Member Article

North East business leaders issue a rallying cry on skills

An initiative aimed at encouraging employers to invest in the skills of their workforce has celebrated its first anniversary. Since the Skills Pledge was launched in the North East last year, more than 100 employers have made a commitment to up-skill their employees.

The Rt Hon John Denham MP, Secretary of State, Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills, was the keynote speaker at an event organised to coincide with the first anniversary of the Skills Pledge. Mr Denham told the audience at the event that the ability of businesses to remain market leaders depended on their continued investment in skills. He also reinforced the message that the Skills Pledge was a crucial way in which businesses could become more actively involved in improving the skills of their workforce.

Several companies and organisations across the region made the pledge at the event, including the North East Chamber of Commerce, Dickinson Dees, Pearsons and PD Ports.

Chris Roberts, Regional Director at the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) North East, said: “We want to make skills a key talking point and put the attainment of qualifications and skills on the must do list of every individual and employer in England. We want employers to know that the Skills Pledge makes a lasting impression on their business and the bottom line.

“The Skills Pledge goes to the heart and soul of a business or organisation. There are huge advantages for employer, employee and for the region in raising skills levels.”

James Ramsbotham, Chief Executive, NECC, said: “It falls on all of us to get actively engaged in making sure we have the workforce for tomorrow and to see this region thrive, prosper and grow over the years to come.”

For more information about the Skills Pledge, visit www.lsc.gov.uk/skillspledge.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .