Standard recognises excellent training

A LSC Learning and Skills Council product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 9, 2008

The Training Quality Standard was developed to give employers a simple benchmark for choosing training provision.

Employers and training providers have launched a new standard, designed and endorsed by employers, which will recognise and highlight excellence amongst training providers.

The Training Quality Standard was developed to give employers a simple benchmark for choosing training provision.

Achieving the standard demonstrates provider's ability to offer high-quality training at a time and place to suit employers.

Employers have been involved every step of the way in the creation of the assessment and accreditation system.

During the assessment process training providers are assessed against two key criteria: provider responsiveness to employer needs, and provider excellence in a particular vocational area.

Skills minister David Lammy today released the Training Quality Standard at an event at the Hilton London Metropole, congratulating 31 new providers from across the country who have recently achieved the standard.

Supporters of the new accreditation system who attended the event included the Confederation of British Industry, Regional Development Agencies, the Association of Learning Providers, Associated of Colleges, Sector Skills Councils and DIUS representatives.

The Training Quality Standard is not attached to public funding or investment and is open to both publicly and privately funded organisations providing workforce training solutions at all levels, including higher education, apprenticeships and train to gain as well as bespoke and nonaccredited training.

Jaine Clarke, Director of Skills for Employers, LSC, said: "Crucial to increasing employer investment in the skills of their workforce is the ability to identify and select training providers who can deliver high quality, flexible and responsive provision that is directly relevant and addresses the skills gaps in their business - the Training Quality Standard will take the guesswork and the pain out of the process for employers".

"I hope the achievement of these employers and training providers motivates others to follow suit and work towards achieving the Training Quality Standard".