29th January 2008
Business leaders welcome "Mac A Level"
Network Rail, fast-food chain McDonalds and budget airline FlyBe will be allowed to provide vocational courses to the equivalent of A level standard, in a pilot scheme announced by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
Network Rail are launching their first "Track Engineering" qualifications this year, while McDonalds will train managers. FlyBe plans to develop an "Airline Trainer Programme" covering all aspects of commercial flying, from engineering to cabin crew training.
If successful, the scheme could see training systems from firms across the UK becoming eligible for national qualification status.
Skills Secretary John Denham described the move as "an important step towards ending the old divisions between company training schemes and national qualifications, something that will benefit employees, employers and the country as a whole".
Business leaders have given the scheme a cautious welcome. David Frost, director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: "Whilst we welcome [the proposals], the schemes will only succeed if they are rigorous, of a high standard and work for both young apprentice and the employer."
"Apprenticeship expansion does not go far enough," he added. "It is an imperative that the government ensures those currently out of work receive the skills that they need, and that the benefit system is reformed to incentivise people into work."
Confederation of British Industry (CBI) deputy director-general John Cridland said: "Companies currently invest £33 billion every year in training staff, but only one-third of employer training leads to qualifications because not enough official courses offer the competencies that employers require."
"The progress that the QCA has made is very encouraging. It is vital that reform continues apace and we look forward to further developments," he added.
Network Rail are launching their first "Track Engineering" qualifications this year, while McDonalds will train managers. FlyBe plans to develop an "Airline Trainer Programme" covering all aspects of commercial flying, from engineering to cabin crew training.
If successful, the scheme could see training systems from firms across the UK becoming eligible for national qualification status.
Skills Secretary John Denham described the move as "an important step towards ending the old divisions between company training schemes and national qualifications, something that will benefit employees, employers and the country as a whole".
Business leaders have given the scheme a cautious welcome. David Frost, director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: "Whilst we welcome [the proposals], the schemes will only succeed if they are rigorous, of a high standard and work for both young apprentice and the employer."
"Apprenticeship expansion does not go far enough," he added. "It is an imperative that the government ensures those currently out of work receive the skills that they need, and that the benefit system is reformed to incentivise people into work."
Confederation of British Industry (CBI) deputy director-general John Cridland said: "Companies currently invest £33 billion every year in training staff, but only one-third of employer training leads to qualifications because not enough official courses offer the competencies that employers require."
"The progress that the QCA has made is very encouraging. It is vital that reform continues apace and we look forward to further developments," he added.
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