Cogent sees the pledge a useful tool in demonstrating a public commitment to investing in skills. However, Cogent SSC is working with employers to deliver skills which go beyond the stated minimum of full level 2 qualifications and inspiring its employers to equip their employees with the higher level skills they need to succeed in the global economy.

In addition, Cogent’s Sector Qualification Strategy is supporting the supply-side to respond to demands of Cogent employers through the provision of credit-based, modular vocational training to enable seamless progression to NVQ level 4 equivalent.  This is a “bite-sized” approach to upskilling, rather than the one set out in the Pledge which suggests the acquisition of full NVQs in one single period of continued activity.

The central theme of the Leitch Report was that for the UK to compete with emerging economies such as India and China, employers will have to put a much higher emphasis on skills development. This has huge resonance in the Cogent sector, which faces direct and powerful competition from employers in these economies.

Joanna Woolf, Cogent CEO said: “We are delighted that there is flexibility within the  Pledge to recognize what industry  has already achieved and the skills individuals have already attained within the first NVQ Level 2 entitlement.

“For our sector some of the major skills gaps are at Level 2 and 3 but closing them does not always mean taking a full NVQ in one sustained period. Indeed we are developing a modular approach to upskilling in our sector, reflecting what our employers have told us they want.”

Jonathan Haddock, added: “We take our customer feedback very seriously. They tell us that we are strong in our markets, and that flexibility and knowledge are our key strengths. We are respected for our quality, innovation and design as well as excellence in customer service. None of this would be possible with out the high level contribution and expert skills of our workforce.”

The Pledge, part of a plan to equip Britain's workforce with the skills for the future, will share responsibility between the State, employer and employees and will be open to all employers irrespective of size, status or sector. Its aim is to stimulate demand for training  and qualifications uptake and support a culture of learning where gaining skills is taken as a central part of operating a business or public service

Employers making the Skills Pledge would commit to a training plan building on the needs of their business. The plan would show timescales for training all staff as well as committing resources and setting priorities.