2. "ORGANISING FOR SUCCESS"
Main points of the
presentation made by
Anthony Cann CBE,
speaking as a member of
the National Council for
Education and Training
Targets (Mr Cann is also a
private sector industrialist;
UfI board member; founder
FEFC member; FE and
university governor; and
former TEC chair)
National Learning Targets
NACETT know that the competitive
position of the UK depends on the
stock and quality of skills and
knowledge of its workforce. We will
not get the improvements we need
unless we have targets.
NACETT emphasises the need for key
skills and the importance of basic skills
as a precursor to qualifications.
Role of Lifelong Learning
Partnerships
Learning Partnerships have
responsibility for achieving the post-16
learning targets locally. Mr Cann
questioned whether they have the
necessary levers and resources.
Whoever is responsible needs finance
to achieve management responsibility
and legitimacy.
He said:
- It is important to widen the
membership of Learning
Partnerships to include external
providers and employers.
The employers' role is more than
just financing training; they are an
essential part of the lifelong
learning system. He predicted that
in 20 years, more learning will take
place at work than anywhere else.
Employees will not only be
learners, but also teachers or
sharers of learning.
- We need both education and
training - vocational training is the
main component of lifelong
learning.
- Correcting the deficit in education
and vocational training over so
many years is a massive task. The
University for Industry and
Individual Learning Accounts will
be important here. Mr Cann
stressedthe need for Learning
Partnerships to be broadly based
and led by private sector employ-ers
if they are to be effective.
- While recognising the importance
of basic skills, NACETT does not
wish to see a dilution of effort to
focus on these skills, or a move to
academic learning without training.
We must accommodate both.
- We need an easily understood
structure which has appropriate
levers; engages employers in a
pivotal role; pays attention to the
needs of consumers; is not
dominated by suppliers; and has
financial clout. Learning
Partnerships can play an important
part.
