A record number of adults gained vocational qualifications in the past academic year, according to National Statistics published today. The qualifications cover a range of skills and training giving people what they need to get work and get on at work, improving their chances of being employed.

320,600 adults achieved a full level 2 qualification (equivalent to five good GCSEs) in 2007/08. This is an increase of 36.5 per cent from 2006/07.

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The Government has outlaid further plans to improve the basic literacy and numeracy skills of the adult workforce. The ‘Skills for Life’ initiative aims to improve the basic skills of the adult working population through free training. Nearly 8 out of 10 people in the adult working population could benefit from greater confidence and job security with this training.

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Apprenticeships will give businesses the kind of motivated 'doers' they need to succeed in the current economic climate, according to top entrepreneur Sir Alan Sugar. “Better-educated and skilled young people are vital to the future economic prosperity of this country. Apprenticeships give young people a clear path to a job and the skills they need to succeed in the workplace”

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A new £83 million support package to help 75,000 people get back into work through high quality training places has been launched by the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills.

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Third Sector organisations will get extra help to keep them training, ensuring they get the best performance from staff during challenging economic times.

Skills Minister Lord Young today announced that they will be eligible for an extended leadership and management programme through Train to Gain, the government’s flagship skills service.

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