Each of the four home countries of the UK has a different approach to vocational education training. All have recently launched, or are about to launch, new strategies for skills and vocational education training. Read more information on skills from the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS).

England

World Class Skills:

The skills strategy for England, was launched in 2007. It represents the government’s response to a 2006 review of skills in England by Lord Leitch. The strategy aims to make England a world-class leader in skills by 2020, benchmarked against the top quartile of OECD countries. One of its key goals is to ensure that 84 per cent of 16-18 years olds are participating in full-time education by 2011.

Scotland

Skills for Scotland:

A Lifelong Skills Strategy was published in September 2007. It highlights the skills valued and required both by employers and individuals. It also demonstrates how the Further Education sector, schools, community learning and workforce development can all contribute to the skills agenda, and outlines the responsibilities of those involved in skills development.

Wales

Skills That Work for Wales:

Is a consultation document on a skills and employment strategy to raise skills levels and increase the economic activity rate in Wales. It is a response to the Leitch Review of Skills in the UK and to the independent review on the mission and purpose of further education (Promise and Performance).

Northern Ireland

Success Through Skills:

The Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland was published in 2006. It describes how Northern Ireland’s Department for Employment and Learning will involve training and education providers, employers, the community and voluntary sector and other government departments to deliver a long-term vision for skills in Northern Ireland.

To find out more, download your copy of 'Training and Skills in the UK' in pdf format.