Adults will get the skills they need to thrive in the new
economy, after an historic retraining partnership between the
government, industry and unions began its work today.
Hosting the first meeting of the National Retraining Partnership,
the Chancellor was joined by Confederation
for British Industry chief, Carolyn Fairbairn, TUC leader Frances
O’Grady, Education Secretary and the Exchequer Secretary
.
The partnership will advise on how a new National Retraining
Scheme can best support those sectors identified in the
Industrial Strategy as areas of growth, including the
construction, automotive, artificial intelligence and creative
industries, in order to boost productivity and tackle skills
shortages.
Top of the agenda for its inaugural meeting was how the scheme
would ensure people are given every opportunity to succeed in
this new economy, and how British firms can be supported to
create better, higher-paid jobs. At the Autumn Budget, the
Chancellor announced £64 million of funding to get the ball
rolling with pilots in digital and construction skills.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer said: “Today’s meeting
underlines the importance of working collaboratively to rise to
the challenges and opportunities of the technological revolution
which is transforming our economy.
“We are determined to equip our workers with the skills they need
to succeed as we make the UK a world leader in new technologies.
This partnership is an important step towards doing so.”
Carolyn Fairbairn, Director-General of the CBI, said: “Businesses
see investing in skills as critical to building an economy that
is fit for the 21st Century. It’s the best
way to compete globally, seize the opportunities of the
Industrial Strategy and increase people’s pay.
“We’re delighted to be involved in the National Retraining
Partnership alongside the TUC and the Government. The
Partnership, alongside improved technical education and a
reformed apprenticeship levy, could drive a skills
revolution. We are committed to designing a system that
really delivers for those already in work, improving careers,
opportunities and business performance. A great starting point is
the skills base needed for the UK’s new Industrial
Strategy.”
Education Secretary , who chaired today’s meeting,
said: “Today’s meeting marks a historic partnership between
government, business and unions, and is an important step towards
implementing the National Retraining Scheme.
“For our economy to thrive we need everyone, regardless of their
age, to be able to gain the skills they need to make the most of
the opportunities that lie ahead. I’m proud to be working
alongside CBI and the TUC to develop and deliver a programme that
will boost productivity, which will truly meet the needs of
employers and the economy.”
