Firms at centre of new training plans

Companies and residents are being asked for their views on the draft All Age Skills Strategy put together by Central Bedfordshire Council.

Forecasters say there will be a need for all kinds of skills in the future and for employees to develop in the workplace.

The kind of jobs forecast to be in demand up to 2026 include business and personal services, retail, distribution and transport and hotels and catering. The growth of the low carbon sector is also set to boost employment.

The lack of careers guidance in schools has been identified as a weakness. But an opportunity has been perceived to to develop links between providers, businesses and public sector agencies.

A robust approach to business engagement is seen as critical.

Councillor Ken Matthews, of Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “Skills are vital to our future and at the heart of a successfully growing local economy. We recognise that the area needs to be exceeding national averages, and has to be performing as well as, if not better, than the best performing areas – so we are encouraging everyone to take part in this consultation which runs until 28 October 2011.”

Visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk