Semta CEO responds to Autumn Statement

Posted on 6 Dec 2012 by The Manufacturer

Highlighting pro-industry skills policies in the Autumn Statement Sarah Sillars, CEO of sector skills council Semta, says that manufacturers should welcome the Chancellor’s plans for education.

“This year’s  Autumn Statement acknowledges the vital role that skills have in ensuring UK businesses remain competitive in an increasingly globalised environment. The Statement outlines specific measures to ensure that the education and skills system meets the needs of employers – something which lies at the very core of Semta’s objectives.

“One of the main challenges faced by many businesses in our sectors is encouraging more young people into our industries. Through investments in improving further education provision, and measures to ensure the education and skills system is as responsive and consistent as possible, we are confident that more young people will have greater opportunity to discover the wealth of career opportunities in our sectors. We will also continue to continue to work with employers and sister sector skills councils to kite mark the qualifications which employers value, providing greater transparency on desirable skills to potential and current workforces.”

“It is also pleasing that the Statement recognised the valuable role of supply chain businesses in rebalancing the UK economy. Eighty five per cent of businesses in our sectors are SMEs and the additional £120 million that will be invested in supply chain businesses will ensure that these valuable, wealth producing firms continue to deliver the value that their customers require to compete internationally.”