This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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SkillsActive sets out its agenda
16/03/2004
SkillsActive, the new UK Sector Skills Council for the
active leisure and learning sector, is launched in Scotland
today.
The aim of the representative body is to develop a
competent and qualified workforce in the sport and
recreation sector and it has been awarded a five-year
contract by all the governments of the UK.
It will have a key role in helping sports, recreation,
playwork, outdoor education and allied occupations to meet
targets set out in Sport 21 and in the Partnership
agreement.
SkillsActive will be a partner in delivering Target 10
of Sport 21, which aims to support 150,000 volunteers in
Scottish sport.
Speaking ahead of the launch Sports Minister Frank
McAveety said:
"We recognise the vital link between economic growth and
training in skills and between enterprise and lifelong
learning. That is why we need effective sector skills
councils in Scotland.
"This is a tremendous opportunity to make a difference
to the skills of the leisure industry's workforce, and to
ensure they are fully equipped for the jobs of today and
tomorrow.
"I am confident that SkillsActive will play a key part
in taking forward Executive priorities in developing sport
and physical recreation in Scotland, the legacy of which
will last for years to come."
SkillsActive represents for organisations working across
the UK covering sport and recreation, health and fitness,
the outdoors, and the caravan industries. It replaces
SPRITO, the former national training organisation for sport
and recreation, and in September 2003 was awarded a five
year licence by the Sector Skills Development Agency on
behalf of all four UK governments.
Their vision is to 'create a skilled workforce in an
industry equipped to fulfil its potential at the centre of
the economic and social development of the nation'.
Key goals for SkillsActive are to increase demand for
learning and skills development through establishing and
implementing workforce development plans; promotion of
skills development and learning with employers and
employees; building regional and home country networks of
employers to work together to identify and meet their skill
needs; identify best practice.
For more information on SKillsActive contact Matt Hickey
on
020-7388-7755.