UK Skills Passport
The Problem
Sooner or later, we need to rally together behind some common initiatives that are focused on retaining talent and building the skills levels of those employed within the Industry for without these, the Industry faces the danger of regressing which would be highly dangerous.
The solution
The “passport” is one such initiative – the gateway to allow employers to have a safer and greater knowledge and information level on the employee that they are recruiting and investing in. It will also, in time (on conclusion of the Sector Skills Agreement), inform the employers as to which qualifications truly deliver the skills that they require and also will advise employees to focus on those courses. Too much money is spent upon courses, which purport to offer a bright future but do not actually deliver the skills industry needs.
The “passport” will ensure that the public purse is wisely used, true also for employers hard earned funds. The question is not whether the UK Skills Passport can work? It can! The question is only will employers support it and encourage employees to sign up. Will you support the UK Skills Passport?
The research
Research has shown that one of the most key influences for an employee leaving a job is because of lack of training and for self-advancement not remuneration as often cited. Retention can be supported via training and the passport can be a tool that truly illustrates to an individual just how they are progressing. If we can develop a real sense of pride in some, then we are surely only improving both the perception of the Industry as well as the chances of retaining talent and this would be a real step forward.
So what is the UK Skills Passport?
Very simply, it is an accurate skills and training log of an employee. The employee holds a passport, on which they can record the following information:
- National vocational qualifications and other national qualifications such as GCSEs / Degrees
- Formal company qualifications
- Informal in company learning
- Employer references can also be appended to the on line records
By allowing an individual to record his or her own skills and qualifications on-line the passport provides a life long facility to keep records of all the formal and informal training and skills acquired throughout a full career. For the employee, it brings numerous benefits that include;
- Life long record of achievement
- Can create a personal development plan
- Tracks self-advancement, which can be motivational.
- Creates a CV.
- Develops a career pathway.
- Builds pride and self-respect.
- Identifies employers who support development of individuals – those that endorse Skills Passport
- Identifies the courses industry value
Each passport would become more valuable to the employee as it becomes verified and shows their achievements giving experienced employees an asset of real value and for the new entrant a real sense of direction and possibilities.
Will you support the UK Skills Passport? Tell us who you are.
Have your say moderation explainedHave your say:
Added; Thursday, 20th Jul, 2006 13:51 GMT 13:51
"I think it an excellent idea whcih may help to build a future workforce who take pride in their skills and the industry, but will need wide UK employer and employee support to be meaningful"
H Malcolm, Fife Scotland
Added; Thursday, 15 Jun, 2006 15:11 GMT 15:11
"Excellent initiative, will be invaluable to industry"
M Buckland, Nottinghamshire
Added; Thursday, 11 Aug, 2006 11:09 GMT 11:09
"I work as a trainer with Adults with Learning Disabilities. This appears an exciting development"!
P Gledhill, Halifax
