Analysis of the UK Approach to Work Training and Skills Essay -- uk wor

Training and skills shortages have been a concern to industry and part of the national debate since pre-war years, resulting in many schemes and approaches by successive governments to confront these challenges over the years (Keep, 2012).Indeed political parties, trade unions and employers regardless of political affiliation agree that training and skills are essential components of economic success and competitiveness (Grugulis, 2007).Governance of the skills and training system in the UK is overseen by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, (BIS) which is a government department, partnered with the Skills Funding Agency, whose role is to fund and promote adult further education and skills training in England. Although, the Government Department aims to improve the Quality and efficiency in training and skills there are no regulations to support the actions. This essay will analyse the UK approach to work training and skills in view of current data and in comparison t o specific countries Despite the various frameworks and initiatives by successive Governments, the UK has traditionally led a voluntarist market based approach to training, hence, it is left to individual employers whether they train their staff or not, with Governments attempting instead over the years to address skills shortages by policy innovation and the provision of infrastructures for the supply of skills (Gold et al, 2013). This approach favoured by the UK is based on assumptions of free market principles, that organisations are more competitive and efficient and can target training needs effectively to their needs. (Redman et Al, 2009).Although, it could be argued that the UK in setting up frameworks and initiatives are seeking to influence... ... (2013), UK Commissions Employer Skills Survey Results 2013, [Online] Available: http://www.ukces.org.uk/assets/ukces/docs/publications/ukces-employer-skills-survey-13-executive-summary-81.pdf [Accessed 20/02/2014] Saks, A. M. & Haccoun, R. R. 2010. Managing Performance Through Training and Development, Nelson Education. Simon Smith, Peter Stokes, John Wilson, (2014) "Exploring the impact of Investors in People: A focus on training and development, job satisfaction, and awareness of the Standard", Employee Relations, Vol. 36 Iss: 3 Stewart, J. & Rogers, P. 2012. Developing People and Organisations, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Telegraph, (2014) Apprentices are for life, not just for this week. [Online] Available:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/10679733/Apprentices-are-for-life-not-just-for-this-week.html [Accessed 01/003/2014]