Sector Welcomes New Measures at LLUK’s Workshops

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Moves towards further integration of training and standards within the Lifelong Leaning sector, providing a new and unified framework of occupational standards and qualifications, has received a positive response from the sector.

At a series of workshops organised by Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK, set up by employers as part of the Skills for Business Network aiming to raise skills in the workforce through the provision of better training and development), more than 300 teachers, tutors, trainers, employer representatives and other stakeholders welcomed the changes that will see staff working towards attaining Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.

Professional Standards to Bring The Sector Together

The workshops were organised in five cities throughout the UK during June and July and were part of a “strategic dialogue” on this development. Draft standards are set to be published in the next term with new qualifications to be piloted in 2006. After this stage has been completed, the qualifications framework is expected to come into operation in September 2007.

At the workshops, discussions took place regarding the make ““up of the integrated professional standards that will see training for teachers, trainers and tutors in further education, work ““ based learning, adult education and community education brought together. At present training and development for staff working in different sectors varies, representing the efforts of numerous separate councils that existed prior to formation of LLUK as the Sector Skills Council for Lifelong Learning.

LLUK Pleased by Positive Reception

LLUK were gratified at the positive response to the planned integration, and look forward to further co ““ operation in the forthcoming pilots and implementation. “Feedback was very positive,” said Monica Deasy, Director of Standards, Qualifications and Research at LLUK. “It is clear that employers and staff groups across the sector want a more flexible and interconnected qualifications structure.”

LLUK were also pleased to note that there was a good awareness of the complexities involved in integrating a sector as diverse as this amongst the workshop participants. John Clossick, Standards and Qualifications Manager, said: “The new over-arching standards and the subsequent qualifications framework will affect a huge number of people. What was evident was a shared concern to ensure staff are equipped with the very latest skills and development opportunities.”

Obviously, there remains a great deal of work to be done if the intended integrated training and development package is to be successfully implemented. However, both the LLUK and those working in the sector seem committed to their goal of providing the best possible support for the sector, whih can only be a positive development.

Jethro Marsh

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