Semta and the Association of Learning Providers sign agreement to boost skills

Semta, the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies has signed a historic agreement that will see it forging closer links with independent skills and education providers. On Tuesday, March 23, representatives of the Association of Learning Providers (ALP) and Semta signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ that will help the two organisations to work together on a range of issues faced by both learners and employers. The document also includes a range of proposals aimed at identifying the future skills needs of employers operating in the science, engineering and manufacturing sectors. These include sharing research and other information as well as the formation of a new forum to act as a sounding board on key issues and the appointment of a Skills Champion. Commenting on the new agreement, Semta Chief Executive Philip Whiteman said: “There are many challenges to businesses in the years ahead, and firms need to ensure that their workforce has the right skills to remain competitive in an increasingly tough global marketplace. “This can only be achieved through closer links between businesses, government bodies and training providers and this agreement will go a long way towards forming closer partnerships.” The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Philip Whiteman, Semta Development Director Bill Twigg and Graham Hoyle OBE, Chief Executive of the ALP. “With the science, engineering and manufacturing technologies sector regarded as critical to kick-starting the economic recovery and a major priority in the Government’s latest national skills strategy, it is vital that employers and training providers within the sector are working closely together,” said Mr Hoyle “This new agreement between Semta and ALP will help maximise employer engagement in training and it will ensure that the sector’s vocational qualifications are really meeting employers’ needs.” - E N D S – Image High resolution image (approx 2MB) to support release: click here

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