation for Industry Sector Skills & Standards (FISSS)), sets out how working collaboratively with sector skills bodies can help meet the UK’s skills challenges.
She sets out a unified framework for collaboration, demonstrating how industry can work with government at national and regional levels to agree a long-term national industrial strategy. Drawing on the insights and analysis of employers, via the 19 sector skills bodies, alongside ensuring that all key institutions with a stake in skills development can then evaluate and continuously refine how skills plans are working in real-time.
“At the Skills Federation we believe it’s time for a new approach that listens to what businesses need and can respond to the real and fast-changing needs of industry,” says Dame Julie Mellor.
“We want to see school leavers enter the workforce with internationally recognised qualifications that provide the foundation for their future careers. We also want increased flexibilities in apprenticeships so they work better for small businesses and are relevant to the sectors that increasingly dominate the 21st century UK economy (for example, creative, digital and public services).
“But we can’t just think about school leavers. By supporting the existing workforce to develop new skills we can ensure UK industries keep pace with fast-changing technology, a rapidly aging population, and grasp the opportunity to become a leader in the low-carbon jobs of the future.”
In conclusion, she states:
“Exciting times lie ahead for the skills sector as we look ahead to the next general election. Working together, we can tackle the scale of the skills shortage and set out a vision for a world leading skills eco-system to meet current and future skill needs and fuel UK growth and productivity.”
You can read the article here.
