Learning and Development News

Campbell issues skills warning

By TJ (26-02-2008)
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Learning and Development News - Campbell issues skills warning

Mike Campbell warned business leaders of the need to improve the skills of their workers or relegate the county to the economic slow lane with poorer salaries and lower living standards.

The message delivered to around 200 leading business figures taking part in a skills summit organised by the Learning and Skills Council and Norfolk Chamber of commerce in Norwich, was that improving qualifications could be worth £100m to Norfolk's economy and create 2,500 new jobs, but doing nothing would condemn the county to slow decline, with fewer jobs and greater poverty.
 
Mr Campbell, who is director of development at the Sector Skills Development Agency, said employers needed to be convinced of the need to improve skills and schools, colleges and universities need to provide courses that are "economically valuable".
 
Caroline Williams, chief executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: "Norfolk has made some significant strides in recent years in its education system, particularly relating to 16 - 19 year olds and is moving up the league tables.
 
"The recent opening of the financial services skills academy is an exciting development and shows what can be achieved when the public and private sector work closely together.
"Norfolk is predicted to see significant economic growth and it is important that we have the skilled workforce to take advantage of the opportunities which will arise."

 

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