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07/10/2011
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John Hayes, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, has called for industry to celebrate practical learning in the same way it does academic learning.
Speaking at the WorldSkills Leaders Forum held at ExCeL, London, Hayes was among a number of delegates discussing the importance of apprenticeships. The forum played host to government ministers, business leaders and trade union representatives in a bid to establish how apprenticeships can be developed and improved amid an unstable economic climate.
Hayes said that events such as WorldSkills London 2011 proved that learning and skills can change lives, change communities and change cultures. "While some may not grasp the significance of practical learning, anyone who visits this event will realise its importance," he noted. "Through practical learning, it's not just individuals who can grow, it's whole communities. Nevertheless, I will only consider WorldSkills to be a success if it creates long term links."
Hayes announced plans to increase the government's investment in apprenticeships. "We must recognise that apprenticeships are playing a greater part in hi tech applications," he said. "The UK must become a hi tech, highly skilled nation, so the government strategy will be to invest in an infrastructure to develop this. We must make it easier for businesses to take on apprentices and remove the red tape; links between employers, trainers and schools must be strengthened; and every employer must be confident that they gain the skills they need from apprentices. The government also plans to introduce measures to make the process less burdensome for SMEs."
Hayes said that events like WorldSkills helped unite different countries and cultures. "All 52 countries entering the skills competitions have been affected by the current economic situation, yet apprenticeship training exists in every one. While run differently, the same basic principles apply – that apprenticeships underpin economic stability.
"Youngsters must be taught that gaining an apprenticeship is worthwhile and we must celebrate practical learning in the same way as we have academic learning. We estimate that more than 150,000 people will visit WorldSkills and I am sure they will be touched by the spirit of everyone involved. Let us look with pride at our young people as they are changing all of our futures."
WorldSkills London 2011 takes place until 8 October.
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Author
Chris Shaw
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