Government launches skills for employers portal

for businesses looking to take the next steps in staff training

The Government launches its Skills for Employers portal aimed at helping businesses access clear information on developing beneficial staff training programmes in accordance with July''s Skills Strategy announcement.

Skills for Employers (www.skillsforemployers.gov.uk) provides an important signposting service for businesses looking to improve the skills base within their workforce. Information is provided within three key areas:

Support for Training (includes information on funding, courses and qualifications)
Policy Information and Initiatives
Training Providers

Employers can also register to receive timely business updates as well as network and discuss business related issues within the Small Business Forum section. The aim of the forum is to encourage businesses from a diversity of vertical markets to engage with the DfES, instigate quality discussions about topics and issues relevant to employers, and to raise issues with and obtain advice from, other employers experiencing similar issues.

Welcoming the Skills for Employer''s portal, Ivan Lewis, Minister for Young People and Adult Skills, said,

The Skills for Employer''s portal has been created to provide an immediate interface between businesses and the Government. Businesses benefit from a one-stop shop of succinct information and useful links, enabling them to easily enhance their workforce''s productivity through effective training.

The Skills Strategy:
The Government''s Skills Strategy focuses on raising the UK''s skills base, enabling businesses and individuals to play a leading part in the global economy. Employers are set to benefit from a series of initiatives geared towards upping the skills of their workforce, leading to enhanced productivity including:
The development of a national programme for employers to deliver training in their preferred format
The expansion of Sector Skills Councils to identify, map and meet key skills needs in employment services
Reformed, appropriate and employer-friendly qualifications
Greater employer involvement in course design, content, assessment and teaching and learning styles of Modern Apprenticeships
Provision of an ''Employers Guide to Good Training'' manual providing clear information for employers looking to improve the skills of their workforce
Introduction of a new management and leadership drive through Investors in People

A Skills Alliance, comprising government agencies and key delivery partners has been drawn together to drive forward the strategy with the help of the regional development agencies.