New accreditation system launched to address UK skills gaps
Dated: 13/05/2008

Training Quality Standard brings trainers and employers together to develop skills that employers really want

Training providers and employers have come together today to formally launch a new certification system that will deliver specialist excellence in training provision to help address the UK?s skills gaps.
The Training Quality Standard certification system has been designed to recognise and celebrate organisations delivering the best training and development solutions to employers. The Training Quality Standard will address the need for ?economically valuable? skills as raised in the Leitch Review of Skills which found that many qualifications currently on offer do not train learners in the skills employers actually want and need.
The Learning and Skills Council believes that the Training Quality Standard will help to tackle the current mismatch between the competencies required by employers, and those the qualifications system provides. The system was developed and is accredited by employers, ensuring that the criteria set for achieving the standard actually reflect what employers want.
Skills Minister, David Lammy today officially launched the Training Quality Standard at an event held at the Hilton London Metropole ? congratulating 31 new providers from across the country who have recently achieved the standard. Supporters of the new accreditation system who attended the event included the Confederation of British Industry, Regional Development Agencies, the Association of Learning Providers, Sector Skills Councils and DIUS representatives.
Speaking at the launch, David Lammy said: ?I am delighted to congratulate the 31 new providers who have achieved the Training Quality Standard. Training is at the heart of any successful enterprise and by bringing training providers and employers together to deliver economically valuable qualifications we will make high quality skills training accessible for all. The Training Quality Standard highlights excellence in training provider responsiveness and will be a mark that employers can trust.?
The Training Quality Standard highlights excellence in the two most important areas as identified by employers:
- provider responsiveness to employer needs
- provider excellence in a particular vocational area
A key development of the standard from previous accreditation system is that it is not attached to public funding or investment and will be open to both publicly and privately funded organisations providing Higher and Further Education.
Jaine Clarke, Director of Communications, LSC, said: ?Crucial to creating skills that employers really need is a reform of the existing qualifications system, to ensure that training given by employers and training providers is directly relevant and addresses the skills gaps in the marketplace.
?There are numerous benefits of this new standard to both employers and providers such as increasing the quality of training provision, while encouraging employers to invest more in training. I hope this motivates others to follow suit and work towards achieving the new standard.?
One of those who has achieved the standard, Kevin Phelps, Operations Director, Land Rover said: ?Going through the process of achieving the Training Quality Standard has delivered real benefits for us as it allowed us to step back and assess the way we deliver training. It is easy to continue doing things the same way but the standard forces you to look at all aspects of training delivery and make improvements.?
The Training Quality Standard launched informally in 2007 and has been extremely wellreceived to date by the sector, with over 50 providers having applied for the standard and 31 having received it.

New accreditation system launched to address UK skills gaps