Proskills welcomes new coalition government

WELCOMING the new coalition government to office, Proskills UK, the Sector Skills Council for the process and manufacturing sector, says it believes the partnership between the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties has great potential for maximizing the employer voice in the skills agenda, for identifying waste and complexity, and for providing the required support for companies in the extractives and mineral processing industry as they move out of the recession to build for the future.
 


Both governing parties have shown preferences for a sectoral lead in the skills system, an approach that Proskills believes will be the best way to help companies access the training and qualifications that they require. However, the Sector Skills Council warns that there are many other factors which the government needs to examine in order to allow the manufacturing sector to get back to its previous strong global position. 



‘The use of technology and innovative application of manufacturing processes to new markets is a major factor within the manufacturing industry, and to remain competitive at a global level we need to invest in skills that will allow companies to exploit new technology,’ said Terry Watts, chief executive officer of Proskills. ‘The UK has a long and enviable record of innovation and technological leadership, but it does not have the same reputation for commercializing innovation. What is really needed is support in transforming the skills of workers and help to provide organizations and employees with the tools they need for this transition.
 


‘This is now especially crucial with signs that some parts of production are slowly moving back to the UK, encouraged by the weakening of the pound and quality issues from overseas production. This is a positive move and one that should be supported if we are to reduce our reliance on imports and increase the competitiveness of the UK, creating British jobs.’
 


Mr Watts added: ‘If companies are moving back to the UK to improve quality, then new technology is only half of it; quality manufacturing is down to skilled workers. Companies need to ensure they invest in their staff to get the best results. Existing employees need the right training to help them progress, and make way for the new recruits. Bringing in new trainees and apprenticeships is also vital to the future of manufacturing.


‘With the government pledging to get people back to work, apprenticeships are an excellent way to provide people with employment and the skills and training needed for their future careers.
 


‘The sector requires continued support for the country’s manufacturing backbone. Investment in the skills of the workforce will help to speed up the recovery from the recession, and to prepare the country for future growth and opportunities.
 


‘We would like to offer our support to the new government at this time and will continue to work with it to research and represent the skills needs of the 1 million employees in the process and manufacturing industries across the UK, and continue to develop the qualifications demanded by industry.’