Politicians from the three main Westminster parties have endorsed a skills-led recovery centered around ‘new localism’, following the launch of a pioneering report.
The manifesto from lifelong learning charity the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) was welcomed by minister for skills, Matthew Hancock, shadow minister for universities, science and skills, Liam Byrne and Baroness Brinton from the Liberal Democrats.
NIACE put forward a vision for a skills-led national economic recovery last week, calling on Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and combined authorities to lead efforts on integrating local skills with growth strategies.
Hancock, said: ‘NIACE are tireless advocates for adult learning. With the launch of your manifesto, I'm delighted that you're continuing to drive this vital agenda forward. There's much in the document that we in Government agree on, and we're currently in the pilot stages of several of the priorities you've set out.’
David Hughes, chief executive of NIACE, said: ‘There is clearly a consensus that we need a skills led recovery and that there needs to be changes to the current system and pattern of funding to achieve that. Our job at NIACE is to drive debate across politicians, employers, public and voluntary sectors so that we can agree the changes which will deliver a truly lifelong learning society and deliver prosperity for all.’
