More power to employers in new ‘Skills Bill’

A new law recently passed through Government means that employers are now embedded at the heart of the skills system.

The Skills and Post-16 Education Act in England has introduced a number of measures to improve the skills and training landscape, empower employers to drive up the quality of apprenticeships and prioritise green skills.

In addition, schools will now be required to make sure all children get to meet training providers that offer technical education routes such as apprenticeships, T Levels or traineeships – opening their eyes to a wider range of careers and not just traditional academic options.

TESP welcomed the launch of the Skills Bill and the positive impact it will have on its work to continually improve electrotechnical skills development, training and careers promotion.

“With employers firmly at the heart of the system, this will allow our industry to develop coherent training pathways and ensure that only high quality technical qualifications, valued by employers and industry, will have a place in this new landscape,” said Ruth Devine, Chair of TESP and Managing Director of SJD Electrical. “TESP will continue to work in the industry’s best interests with employers at the helm.”

Working alongside Ruth on the TESP board is vice-chair Nathan Smith of ESP Ltd. With its employer-led board, through consulting with employers across the industry, developing labour market information and building a clear picture of future skills needs, TESP represents the views of employers and acts as the industry’s voice to the UK Government and devolved administrations on electrotechnical skills issues.