Association of Colleges

05 June 2008

Partnerships will today be sealed between the UK's Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) and AoC's Skills Champions to work closer together to deliver high quality skills training that meets the needs of employers and their workforces.

AoC Chief Executive Martin Doel said;

“It’s crucial for colleges to work closely with employers if we are to gain a true understanding of the training needs of the nation’s workforce. Greater collaboration between us will help to deliver more flexible value for money training, enabling employees to perform effeciently and for businesses to thrive and be more competitive .”

The agreement, to be signed by the heads of the SSC’s and nine college Skills Champion Principals, signals the formation of 10 working groups. Each will be tasked with drawing up work plans that will take forward Government’s Skills Agenda in a variety of areas including Diploma design and delivery, the development of Skills Academies and industry focussed qualifications.

ends

Contacts:
Michael Williams
Press Officer
020 7034 9900
07500079210
michael_williams@aoc.co.uk

FE Facts and Figures

• Every year local colleges educate over 3 million people
• 120,000 14 to 16 year olds choose to study vocational courses at college
• 737,000 16 to 18 year olds choose to study in colleges (compared with 460,000 in all schools)
• Colleges provide 48% of entrants to higher education
• More than half of foundation degree students are taught in FE colleges
• Colleges deliver 86% of HNCs and 59% of HNDs
• Around 200,000 students study higher education in a college
• 272 colleges provide higher education
ng to the huge demand for further education from China, India and other booming economies.

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