Doing Things Differently: Step Changes in Skills and Inclusion

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"The core principle here is that through education, training and acquiring skills, people can set their lives onto a new track, resulting in genuine social mobility."

Stephen Williams MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills

"Too often we limit ambition right from the start. We must empower young people through education, training and better careers advice."

Baroness Verma, Opposition Spokesperson for Children, Schools and Families

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Published 3 February 2010.

National Skills Forum launches latest report into Skills and Inclusion

The National Skills Forum and Associate Parliamentary Skills Group undertook a 6 month Inquiry into skills and social inclusion which explored the impact of skills policy on three traditionally excluded groups:

black and minority ethnic people
offenders and ex-offenders
people with disabilities

In bringing together the skills and equalites agenda, this report argues that better access to skills and training can create a more inclusive labour market, bringing economic advantage as well as helping to create a fairer and more mobile society.

The report outlines recommendations on several key themes including: increasing the participation of these particular groups in vocational learning and apprenticeships, raising aspiration through careers guidance, making the allocation of skills funding more flexible, rewarding training providers who perform well on equality and diversity, and ensuring that these learners have the right skills necessary to gain employment.

The Inquiry was chaired by Gordon Marsden MP, Chair of the Associate Parliamentary Skills Group, and Jacqui Henderson CBE, Director of Creative Leadership and Skills Strategies. The final report is based on the findings of a series of roundtable sessions and open consultation with experts and key figures working in the field.

For further information about the Inquiry please visit www.skillsandinclusion.org.uk