Achieving our aim

We will do this by putting in place a range of products that the industry can use to develop its workforce. These products will be used to establish progressive frameworks and programmes, where young people can find out more about what it is like to work in the industry and what skills are needed, potential employees can develop the skills they need to join the industry, people employed in the industry can develop their skills, knowledge and occupational competence.

• This will include:
• 14–19 Diplomas designed to meet the needs of young people interested in a career in engineering or retail
• a range of Apprenticeship programmes designed to help people develop the skills and knowledge they need to carry out their jobs
• higher level qualifications designed to help existing employees develop their careers including management qualifications and Foundation Degrees

Underpinning all these developments will be the national occupational standards development programme. This programme will be used to make sure that we have in place a range of qualifications that meet the needs of employees. But to make this a reality, it is essential that we identify and work with other key players such as Government Departments, the regulatory and funding bodies, our awarding organisation partners, other Sector Skills Councils, the wide range of learning providers who will deliver our programmes and above all the employers in the industry.