It's a detailed strategy which builds on the recommendations set out in the Leitch Review of Skills published at the end of last year. Here, Lord Leitch said realising UK ambitions on the skills agenda would result in a potential net benefit of at least £80billion over 30 years.

CEO, Joanna Woolf said: “This new plan will enable us to accelerate the delivery of our strategy and enhance our impact with employers.”

Dr Michael Cross, Cogent Board member and polymer industry expert added:  "Leitch is another positive step in the UK's skills journey, and takes us forward in several ways. First, it starts the process of strengthening the employers’ voice and helps to align supply with demand. Second, it helps to focus investment in skills programmes of greater relevance to employees and employers. And third, it clearly builds on Andrew Foster's review of FE, so we have some real continuity of purpose."

Pledge

Cogent also attended a special event in London, at which The Chancellor (now PM), launched the “Skills Pledge.” Cogent was joined by Jonathan Haddock, Managing Director of SCA, who signed the Pledge. The Skills Pledge, a key recommendation from Leitch, is a promise by employers that employees are is supported in gaining a full Level 2 qualification.

Joanna Woolf added, “we see it as being helpful, but of course are working via our Upskill programme to deliver skills which go beyond Level 2. Our industries need higher-level science and technical skills to innovate and compete.”

July also saw the publication of the House of Commons Education and Skills Committee’s Inquiry into Post-16 Skills.  The report was a measured assessment of government policy, highlighting achievements and causes for concern.

Click here to see the Post-16 Skills report